A Pioneer of the Open Office Helps Ford Rethink the Car

Ford Motor Co. is looking to reimagine the way people get from point A to point B. It has turned to an unusual pick to lead the charge: Jim Hackett, former chief executive at office-furniture maker Steelcase Inc.

Mr. Hackett chairs Ford Smart Mobility LLC, a subsidiary formed in March to explore new ventures in ride hailing, car sharing and self-driving vehicles. One of several auto-industry outsiders recruited by Ford CEO Mark Fields, Mr. Hackett is expected to help rethink the ways Ford’s cars connect with the outside world as well as the company’s role in the future of transportation. Also on his list: figuring out how to make money at it, too.

Least we forget, as interim athletic director for the University of Michigan, Mr. Hackett famously recruited NFL coach Jim Harbaugh to lead Michigan’s football program. And as of today, it's been 1832 days, or 43989 hours or 2639385 minutes since Michigan (and now Harbaugh) has beaten The Ohio State University in football.

Via wsj.com >