Doug Field, the executive tasked with transforming Ford Motor Company into a leader in electric vehicles and advanced software, is leaving the automaker. His departure was announced on Wednesday as part of a significant leadership and operational reorganisation aimed at streamlining product creation.
Field, who reported directly to CEO Jim Farley, was responsible for the design and implementation of the entire technology stack in Ford and Lincoln vehicles. This included infotainment systems, driver-assistance features, and vehicle cybersecurity. His exit marks a pivotal moment for Ford's ambitious electrification plans.
Silicon Valley Pedigree and Ford's Tech Ambitions
Field joined Ford in 2021, bringing a prestigious Silicon Valley resume that included senior roles at Apple's special projects team and as senior vice president of engineering at Tesla. His hiring was a cornerstone of CEO Jim Farley's strategy to inject software and technology expertise into the 119-year-old automaker.
“Field was a visible figure at Ford whom Farley often praised on the company’s earnings calls,” the announcement noted. He was a key architect behind the company's decision to split into three distinct business units: electric vehicles and digital services, internal combustion engine vehicles, and commercial vehicles.
Reorganisation and New 'Skunkworks' Projects
Under the new structure, Ford has created a "product creation and industrialization" team to be led by Chief Operating Officer Kumar Galhotra. Field's former electric vehicle and design team will be folded into this new organisation.
The reorganisation comes with aggressive targets, including achieving an 8% adjusted profit margin for its Ford+ commercial business by 2029. The team will also oversee plans to refresh 80% of its North American portfolio and 70% of its global portfolio by the same deadline.
A central project is the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, developed by Ford's secretive internal "skunkworks" program, now known as the Advanced Development Projects team. This initiative, which Field championed, is focused on developing a low-cost electric vehicle.
Leadership Transition and Future Roadmap
The Advanced Development Projects team will now be led by Alan Clarke, a former Tesla executive. The reorganisation outlines a future product roadmap that includes the UEV platform, a new mid-sized pickup, and the next-generation F-150 and F-Series Super Duty trucks.
Field's departure follows a five-year tenure where he was instrumental in defining Ford's technological direction. The company's statement framed the move as a step to accelerate its "Ford+" growth plan and improve operational efficiency in a highly competitive electric vehicle market.