Ford’s EV and Tech Leader Departs Automaker
Doug Field, a prominent figure in Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) and technology initiatives, is departing the automaker after five impactful years. The announcement regarding his exit came on Wednesday, coinciding with a company leadership reorganization.
Doug Field’s Tenure at Ford
Field joined Ford in 2021, bringing extensive experience from Silicon Valley. His past roles included leading Apple’s special projects team and acting as the senior vice president of engineering at Tesla. His appointment aimed to realize CEO Jim Farley’s vision of transforming Ford into a leader in software, EVs, and advanced technologies. Field’s connection to Ford is rooted in his early career as a development engineer from 1987 to 1993.
Roles and Responsibilities
In his role, Field reported directly to CEO Jim Farley. He was responsible for overseeing embedded software and hardware operations, which encompassed:
- Vehicle controls
- Enterprise connectivity
- Features integration
- Architecture and platform development
- Driver assistance technology
- Digital engineering tools
This position made Field the key architect behind the tech stack utilized in Ford and Lincoln vehicles, influencing areas such as infotainment, navigation, and vehicle cybersecurity. He was frequently highlighted by Farley during the company’s earnings calls.
Reorganization and New Objectives
The recent restructuring includes the creation of a new “product creation and industrialization” team, headed by COO Kumar Galhotra. Field’s electric vehicle and design team will merge into this new organization. This shift comes with ambitious objectives aimed at enhancing Ford’s profitability and product offerings.
Financial and Product Goals
The reorganization sets out several targets for the Ford+ commercial business:
- Achieve an 8% adjusted profit margin by 2029
- Refresh 80% of its North American portfolio by volume
- Revamp 70% of its global portfolio by 2029
Key products in this lineup will include the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, a new mid-sized pickup, and the next-generation F-150 and F-Series Super Duty trucks. The UEV platform has roots in Field’s skunkworks program, now rebranded as the Advanced Development Projects team, under the leadership of Alan Clarke, a former Tesla executive.
As Ford navigates this transition, the company aims to solidify its position in the EV market while continuing to innovate in technology.
