Here's a breakdown of the key members:
* Robert S. McNamara: A young, brilliant, and ambitious executive with a background in statistics. He later became the Secretary of Defense under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
* Arjay Miller: Another key figure who was a rising star in the finance department.
* Charles "Tex" Thornton: A skilled engineer and manager who brought expertise in production and manufacturing.
* James McDonnell: An experienced executive who was known for his leadership and organizational skills.
* David Packard: While not officially part of the original group, Packard (co-founder of Hewlett-Packard) was a close associate and worked closely with the Whiz Kids.
These individuals, along with a few others, were brought in to revitalize Ford after a period of stagnation and financial difficulties. They introduced new ideas, implemented cost-cutting measures, and improved efficiency, helping Ford become a market leader again.
It's worth noting that the term "Whiz Kids" was not actually used by the group themselves. It was coined by the media to describe their youth, ambition, and success in turning around Ford.
While the Ford Motor Company Whiz Kids are the most well-known group, the term has been used to refer to other groups of young and talented individuals who have achieved significant success in various fields.