Ford EV and tech chief leaving automaker

In a significant leadership shift, Doug Field, the influential executive responsible for Ford's electric vehicle (EV) strategies and technology innovations over the last five years, is departing the automaker. His exit was officially announced on Wednesday as part of a comprehensive reorganization within the company's leadership framework. Field joined Ford in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience from Silicon Valley, where he previously led Apple’s special projects team and held a senior position at Tesla. His return to Ford marked a full-circle moment, as he had initially started his career there as a development engineer from 1987 to 1993. His hiring was integral to Ford CEO Jim Farley’s ambitions of transforming the traditional automaker into a frontrunner in software, electric vehicles, and advanced technological solutions. Reporting directly to Farley, Field was initially responsible for overseeing various aspects of the company's embedded software and hardware operations. This encompassed crucial areas such as vehicle controls, enterprise connectivity, driver-assistance technology, and digital engineering tools. His leadership extended to the comprehensive design and implementation of the technology stack utilized in Ford and Lincoln vehicles, encompassing infotainment systems, navigation, connected services, and vehicle cybersecurity. Field was a prominent figure within Ford, frequently mentioned by Farley during earnings calls. He played a critical role in the company's strategic decision to divide its operations into three distinct units: the EV and digital services division, the traditional internal combustion engine segment, and the commercial vehicles division. Notably, he was also behind the development of Ford’s skunkworks program, a secretive initiative aimed at creating a cost-effective electric vehicle. The recent reorganization at Ford has resulted in the formation of a new team focused on “product creation and industrialization,” which will be led by COO Kumar Galhotra. Field's electric vehicle and design team will be integrated into this newly established organization, which has set ambitious goals, including achieving an 8% adjusted profit margin for its Ford+ commercial business by 2029. The new structure will also manage the company’s plans to refresh 80% of its North American portfolio and 70% of its global lineup by 2029. This revitalization will include the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, a mid-sized pickup, and the next-generation F-150 and F-Series Super Duty trucks. The UEV platform was initially developed by Ford's skunkworks program, which is now referred to as the Advanced Development Projects team, led by former Tesla executive Alan Clarke, who serves as vice president of this initiative.