The following statement is attributable to Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company

“Nick Scheele was an outstanding leader whose global experience and passion for our products served Ford Motor Company at a critical time. His impressive career spanned more than 38 years, including three years as our president and chief operating officer working alongside me. Not only did Nick help us overcome many challenges at the time, he mended relationships with our dealers, our suppliers and our employees, and set the stage for many of today’s leaders who are moving us forward. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.”

Biography: Nick Scheele
Nick Scheele was named president and chief operating officer, Ford Motor Company, on Oct. 30, 2001. He retired from the company on Feb. 1, 2005.

Born Jan. 3, 1944, Scheele previously served as group vice president, Ford North America, a role he assumed in August 2001. He was chairman, Ford of Europe, from January 2000 through July 2001 and chairman and CEO of Jaguar Cars Ltd., from 1992 to 1999.

Scheele’s career at Ford began in 1966. He served in several senior purchasing appointments in Ford’s British and European Operations before moving to the U.S. in 1978. In 1988, Scheele became president of Ford of Mexico, where he directed Ford’s manufacturing and marketing operations.

After retiring from Ford, Scheele served in several other leadership roles, including senior advisor to Crestview Partners, chairman of the board of Stackpole International, chairman of Key Safety Systems, chairman of Grupo Metalsa SA de CV, board member of British American Tobacco and board member of Reynolds American Inc.

Scheele was installed as chancellor at the University of Warwick in 2002. In 2003, he received an honorary degree from Durham University. He also served on the advisory boards of Coventry University and Durham University, as well the Fullbright Commission.

In June 2001, Scheele was awarded a knighthood – the Order of St. Michael and St. George – by Britain for services to British exports.

Scheele had a particular interest in the education of young people and was involved in several community projects. He was voted a lifetime member of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and chaired the United Way for Southeastern Michigan campaign in 2003.

He was born in Essex, England and was an accomplished linguist, speaking several European languages fluently. He is survived by his wife, Ros, and children Paul, Hannah, Jim and five grandchildren.