By Chicago Times Magazine –
January 27, 2026
Ford Motor Company announced today the appointment of Lisa Drake as president of Ford Energy, effective immediately. Reporting directly to Vice Chair John Lawler, Drake is tasked with the critical launch of the company’s battery energy storage systems (BESS) business, a strategic formation first unveiled in December 2025.
In this newly created executive role, Drake assumes responsibility for the entire scope of Ford Energy’s end-to-end operations. Her mandate spans the technical and commercial spectrum, from battery cell manufacturing and system assembly to final sales. Beyond operational oversight, she will be responsible for recruiting and developing the leadership team necessary to secure a foothold in the rapidly expanding energy storage sector.
Drake transitions into this role from her previous position as vice president of Technology Platform Programs and EV Systems. In her former capacity, she spearheaded the industrial blueprint for batteries and electric propulsion engineering. Company officials noted that her extensive background in industrialization and purchasing will be the linchpin for operationalizing the new unit, which aims to leverage Ford’s existing battery intellectual property and its established manufacturing footprint across the United States.
The move marks another significant chapter for the 123-year-old automaker, which forever changed the world in 1908 with the introduction of the Model T. Founded by Henry Ford in a converted wagon factory, the company pioneered the moving assembly line, a revolution that transformed the automobile from a luxury toy into a necessity for the middle class. Throughout the 20th century, Ford became a cornerstone of American industrial might, navigating through the Great Depression, contributing heavily to the “Arsenal of Democracy” during World War II, and later defining the modern truck market with the F-Series. This latest venture into energy storage signals Ford’s intent to evolve beyond a traditional vehicle manufacturer into a comprehensive energy and technology provider for the 21st century.
