Background
Jamal Hameedi has loved sports cars since he was a child.

Responsible for all programs under the SVT and ST nameplate – including the 2013 Raptor and 2013 Shelby GT500 – Hameedi has an extremely diverse role. He must ensure every new SVT and ST vehicle meets engineering, manufacturing, business and timing objectives. It’s enough to keep the 22-year Ford veteran frenetically busy – and supremely satisfied with his job.

“My job blends the technical side with the aesthetic and creative side,” says Hameedi. “I work with designers in the studio, and I also work with engineers. We’re creating a car that’s not only beautiful, but one that has to perform as well. That process – seeing something go from an idea to something an assembly plant makes day in and day out – is extremely rewarding.”

His life and passions

• Hameedi grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
• Hameedi – who currently resides in Royal Oak – says Detroit is really the place for true car lovers
• He follows the Ferrari Formula One team and enjoys watching rally and off-road racing, too
• He enjoys tennis in his spare time
• Hameedi sold cars in college and says he excelled at extolling the virtues of the vehicle – he just wasn’t that great at getting customers to sign on the dotted line

His role at Ford

• Jamal Hameedi, global performance vehicle chief engineer, keeps his primary goal simple: “To make the greatest performance vehicles available on the market, regardless of price”
• Hameedi spent eight years working with a Ford-sponsored SCORE Trophy Truck team – helping to develop the powertrain that won three Baja 1000 titles and regularly providing race support in Baja California, Mexico
• Hameedi has worked on a variety of programs throughout his years at SVT and has found each offers its own challenges – particularly the iconic Ford GT, which was unveiled in 2002