Doug Field, Ford’s EV and software chief, is set to depart from the company in May as part of a broader restructuring announced by Ford on Wednesday. This leadership change comes as Ford continues to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles and software development.
Field, who joined Ford from Apple in 2021, brought with him a wealth of experience in the automotive and tech industries. Prior to his time at Ford, Field played a key role in leading Tesla’s Model 3 program, showcasing his expertise in developing electric vehicles. His departure marks a significant shift for Ford as it seeks to solidify its position in the competitive EV market.
“I’m honored to have been a part of leading Ford during an unprecedented period of technology and market disruption,” Field said in a statement. “I believe Ford now has a winning technology strategy and plan.”
During his time at Ford, Field spearheaded the creation of the company’s “skunkworks” team, which is responsible for developing a next-generation EV platform in California. Alan Clarke, who currently leads the skunkworks group, will step into the role of vice president of Advanced Development Projects following Field’s departure.
This leadership shakeup comes at a crucial juncture for Ford, as the company continues to push forward with its electric vehicle ambitions. Ford recently made the decision to cancel the F-150 Lightning pickup and several other future models, signaling a shift in its EV strategy. However, the company is still moving ahead with plans to introduce a midsized pickup truck based on a new Universal EV Platform in 2027, with additional models utilizing the same technology to follow.
As Ford navigates these changes and works to position itself as a leader in the EV market, the departure of Doug Field marks the end of an era for the company’s electric vehicle and software development efforts. With new leadership in place and a clear strategy moving forward, Ford is poised to continue making strides in the electric vehicle space. This story is still developing, and further updates may follow as Ford’s restructuring unfolds.