Ford's EV and Tech Chief Doug Field Departs Automaker

Field's exit comes as part of a broader reorganization of Ford's leadership team.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:52pm by

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A blurred, abstract image of a Ford electric vehicle in motion, with streaks of bright colors representing its speed and advanced technology.As Ford undergoes a major reorganization, the departure of its high-profile EV and tech chief signals the automaker's shifting priorities and ambitions in the electric vehicle space.San Francisco Today

Doug Field, the high-profile executive who has led Ford's electric vehicle and technology strategies for the past five years, is leaving the automaker. Field's departure was announced as part of a broader reorganization of Ford's leadership, which will see the company's EV, digital, and design teams folded into a new 'product creation and industrialization' organization.

Why it matters

Field's hiring in 2021 was seen as a major coup for Ford, as he brought extensive experience from Silicon Valley tech giants like Apple and Tesla. His departure is a significant loss for the automaker as it seeks to transform itself into a leader in software, EVs, and other advanced technologies.

The details

Under Field's leadership, Ford split its business into three units: EV and digital services, traditional internal combustion engine business, and commercial vehicles. He was also behind Ford's 'skunkworks' program to develop a low-cost electric vehicle. As part of the reorganization, Ford has created a new 'product creation and industrialization' team that will be led by COO Kumar Galhotra and will include the company's EV, digital, and design efforts.

  • Field joined Ford in 2021 after stints at Apple and Tesla.
  • Field's departure was announced on April 15, 2026 as part of a broader reorganization of Ford's leadership.

The players

Doug Field

The high-profile executive who shaped Ford's EV and technology strategies over the past five years before departing the automaker.

Jim Farley

The CEO of Ford who hired Field in 2021 to drive the company's vision to become a leader in software, EVs, and other advanced technology.

Kumar Galhotra

Ford's COO who will now lead the new 'product creation and industrialization' team, which will include the company's EV, digital, and design efforts.

Alan Clarke

A former Tesla executive who has led Ford's 'skunkworks' program, now known as the Advanced Development Projects team, and will continue in that role.

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What’s next

The new 'product creation and industrialization' team led by COO Kumar Galhotra will be tasked with driving Ford's ambitious goals, including an 8% adjusted profit margin for its Ford+ commercial business by 2029 and refreshing 80% of its North American portfolio by volume and 70% of its global portfolio by 2029.

The takeaway

Field's departure is a significant loss for Ford as it seeks to transform itself into a leader in software, EVs, and other advanced technologies. However, the automaker's new organizational structure and leadership team will be crucial in determining whether it can successfully execute on its ambitious product and profitability targets in the coming years.