- Ford has hired former Tesla and Apple executive Doug Field to lead its emerging technology efforts, a key focus for the automaker under its new Ford+ turnaround plan.
- The hire is a major new addition for Ford, while a big hit to Apple and its secret car project, which the company has yet to confirm exists.
- Apple, in an emailed statement, said: "We're grateful for the contributions Doug has made to Apple and we wish him all the best in this next chapter."
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Ford Motor Co. displays a new 2021 Ford F-150 pickup truck at the Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, September 17, 2020.Rebecca Cook | Reuters
DETROIT – Ford Motor said Tuesday it hired former Tesla and Apple executive Doug Field to lead its emerging technology efforts, a key focus for the automaker under its new Ford+ turnaround plan.
Field — who led development of Tesla's Model 3 —most recently served as vice president of special projects at Apple, which reportedly included the tech giant's Titan car project.
The hire is a major addition for Ford and a big hit to Apple and its secret car project, which the company has yet to confirm exists.
"I think any time you lose a well-respected, experienced executive who, as best we can tell, was really directing the automotive efforts at Apple, it's a blow to any company," Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi, who covers the iPhone maker, told CNBC's "Closing Bell."
Apple, in an emailed statement, said: "We're grateful for the contributions Doug has made to Apple and we wish him all the best in this next chapter."
