Ford EV Chief Doug Field Exits as Automaker Restructures Leadership

Ford is reshaping its leadership and EV strategy as Doug Field, the automaker’s top executive for electric vehicles and software, prepares to exit.

The move comes alongside a broader restructuring aimed at accelerating product development, improving efficiency, and hitting long-term financial targets under Ford’s “Ford+” plan.

Ford integrates EV and software leadership into new structure

Doug Field will leave Ford Motor Company after a transition period, with his responsibilities absorbed into a newly formed “Product Creation and Industrialization” organization. The unit will be led by COO Kumar Galhotra and will combine EV, software, and manufacturing operations under a single structure, according to CNBC.

CEO Jim Farley said the reorganization is designed to reduce complexity and accelerate execution as Ford prepares a major wave of new products. The company is targeting an 8% adjusted EBIT margin by 2029, with the new structure expected to streamline development and improve quality.

Field, who joined Ford in 2021 after roles at Tesla and Apple, played a key role in building Ford’s EV and software teams. His departure comes at a pivotal moment as Ford transitions toward its next generation of electric vehicles.

Ford pushes next-gen EV rollout despite past challenges

Ford is preparing to launch a new wave of EVs, including a midsize electric pickup based on its Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform. The company plans to refresh 80% of its North American lineup and 70% of its global portfolio by 2029, alongside major updates to software, electrical architectures, and over-the-air capabilities.

By 2030, Ford expects 90% of its global nameplates to offer electrified powertrains, including hybrids and full EVs, while expanding advanced features such as its BlueCruise driver assistance system with a goal of achieving eyes-off driving by 2028.

However, the restructuring follows challenges in Ford’s EV business, including lower-than-expected software revenue and a $19.5 billion write-down tied to EV strategy adjustments, significantly higher than similar charges reported by General Motors.

Despite the leadership shakeup, Ford maintains that its next phase, spanning 2027 to 2029, will be transformative, driven by tighter integration of hardware, software, and manufacturing across the company.

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