As one of the most talked-about figures, Martha Firestone Ford has built a significant fortune. In this article, we dive deep into the assets and career highlights.
What Is Martha Firestone Ford's Net Worth?
William Clay Ford became the sole owner of the Detroit Lions when he bought out all the other shareowners in 1963 for $4.5 million. After his death, it was announced that the controlling interest of the team would be passed on to Martha. She became the majority owner of the team, and each of her four children held small shares in the Lions as well.
Martha Firestone Ford is an American businesswoman who has a net worth of $800 million. Martha Firestone Ford was married toHenry Ford'sgrandson,William Clay Ford, from 1947 until his death in 2014. However, not all of her wealth came from marriage. Her grandfather was Firestone and Rubber Company founderHarvey Firestone. Martha is also the former owner and chairwoman of the Detroit Lions of the NFL.
Martha graduated from Vassar College in 1946.
Martha Firestone Ford stepped down as the Detroit Lions' owner on June 23, 2020, and she was succeeded by her daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp. By the end of Martha's tenure, she was one of only 10 female NFL team owners.
Martha Parke Firestone Ford was born on September 16, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is the daughter of Harvey S. Firestone Jr. and Elizabeth Parke Firestone. Martha's paternal grandparents were Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. founder Harvey Samuel Firestone and his wife, Idabelle Smith Firestone.
Martha's ownership was defined by accountability and her willingness to spend on the football team. In a time when taxpayers' dollars are typically used to aid sports teams, Martha led a privately financed $100 million renovation of Ford Field in 2017. After William passed away, Martha didn't wait long to reshape the franchise. In her first season as owner, the Lions went 11-5 but started the next year off 1-7, so she fired longtime president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew. A few weeks later, she hired Rod Wood, CEO of the Ford Estates financial and concierge firm, to run the Lions' business operations. These two moves showed she wasn't afraid to shake things up when necessary.
Martha first met her husband, William Clay Ford, in New York at a lunch arranged and attended by both of their mothers. They married on June 21, 1947, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Akron, Ohio. It was declared "the biggest society wedding in Akron's history" and "the biggest show Akron has seen in years" by the "Akron Beacon Journal."
In summary, the total wealth of Martha Firestone Ford reflects strategic moves.
Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.
