Ford loses its EV architect
Doug Field, the executive Ford recruited in 2021 to lead its electric vehicle and software push, is leaving the company as part of a sweeping organisational overhaul, Ford confirmed on 15 April.
Field arrived at Ford with a résumé that few in the automotive industry could match, having held senior roles at both Tesla and Apple. His mandate was to modernise Ford's approach to EV development and build the software capabilities the company would need to compete with native electric-vehicle makers.
The departure comes as Ford has struggled to contain losses in its electric vehicle business. The Wall Street Journal reported that despite Field's exit, an affordable EV project developed under a skunkworks structure will continue, suggesting the company intends to press ahead with at least part of its electrification strategy even as leadership changes.
The reorganisation signals a shift in how Ford intends to manage its EV and software operations going forward, though the company has not publicly detailed the new structure that will replace Field's oversight.
