A key technology executive at Ford Motor Company is stepping down after spending nearly five years helping transform the automaker’s approach to electric vehicles and digital innovation.
Doug Field, who serves as Ford’s chief EV, digital, and design officer, will depart the company next month, Ford announced Wednesday. Field, who previously worked at both Tesla and Apple, expressed his eagerness to share his accumulated expertise with others in future endeavors.
Ford brought Field aboard in 2021 to spearhead cutting-edge technology initiatives. CEO Jim Farley had described Field’s recruitment as a pivotal “watershed” moment that would revolutionize how Ford develops contemporary vehicles.
Traditional Detroit automakers have increasingly turned to Silicon Valley talent to modernize their corporate cultures, aiming to accelerate innovation, attract consumers with fresh features and updates, and potentially generate subscription revenue streams.
During Field’s tenure, shifting government policies and weaker-than-expected electric vehicle demand dramatically altered automaker strategies. Several programs under Field’s leadership were ultimately scrapped, including multiple next-generation EV projects and sophisticated electrical architecture designed to function as the central “brain” for future vehicles.
“The whole journey here has not been about the products for me,” Field explained to reporters Wednesday. “The journey here has been about building the team, building the set of capabilities, helping build the culture.”
Ford took a massive $19.5 billion writedown in December when it abandoned various electric vehicle initiatives.
Field’s most enduring contribution will likely be Ford’s upcoming affordable EV lineup, beginning with a $30,000 pickup truck scheduled for next year’s release. Working alongside Tesla alumnus Alan Clarke, Field guided efforts to manufacture U.S.-built vehicles capable of competing with Chinese automaker offerings.
Clarke will now assume leadership of that initiative and has been appointed to head advanced development projects, Ford announced.
Farley praised Field for attracting technology talent to Ford and implementing cultural shifts that reduced complexity while speeding up decision-making processes. “His influence will be felt for years to come,” Farley stated.
Ford is merging Field’s advanced technology division with the global industrialization team overseen by Chief Operating Officer Kumar Galhotra. The automaker has repeatedly attempted to separate its electric and gasoline vehicle operations, reporting their finances independently, though many organizational elements have since been reunited.
The company stated that consolidating these teams will better position Ford for upcoming product, software, and service launches, describing the period as among the most intensive in company history. Galhotra will oversee the newly formed product creation and industrialization group.
Ford plans to update 80% of its North American vehicle lineup by volume and 70% of its global portfolio by volume before 2029.
