Sherif Marakby

Sherif Marakby  EOTW #12 (16 December 2025)

Sherif Marakby is one of the most influential figures in the global automotive and mobility sectors, known for his rare ability to navigate the intersection of traditional vehicle engineering and the rapidly evolving world of advanced mobility technologies. An Egyptian-American executive with more than three decades of experience, Marakby has built a reputation for delivering strategic transformation within some of the most competitive and technologically complex industries in the world.

Marakby began his career at Ford Motor Company, where he spent more than 25 years serving in senior engineering and executive roles. During this period, he helped guide the company through multiple waves of innovation, including the shift toward hybrid and electric vehicles. His contributions were instrumental in shaping Ford’s approach to powertrain strategy and vehicle electrification long before those initiatives became central to modern automotive planning. Colleagues often note his unique ability to translate long-term engineering trends into actionable business strategies—an attribute that repeatedly placed him at the forefront of Ford’s most ambitious programs.

In 2016, Marakby made a major move into the world of mobility technology by joining Uber, where he served as Vice President of Global Vehicle Programs for Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group (ATG). Here, he oversaw the development and integration of self-driving vehicle systems, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across robotics, AI, and automotive engineering. His leadership played a critical role in scaling Uber’s early autonomous vehicle operations and aligning engineering outputs with safety, regulatory, and operational requirements. His role demanded a rare blend of technical depth, operational oversight, and an understanding of how autonomous mobility would reshape future transportation ecosystems.

After his time at Uber, Marakby returned to Ford in a historic leadership role: CEO of Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC and Vice President of Autonomous Vehicles and Electrification. In this position, he was tasked with steering Ford’s multibillion-dollar investment into autonomous driving. He led strategic partnerships, research initiatives, product development, and commercialization planning—helping Ford position itself as a serious contender in the race toward automated mobility. Under his leadership, Ford accelerated its autonomous testing operations, expanded collaboration with technology partners, and clarified its long-term road map for integrating self-driving technology into real-world services.

Marakby’s work has broadened far beyond technical innovation. He is widely respected as a transformative leader who understands how to align engineering breakthroughs with viable business models, regulatory landscapes, and safety frameworks. His international background and experience navigating multiple markets have enabled him to build cohesive global strategies in industries undergoing rapid disruption.

Across his career, Sherif Marakby has remained a strong symbol of global Egyptian achievement. He is frequently highlighted as an example of how Egyptian engineering talent can shape the future of advanced technology sectors. Today, his influence continues as he advises and participates in ventures related to mobility innovation, electrification, autonomous systems, and the future of transportation.

Marakby’s trajectory—from a young engineer to a global industry leader—reflects the broader transformation of mobility itself. His work stands at the intersection of automotive heritage and technological revolution, making him one of the most impactful executives shaping the future of how people move around the world.