Sam Toy, former chairman and managing director of Ford of Britain, passed away on 24 March at the age of 84.
Having joined Ford as a graduate trainee in 1948, Toy went on to climb the career ladder through various export sales posts, becoming manager of sales operations for car and truck exports in 1958. In 1968 he was promoted to director of truck sales and then to director of sales in 1969. Finally, in 1980, he reached the peak of his career – succeeding Sir Terence Beckett as chairman.
Toy retired in 1986 aged 63, with 38 continuous years of Ford employment behind him. He spent the first year of his retirement as president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
