Patrick Hennessy | |
---|---|
Born | 18 April 1898 |
Died | 13 March 1981 |
Nationality | British |
Known for | Auto-industry executive |
Spouse | Dorothy Margaret Davis (m. 1923-1949; her death) |
Sir Patrick Hennessy (18 April 1898 – 13 March 1981) was an Irish-born British industrialist, originally from County Cork. During the First World War he served in the British Army, between 1914 and 1918, with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. [1]
He started his career in 1920 with Henry Ford & Son in Cork. [2] He relocated to England, by now a separate country, in 1931 when he was appointed Purchasing Manager with Ford of Britain. [2] He was progressively promoted, appointed General Manager in 1939, Managing Director in 1948 and Chairman in 1956. [2]
Hennessy combined the role of chairman with that of Chief Executive until 1963, retiring from the chairmanship at the age of 70 on 3 May 1968. [3] His successor at Ford of Britain chairman was Leonard Crossland. [4]
In 1923 he married Dorothy Margaret Davis of Boardmills, County Down. [1] The couple had two sons and one daughter. [1]
Patrick Hennessy was knighted in 1941. [1] He died in West Essex early in 1981. [5]