Background
Ford, Gilbert was born on September 14, 1931 in Tulia, Texas, United States. Son of Rufus Perry and Emma Jo (Butler) Ford.
sporting goods company executive
Ford, Gilbert was born on September 14, 1931 in Tulia, Texas, United States. Son of Rufus Perry and Emma Jo (Butler) Ford.
Bachelor of Business Administration, University Texas, 1954.
He played as a student at the University of Texas. He worked for thirty-five years at Converse, Incorporated., ultimately becoming the company"s chairman and Chief Executive Officer. A native of Texas, Ford played for Amarillo High School. In 1950 he was a Texas High School All State player and a participant in the Texas High School All Star Game.
His name is enshrined in the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame.
He was named to various All-SWC teams and took part in the 1954 Shrine East/West College All Star Game in Kansas City. In 1986, he was inducted into the University of Texas Longhorn Hall of Honor.
While serving in the Air Force, Ford played on the 1956 All Air Force Team and the All Armed Forces Team, which qualified for the 1956 Olympic trials. Ford equaled his success on the court in his business career.
In August 1994, he was appointed chairman of the board and Chief Executive Officer of Converse, Incorporated.
He retired December 1, 1996 after 35 years of service with the company. Ford has been affiliated with several sporting goods and footwear manufacturers" organizations. He served two terms, 1982-1985 and 1991-1993, as the chairman of the board of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA).
He was instrumental in creating the industry"s first Super Show in 1986, the world"s largest sporting goods trade show.
Ford first joined Converse as a member of the sales staff in 1961, and served in a number of executive capacities before becoming president of the company in 1986. He also was a member of the boards of directors of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, the Two/Ten Foundation, the Footwear Industries of America, the Rubber and Plastic Footwear Manufacturers Association, the New England Sports Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He served a six-year term as a member of the board of trustees for Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Married Jane Denise Girrior, August 31, 1972. Children: Sarah, Jason.