Thread regarding Ford layoffs

That’s a good story! I’m a bit concerned that the company might be struggling with some people like him. I don’t see any good news coming, and I’m worried that any new projects over the last five to ten years might not work out. Think about our finances; they’re not really growing because of new ideas, but because of older designs and products. I’m curious if Bill is thinking about bringing Mark back now. I know he wasn’t everyone’s favorite, but he was definitely better than what we’ve got going on.

@2qh That’s absolutely right. I’m certain someone else will claim credit for Doug’s groundbreaking work when it becomes a resounding success.

@2qd

He bounced at just the right time for him. Strange he couldn't manage to negotiate another year on the tenure to see his plan come to fruition....why is that you think? Why would you just leave when what you worked so hard for was only a year away?? Doesn't smell right. Almost like he didn't really want to be around when it landed so someone else could take "credit" for it. Funny....

@ar I have long held this perspective; Kumar is an exceptional professional who has served as a role model for me.

Doug Field's departure is a major strategic loss that undermines operational excellence and will likely trigger a stock correction. However, his mentees on the management team are well-positioned to apply his insights and guide the company toward continued success.

@1vx

He was BOTH. Haha. Can you imagine? And still skated away with millions. That's why people are so snide about him. He kinda got out just in time too. Guys like him see the smoke way before there is fire. Take heed.

What is the fascination with this guy? I was completely unaware of his existence until I visited this website. Why is he so despised? Was he Model e or FNV4?

@m1 MJ King of D-mb it down. He d-mbs down the material so that toddlers can understand it -- why do you think he pony prances across the stage when talking? Be cause he is the toddler he had to d-mb it down enough that he could deliver the 'message'. He will never find a job in 5 years; no one hires a cutesy-wootsie want to be a real tootsie boy after then can no pull off the little smiling kid trick.

What does this actually mean for skunkworks? Did they fail in that project?

@129 Isn’t there a love child from a secretary somewhere around? Somewhat surprised a vegan can get it up.

@q9 Bill is such a faithful dog he has both a wife and a girlfriend.

Egomaniacs here - These people on the top. No morals, no humanity, no soul, no NOTHING really. Nothing.

@ez I’ll bet you’re a sh-----d LL4+ looking to su-kle at the power te-t while your own incompetence is glaring.

@q9 I think just about everyone in that family is also known to be about as smart as a rock too. How a minority interest in the hands of people that happen to be the great great grand kids of a genius can control a major American corporation is beyond me. Should be illegal.

I have full confidence in BF. He is known to be as faithful as a dog, as strong as a mule, and as agile as a goat.

@cv How do you figure that???? Are you bloody serious???

Realistically: yes, he was fired. The evidence is unambiguous in hindsight:
•His org was eliminated the same day as his “departure”
•No successor hired for his role
•Duties handed to the COO immediately
•No specific next move announced (a true voluntary resignation usually has something lined up)
•The restructuring was clearly planned well in advance, you don’t reorganize an entire division overnight

The only thing missing is Ford saying the words. Everything else fits the pattern of a fired executive to a T. The “elected to leave” language is just what companies say to protect both parties legally and reputationally.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

For Field: “Fired” hurts his next job search. “Elected to leave for his next chapter” preserves his image as a sought-after executive who moves on his own terms.

For Ford: Admitting you fired the guy you called a “watershed moment” hire five years ago is an implicit admission that the whole Silicon Valley strategy failed. Cleaner to let him walk out with dignity.
So both sides shake hands, agree on the language, and he gets a severance check in exchange for not going on CNBC and saying Farley is an id--t.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

MJ needs to go next. that dude is a scam artist.

This guy is a je-k. Where does the executive team get off on hiring people like this.

Anyone know if DF will accompany KG in DF's handover of his organization and the launch of this next step in this Ford+ Transformation? Employees would love to hear directly from DF one last time.

Will Kumar complain about snark and sarcastic questions again at the Monday townhall?

I worked for Ford and what DF said is absolutely true. Ford engineers and management have no innovation. They rely on OEMs and outside engineering firms to create or design everything. They hide and pretend that they are busy. Ford engineers are only good at Excel spreadsheet and ppt. They collect information and present it to their leadership. They pay the outside suppliers and engineers firms for everything they need to do. Ford might as well hire a bunch of college dropouts to do this kind of work. Ford can save a lot of money.

@OP F' DF; FINALLY. I am so happy to hear he is on sacked! Su_d s. Now get rid of the entire leadership team that came with him. If you don't it will stay F'd.

Hate that bas___d!

@cv did you see how many downvotes those “positive” comments got on the home page? lmao

@cv+1kpc2sjbe most of the comments are self serving. People thinking about their future job prospects.

@ck all the pink bunny slippers have disappeared, that is what it means. Doug’s legacy and the other Apple Cobblers is one of pomp and circumstance. The exit narrative is pure smoke and mirrors, even Farley appears to be a marionette.

You should all go on the Ford employee homepage and read the comments on the story of the new organization and DF's contributions.

The employee comments are overwhelmingly positive in DF's leadership over the past few years.

His departure will leave a significant gap in the company.

@bj

Curious as to what this means for skunkworks and the new program. Either way change to that is probably coming. Could it be change that improves any realistic expectations? Likely not. Keep cracking that whip, inducing panic, and pushing forward.

There’s something about that guy that’s special…. I don’t know but I’d love to meet em in person…

Doug walked away with $72M+ — for what, exactly, remains a mystery. Rumor has it he was pushed out, with “retirement to spend time with family” serving as the polished exit narrative. Skeptical doesn’t begin to cover it. Give it six months and his LinkedIn will quietly update to Apple, some AI-adjacent startup, or whatever the next shiny thing is. The exodus of Apple transplants at Ford isn’t over — more Cobblers are on their way out.

Without DF and his meddling ways, Kumar is the king of the PD world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVJJ4Gr857Q

@an+1kpc2sjbe Horsepuckey
There have been Dearborn meetings and discussions about cutting DF loose since EOY.

@ab Kumar is the Marco Rubio of Ford 🇺🇸

OP: I would trust DF's decisions on your team rather than a negative post like this. It was clear that DF was being prepared to move up in executive leadership. He must have chosen to leave on his own accord given his crucial role in the company.

More job security for Kumar!

@OP don’t forget the $10B loss for u759 the previous year also

Well said. If any ford leadership is reading this, you licked the wrong boots and let go your real talent. Good luck now!