30 | JANUARY 6 • 2022

ously served as the director of information sys-
tems at the company after having impressed the
U.S. executives with his work around computer
systems in the European office of Ford. The
South Africa native, who made aliyah to Israel
and completed a Ph.D. at Hebrew University,
continues to reside in Metro Detroit.
Gur Arie’s role is focused on transforming
Ford into a data-led business, which includes
modernizing all aspects of the company, includ-
ing “translating connected vehicle data into
quicker actions for customers.”
Sherwood shares that Gur Arie’s team is lead-
ing Ford’s advanced artificial intelligence appli-
cations and is integrating artificial intelligence
to improve its manufacturing efficiencies as well
as its massive logistics and shipping operations.
Ford’s team of global data and analytics mem-
bers now spans 1,000 data scientists globally.
The objectives for the team focus on key com-
pany priorities including the development of
mobility, electrification, connective vehicles and
autonomous driving technologies.
A key objective for the global data team has

been on logistics over the last year with sig-
nificant shipping challenges confronting the
industry. Gur Arie mentioned how a year ago,
Ford launched a system that uses historical data
and machine learning algorithms to optimize
shipments around the globe, which spans over
600,000 different parts, to send less freight while
making sure the parts arrive at the right time.
While optimizing all these moving parts across
80 plants has been challenging, the new system
already saves more than $20 million a year.

THOUGHTS ON DETROIT
Gur Arie is a retired colonel in the Israeli
Military Intelligence Corps, Unit 8200, who
comes to Detroit with more than two decades
of experience in data science, research and
development, cybersecurity and intelligence
technologies experience. His work in the IDF
included establishing a technological unit with
more than 1,000 employees, advancing hundreds
of solutions within the intelligence community
and establishing the profession of data engineer
within the IDF where he was appointed as the
data science representative.
“I’m proud and humble to be part of the
leadership of this company, coming from my
background. Ford is highly open to diversity of
thoughts, diversity of culture, trying to get to the
best decision on day-to-day meetings and, over-
all, on the strategy creation. So, I’m proud to be
part of that,” Gur Arie said.
“I do see the connection to the Israeli ecosys-
tem and in using the research center in Israel to
tap into the local talent. So, I’m quite optimistic.
I hope I’m not the last one
from an Israeli perspective
into the automotive busi-
ness. I hope others will
follow.”
Gur Arie articulated what
he witnessed firsthand since
he began: The pandemic
changed the face of the rela-
tionship between workers
and employers. The compa-
ny, more than ever before, is
looking for talent wherever
it is and to connect with
the full global ecosystem
— even if it means hiring
remote workers.
”
Gur Arie said that he and
his boss are passionate about talent in the tech
area whether they be in Israel, India, Europe,
China or other locations.
Gur Arie, 46, has come a long way from his
upbringing in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area of
Hod Hasharon. Gil, whose name is often given
in Hebrew by parents that want their children to
embody a bright promise, not only carries with
him a joyful demeanor — but also a sense of
promise for the region he now resides in.
“We see great opportunities here in Detroit.
”

BUSINESS

continued from page 29

Ford Jewish
Group

The Ford Jewish group
is part of the Ford
Interfaith Network (FIN)
Employee Resource
Group, founded in
2000 as one of the
original faith affinity
groups. Prior to COVID
restrictions, the FIN
Jewish Group typically
met for a lunch-and-
learn type of event
several times a year,
inviting a guest speaker
such as Rabbi Yisrael
Pinson of Chabad in the
D to lead a discussion.
The FIN Jewish
Group also participates
in Ford Interfaith
events such as the
National Day of
Prayer, the monthly
Interfaith Discussion
Forum (where each
faith presents a short
explanation of its
teachings on the
selected topic) and a
FIN annual community
service event.
The Ford Fund
(Ford’s charitable arm)
has supported several
Jewish charities and
events in Southeast
Michigan area over the
years, including Yeshiva
Beth Yehudah’s annual
dinner (Mark Fields was
honored one year), the
Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit
and support for the Yad
Ezra food bank through
grants and the Ford
Volunteer Corps.

Gil Gur Arie