News
Electric Vehicles · EV Strategy · Executive Departure · Ford
Doug Field, Ford's EV and technology chief, departed the company after five years, leaving a critical void as Ford navigates its electric vehicle transition and faces billions in annual losses, including $4.7 billion in 2024.
Field, an Apple and Tesla veteran who led Model 3 development, joined Ford in 2021 to accelerate EV ambitions and oversee software strategy. His exit, confirmed by TechCrunch, occurs as Ford grapples with the economics of its EV business, which lost $4.7 billion in 2024, and recently reorganized its operations to separate EV and gas-powered divisions.
The departure raises questions about the strategic direction of Ford's electrification efforts and highlights the ongoing talent war between traditional automakers and tech companies. Ford CEO Jim Farley has repeatedly warned about the difficulties and extended timeline of the EV transition.
The company has not announced a replacement or disclosed Field's next move, leaving investors to ponder whether this signals a broader shift in Ford's EV strategy or reflects the challenges of integrating Silicon Valley expertise into a legacy automaker. Leadership stability is crucial as Ford continues to invest heavily in EVs while experiencing significant losses.
