Rivian Automotive, Inc. has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Kjell Gruner as its new Chief Commercial Officer and President of Business Growth. Effective immediately, Dr. Gruner will report directly to Rivian’s Founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe. In his new role, Dr. Gruner will manage several key aspects of Rivian’s commercial operations, including Sales, Marketing, Customer Care, Delivery, Service, and Fleet Management.
Why It Matters
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Rivian as the company aims to cement its position in both domestic and international markets. Dr. Gruner’s extensive background in the automotive industry, notably as the former President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable to Rivian’s future growth. This new leadership addition is a significant move for Rivian as it prepares for the launch of new products and further international expansion.
Key Points
- Dr. Kjell Gruner has 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, including significant roles at Porsche and Daimler/Mercedes-Benz.
- At Porsche, Dr. Gruner served as Global Vice President Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer, where he led the development of the global Porsche brand, marketing, and products.
- Gruner also contributed to strategy planning at Daimler, where he held the position of Director of Strategy for Mercedes-Benz Cars.
- Dr. Gruner is a board member of several organizations, including Livewire, the electric motorcycle manufacturer, The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States, Inc., and The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as a board of trustees member at the Woodruff Arts Center.
Bottom Line
RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO of Rivian, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are delighted to have Kjell join the Rivian team. His deep expertise will be essential as we navigate our next phase of growth, including the upcoming launch of our R2 platform at a new facility and the ongoing success of our commercial vehicle line.” Dr. Gruner also shared his excitement, indicating he looks forward to “charting paths into new markets, building new partnerships and customer experiences, and setting a clear and consistent strategy for the future.” This leadership change is a strategic move designed to bolster Rivian’s commercial operations and accelerate its growth trajectory.
