Rivian Appoints New Chief Operating Officer to Drive Production and Growth
Rivian, a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Frank Klein as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Effective June 1st, Klein will oversee the automaker’s production, manufacturing engineering, and supply chain operations. This strategic hire comes at a crucial time for Rivian, as it seeks to ramp up production to meet its ambitious targets.
A New Era of Growth
Rivian has faced significant production pressures since launching its EVs in late 2021. The company has been battling supply chain constraints and production bottlenecks to bring its R1T pickup truck, R1S SUV, and EDV commercial electric van to market. Despite these challenges, Rivian reaffirmed its commitment to delivering 25,000 vehicles by the end of 2022.
Klein’s appointment is a significant step towards achieving this goal. With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, Klein has a proven track record of driving growth and efficiency. Prior to joining Rivian, he held various leadership roles at top-tier automakers, including Ford and General Motors.
A New Era of Leadership
As part of its restructuring efforts, Rivian announced that Charly Mwangi, the company’s head of manufacturing engineering, will be leaving the organization. However, this departure is not expected to disrupt operations, as Mwangi’s responsibilities will be taken over by Klein and other senior leaders.
Meanwhile, Tim Fallon, who serves as the head of manufacturing at Rivian, will remain with the company. Under Klein’s guidance, Fallon will continue to play a crucial role in driving production and efficiency improvements.
Ramping Up Production
To meet its ambitious targets, Rivian is focused on ramping up production at its Normal, Illinois factory. The company plans to introduce a second shift this summer, which will significantly boost its annual capacity to 600,000 vehicles. Additionally, Rivian is breaking ground on a new factory in Georgia, where it will eventually produce vehicles based on its future R2 platform.
A Bright Future for Rivian
With Klein at the helm, Rivian is poised to drive growth and efficiency improvements across its operations. As the company continues to navigate the challenges of the EV market, Klein’s expertise and leadership will be instrumental in helping Rivian achieve its ambitious targets.
About Frank Klein
Frank Klein brings over two decades of experience in the automotive industry to his new role at Rivian. Prior to joining the company, he held various leadership positions at top-tier automakers, including Ford and General Motors. Klein’s expertise spans production, manufacturing engineering, and supply chain operations.
Key Statistics:
- 25,000 vehicles: Rivian’s target for delivering by the end of 2022
- 600,000 vehicles: Rivian’s projected annual capacity with its two factories
- 90,000 orders: The number of EVs ordered in the U.S. and Canada by Rivian
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