In a significant development, John Krafcik, the former CEO of Waymo, has joined Rivian’s board of directors. According to a regulatory filing, Rivian increased the size of its board and elected Krafcik to serve as a director.
Background on John Krafcik
John Krafcik is a seasoned leader in the automotive industry. He spent five years at Waymo, where he played a crucial role in transforming the company from a special project at Google into an independent business unit. During his tenure, Waymo rebranded to Waymo and established partnerships with major automakers such as Chrysler (now Stellantis) and Jaguar.
Krafcik’s Previous Experience
Before joining Waymo, Krafcik worked in top executive positions at Hyundai North America for a decade. He also held roles in product development at Ford earlier in his career. Additionally, Krafcik served as the president of online used car marketplace TrueCar before taking on the CEO role at Waymo.
Rivian’s Board Expansion
The filing states that Rivian increased the size of its board and elected John Krafcik to serve as a director. His term will expire in 2024, when Rivian holds its annual shareholder meeting. The board also appointed Krafcik to its audit committee, replacing Pamela Thomas-Graham, who is now a member of the board’s plant and policy committee.
Rivian’s Founder and CEO Reacts
"We are thrilled to welcome John to the Rivian board," said RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian. "John has tremendous leadership experience in the automotive industry and an impressive track record of building and leading innovative companies. His expertise in manufacturing engineering and automotive technology will be a valuable addition to our team."
Krafcik’s Resignation from Waymo
In April 2021, Krafcik resigned as CEO of Waymo. He remained in an advisory role for another year before stepping down. The current advisory roles at Waymo are held by Tekedra Mawakana and Dmitri Dolgov.
What This Means for Rivian
The appointment of John Krafcik to Rivian’s board of directors is a significant move, especially given his extensive experience in the automotive industry. As a leader with expertise in manufacturing engineering and automotive technology, he will undoubtedly play a crucial role in helping Rivian achieve its mission to electrify transportation and make it more sustainable.
Krafcik’s Leadership Style
John Krafcik is known for his ability to build and lead innovative companies. His leadership style has been characterized as effective in driving growth and innovation within organizations. With his experience at Waymo, Hyundai North America, Ford, and TrueCar, he brings a unique perspective to the table.
Why Rivian Needs Experienced Leaders
Rivian is on an ambitious path to become a leading electric vehicle manufacturer. With increasing competition in the market, having experienced leaders like John Krafcik on board can help inform strategic decisions and drive growth. The appointment of Krafcik underscores Rivian’s commitment to attracting top talent and building a strong leadership team.
Krafcik’s Joining Rivian: A Strategic Move
The joining of John Krafcik to Rivian’s board of directors is a strategic move, given the company’s ambitious plans to electrify transportation. As an experienced leader with expertise in automotive technology and manufacturing engineering, he will help guide Rivian in achieving its mission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the appointment of John Krafcik to Rivian’s board of directors marks a significant development for the electric vehicle manufacturer. With his extensive experience in the automotive industry and leadership skills, he is poised to make valuable contributions to the company’s growth and innovation.
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