Frederiek Toney, a well-known figure in the automotive industry and a dedicated champion for community service, proved that high-level corporate success and a genuine heart for people are not only compatible but, when combined, can be transformative.
The former global vice president of Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) passed away on May 7. He was 70 years old. His career spanned over 40 years, including 22 years at Ford, where he led the transformation of the company’s parts distribution network and established a culture of mentorship.
“Frederiek was a deeply caring leader who balanced high standards with a genuine heart for people,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. “He didn't just manage operations; he was completely committed to people’s development, mentored with a style that made him easy to follow, and ensured that everyone, regardless of their role, felt important. And he did everything with a smile!”
In the boardroom and the warehouse, Toney navigated complex business issues, particularly within the world of parts supply and logistics. He was the architect behind the design and launch of Ford’s modern depot network. Under his leadership, Ford became the first to implement next-day delivery from multiple small depot locations, an approach that remains today. Colleagues noted his tenacity — whether opening a new Parts Distribution Center in Dubai or managing global supply chain issues, his spirit and courage always shone through.
“Frederiek believed in the potential of his team,” said Jennifer Boyer, an executive director at FCSD, who worked with Frederiek for 15 years. “For me personally, he didn’t just guide my career; he saw the person I was becoming before I could see it myself. He had a way of making me feel valued that empowered me to reach higher. I will miss him more than words can say; however, I will carry his confidence in me and strive to make him proud.”
Toney’s vision also extended to the technicians behind the wrenches in dealership service bays. Recognizing a critical need in the industry, he initiated a focus on technician retention, working with Ford and Lincoln Dealers to recruit and support the staff necessary to keep customer cars on the road.
Beyond his professional achievements, Toney was active in the community and a champion for inclusion. He worked to open doors for underrepresented groups in the automotive industry. His leadership within the Ford African-Ancestry Network (FAAN) was a significant part of his legacy. His online FAAN meetings and personal examples of mentorship became models for others.
FAAN paid tribute to Toney’s legacy during its Q2 Town Hall Meeting on May 11. “Frederiek didn’t just celebrate wins — he helped create them. He invested in people, opened doors, and made sure others had opportunities to grow and succeed,” said Mae Smitherman-Smith, executive director, Supply Chain and FAAN Executive ERG Advisory Council.
Toney was honored as an Automotive News Champion of Diversity in 2021. Throughout his career, he served as the Ford executive champion for the United Negro College Fund and was a frequent mentor to first-generation college students and early-career professionals. He also established scholarships for financially disadvantaged students and served on various academic advisory boards.
Those who worked for Toney remember a leader who led with kindness and a sense of humor.
“I will forever see your smile at the end of meetings,” one employee reflected at his retirement, “letting us know that no matter how challenging the mountain we were climbing, you believed in us to not only reach the summit but make the journey easier for everyone that followed.”
Boyer added that Toney was a servant leader in the truest sense. “He taught the entire organization that leadership is always about the people.”