Christopher Smith was named Ford’s chief government affairs officer in March 2022.  He leads a global team that is constantly enhancing the company’s expertise and influence in legislation and policy vital to the Ford+ plan for growth and value creation.  Rapidly evolving policy priorities include areas such as connectivity, electric vehicles and digital services, and are intended to benefit customers, society and the environment, among other stakeholders.  Smith reports to Steven Croley, Ford’s chief policy officer and general counsel.

For four-plus years prior to Ford, Smith was senior vice president, Policy, Government and Public Affairs – a function he created – at Cheniere Energy, the world’s second-largest liquefied natural gas operator.  In that role, Smith led the incorporation of climate principles into Cheniere’s business model and helped modernize related federal regulations.

From 2009 to 2017, Smith served in the U.S. Department of Energy during the Obama Administration, finally as assistant secretary for fossil energy.  Earlier in his career, Smith held managerial and analytical positions at Chevron and analytical roles at Citibank and JPMorgan in New York City and London.

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management and mechanical engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, beginning his career as an officer in the U.S. Army.  He has a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Cambridge in England and a degree in applied mathematics from American Public University.