Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe Takes on Top Product Role, Driving EV Maker’s Expansion
Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe is making a significant move within the company, taking on the role of chief product officer as part of the EV maker’s expansion plans. According to a regulatory filing and internal emails seen by TechCrunch, Scaringe will now be responsible for all product development at Rivian, a critical position as the company works on a next-generation platform aimed at delivering more affordable electric vehicles and entering the mass market.
CEO Takes Charge of Product Development
In a strategic move, RJ Scaringe, the CEO of Rivian, has stepped into the role of chief product officer, as the company seeks to ramp up its product development efforts. Scaringe’s expanded responsibilities will include overseeing the development of the next-generation platform known as “Peregrine,” which will be utilized across Rivian’s entire range of vehicles, including the R1, R2, and electric delivery van. This move highlights the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality electric vehicles and solidifying its position in the market.
Shuffling in the Executive Team
As part of the restructuring, Nick Kalayjian, the former chief product officer, will transition to the role of executive vice president of vehicle engineering and propulsion. In this new position, Kalayjian will continue to report to Scaringe and focus on the development of the Peregrine platform. Eventually, Kalayjian will transition to a product and technology advisory role, leveraging his expertise and vision to guide the company’s future endeavors.
Richard Farquhar, the current vice president of propulsion, will be assuming a new role as senior vice president of future R&D upon his return next year. This shift will allow Farquhar to contribute to Rivian’s long-term research and development efforts directly. Additionally, the quality and reliability teams led by Brad Thacker and Georgios Sarakakis will report directly to Scaringe, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering top-notch products.
Continued Focus on Quality and Innovation
RJ Scaringe emphasized the importance of quality in a company-wide email, stating that it plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s perception and enabling Rivian’s growth. By taking on the role of chief product officer, Scaringe aims to drive quality and innovation across all aspects of the business, ensuring that Rivian remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry.
With these strategic moves and the realignment of responsibilities, Rivian is positioning itself for long-term success in the competitive electric vehicle market. By leveraging the expertise and vision of RJ Scaringe and Nick Kalayjian, the company is poised to make significant strides in product development, quality assurance, and market expansion.