Ford loses chief technology officer to Amazon in industry battle over talent

DETROIT Ford Motor's chief technology officer is leaving to Amazon. This marks an ongoing talent war between the technology and automotive industries.Ford announced Thursday that Ken Washington, Ford's Chief Technology Officer, is leaving the Detroit automaker. Washington joined Ford in 2014 from Lockheed Martin. Effective July 16. According to an internal memo from Ford, he will join Amazon as vice-president of software engineering in Sunnyvale (California), according to Ford.Washington's departure from the automaker is a significant blow. The company is investing billions in connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles as part of a new turnaround plan led by Jim Farley, CEO.Jim Buczkowski, who was responsible for the research and design of electronic and electrical systems, will assume interim responsibility while Washington's permanent successor is identified.