Rivian Hires Javier Varela as Chief Operations Officer
May 03 2024 - 9:05AM
Business Wire
Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIVN) announced today Javier
Varela will join as its Chief Operations Officer as the company
focuses on optimizing operational efficiencies, including the
production of R2, its midsized SUV. Varela joins Rivian from Volvo
Cars, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief
Executive Officer. Varela will start at Rivian in August and will
report directly to Rivian Founder and Chief Executive Officer RJ
Scaringe.
Varela succeeds Frank Klein, who has served as Rivian’s COO
since June 2022. Klein is stepping down after leading the buildout
of Rivian’s operations, as well as scaling vehicle production of
the EDV and R1 programs.
Varela has spent the last eight years at Volvo Cars, where he
led the engineering, program management, manufacturing, supply
chain and procurement organizations. He oversaw the company’s three
main regions, including 14 industrial sites, engineering sites and
tech hubs worldwide. He began his career at PSA Group (now
Stellantis) in 1990.
At Rivian, Varela will be central to the company’s growth and
profitability. He will oversee operations including procurement,
manufacturing, logistics and quality.
“We are thrilled that Javier is bringing his deep experience in
the automotive industry to Rivian as we are focused on
profitability, operational excellence and delivering R2 to
customers as soon as possible,” said RJ Scaringe. “Javier has a
strong background in engineering, program management and innovation
and a proven track record of success across a range of operating
environments. We look forward to welcoming Javier to Rivian. We
also thank Frank for his many contributions to Rivian and wish him
the best in his next chapter.”
Varela joins Rivian as the company prepares the Normal factory
for start of production of R2, its midsize platform unveiled in
March. This new midsize SUV will deliver a combination of
performance, capability and utility in a five-seat package
optimized for big adventures and everyday use. The platform will
underpin R2 and R3 product lines.
“Rivian’s commitment to pushing the industry forward with
technologically advanced, highly innovative vehicles is something
I’ve admired for a long time,” said Varela. “I’m looking forward to
helping the company scale and continue to innovate as it rolls out
R2 and its next generation of vehicles.”
About Rivian:
Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) is an American automotive manufacturer
that develops and builds category-defining electric vehicles and
accessories. The company creates innovative and technologically
advanced products that are designed to excel at work and play with
the goal of accelerating the global transition to zero-emission
transportation and energy. Rivian vehicles are built in the United
States and are sold directly to consumer and commercial customers.
The company provides a full suite of services that address the
entire lifecycle of the vehicle and stay true to its mission to
keep the world adventurous forever. Whether taking families on new
adventures or electrifying fleets at scale, Rivian vehicles all
share a common goal — preserving the natural world for generations
to come. Learn more about the company, products, and careers at
http://www.rivian.com.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240503969636/en/
Harry Porter - media@rivian.com
Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:RIVN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:RIVN)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024