Doug Field, Ford Motor Company's chief of advanced electric vehicles and technology, is stepping down from his position next month, the automaker announced. Field joined Ford in 2021 after previous stints at Apple and Tesla, where he was tasked with leading the company's multibillion-dollar investment in electric vehicles and software development.

Field's departure comes as Ford continues to grapple with significant losses in its electric vehicle division while working to restructure its operations. The automaker has been struggling with profitability challenges in the EV segment despite substantial investments in electrification efforts.

Alan Clarke, a former Tesla engineer who currently leads Ford's California-based skunkworks laboratory, will receive a promotion as part of the leadership transition. Clarke has been overseeing Ford's advanced development projects, including what the company describes as an affordable electric vehicle initiative that will continue despite Field's departure.

The leadership change represents a significant shift for Ford's technology and electrification strategy at a time when the automotive industry faces intense competition in the electric vehicle market. Ford's EV division has been under pressure to improve financial performance while maintaining its commitment to electric vehicle development and manufacturing.