Doug Field, a prominent figure in Ford’s strategy for electric vehicles (EVs) and technology, is departing the company following a leadership restructuring announced on Wednesday. Field, who joined Ford in 2021, brought a wealth of experience from Silicon Valley, notably from his roles at Apple and Tesla, as well as a background at Ford as a development engineer from 1987 to 1993. His arrival was intended to help CEO Jim Farley realise his vision of transforming Ford into a leader in software and EVs.
Reporting directly to Farley, Field was responsible for overseeing the embedded software and hardware of Ford and Lincoln vehicles. His role encompassed a wide range of technical aspects, including vehicle control systems, connectivity, driver assistance technology, and vehicle cybersecurity. Field was a prominent figure within the company and a key player in the restructuring of Ford’s operations into three distinct units: the EV and digital services division, the traditional internal combustion engine business, and the commercial vehicles sector. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Ford’s secretive skunkworks program aimed at developing a cost-effective electric vehicle.
The recent organisational changes involve the creation of a new “product creation and industrialization” team headed by COO Kumar Galhotra, which will incorporate Field’s previous electric vehicle and design team. This new unit has ambitious goals, targeting an 8% adjusted profit margin in the Ford+ commercial business by 2029. Furthermore, the team is tasked with refreshing 80% of Ford’s North American vehicle portfolio and 70% of its global lineup by the same year. This initiative will include the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, new mid-sized pickup models, and updated versions of the F-150 and F-Series Super Duty trucks.
The UEV platform was originally developed by the Ford skunkworks program, which is now referred to as the Advanced Development Projects team. Alan Clarke, a previous Tesla executive overseeing the skunkworks initiative, has transitioned to become the vice president of Advanced Development Projects. Field’s exit marks a significant shift in Ford’s direction as it continues to navigate the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, focusing on electric mobility and advanced technology integration.
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