Hendy CEO 'Truly Humbled' Receiving Ford's Prestigious Global Award

Hendy Boss ‘Truly Humbled’ After Winning Global Ford Motor Company Award

The chief executive of Hampshire-based dealer group Hendy has expressed his profound gratitude after being honoured with a prestigious global award from Ford Motor Company. CEO Paul Hendy was named as one of only eight recipients worldwide of the 2026 Salute to Dealers award, which recognises Ford and Lincoln dealer principals for their outstanding philanthropic and community contributions.

A Legacy of Community Service Recognised

The awards, now in their 26th year, were presented at last week's National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention in Las Vegas. Hendy received his accolade directly from Henry Ford III, continuing a partnership between the two families that spans an impressive 115 years. This recognition feels especially significant for Hendy, whose company has been engaged in charitable work for the last 165 years, with Paul building upon a legacy established by his great-great-grandfather, F.A. Hendy, in the late 1800s.

The Hendy Foundation's Far-Reaching Impact

Paul Hendy established the Hendy Foundation to consolidate the group's community support initiatives under one umbrella. Since its inception, the foundation has made a substantial impact, supporting more than 350 charities and addressing critical issues ranging from food insecurity to domestic abuse support. The foundation's work encompasses practical, local support including education grants, housing assistance, and providing specialist equipment such as electric wheelchairs for young people.

Since 2018, the foundation has donated more than £400,000 to over 400 charities and is rapidly approaching a milestone of £500,000 in total contributions. Hendy has also implemented innovative ways for employees and customers to get involved, including a micro-donation option at the point of sale. Furthermore, the company makes Ford Transit vans available for charitable deliveries, demonstrating a practical integration of their automotive business with their community ethos.

Ford's Commitment to Community-Focused Dealers

Elena Ford, chief global dealer engagement officer, commented on the significance of the award: 'The Salute to Dealers award is our opportunity to spotlight and thank those within our global dealer network whose generosity makes a difference in their community. I believe this is one of the most important recognitions Ford gives. Those honoured exemplify what it means to be a Ford and Lincoln dealer.'

A Personal Reflection on Family and Philanthropy

Writing on LinkedIn after receiving the award with his family by his side, Hendy shared: 'I am truly humbled to have been recognised with the Ford Motor Company Salute to Dealers Award this week. This award recognises philanthropy and service to our community, and to be named as one of just eight global honourees worldwide is something I never imagined. I am incredibly grateful.'

He emphasised that receiving the Salute to Dealers Award wasn't just a personal accolade but one that reflected the contribution of his forefathers and the entire Hendy organisation. Hendy acknowledged that the achievement would not have been possible without the commitment and generosity of the Foundation trustees and volunteers, Team Hendy colleagues, customers, OEM partners, suppliers, and all those involved in making this work possible every day.

As part of the recognition, Ford Motor Company made a generous $10,000 donation to the Hendy Foundation. Hendy confirmed that this funding will be shared across the communities where their Ford dealerships operate, with further details about the impact to be shared in due course. Looking to the future, Hendy proudly concluded: 'Very proudly, here’s to the next 167 years.'