Ford EV and tech chief Doug Field leaving automaker
Original: Ford EV and tech chief leaving automaker
Why This Matters
Leadership change at major automaker signals potential shift in EV strategy during critical transition period
Doug Field, Ford's high-profile EV and technology chief, is departing the automaker after five years as part of a broader leadership reorganization. Field joined Ford in 2021 from Apple and Tesla to drive the company's electric vehicle and software transformation under CEO Jim Farley's vision.
Doug Field, who led Ford's electric vehicle and technology strategies since 2021, is leaving the automaker amid a company reorganization. Field, previously from Apple's special projects team and Tesla's engineering division, was tasked with transforming Ford into a software and EV leader. He oversaw Ford's entire tech stack including infotainment, driver-assist technology, and cybersecurity across Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Field led Ford's skunkworks program to develop a low-cost electric vehicle and was instrumental when Ford split into three business units. Under the new reorganization, Ford created a 'product creation and industrialization' team led by COO Kumar Galhotra, with ambitious targets including 8% adjusted profit margins by 2029. The team will oversee refreshing 80% of Ford's North American portfolio and 70% globally by 2029, including the Universal Electric Vehicle platform and next-generation F-150 trucks.