Electric automaker Rivian announced that John Krafcik has joined its board of directors, the company said Thursday.
Krafcik was the CEO of Waymo, the autonomous driving unit of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, from 2015 to 2021. He also served as president of online automotive marketplace TrueCar from April 2014 to September 2015 and as president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America from 2008 to 2013.
“John has tremendous leadership experience in the automotive industry and an impressive track record of building and leading innovative companies,” Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said in a statement. “His expertise in manufacturing engineering and automotive technology will be a valuable addition to our team.”
Krafcik joins Rivian as the company works to ramp up production of its electric R1T pickup and R1S SUV at its factory in Normal, Illinois. Rivian is also building electric delivery vans for Amazon.
Krafcik led Hyundai America through record-breaking sales growth during his tenure. In 2008, Hyundai sold 401,742 vehicles in the U.S. In 2012, Hyundai’s U.S. sales were 703,007 vehicles, a 75% increase and its highest yearly total since entering the U.S. market in 1986.
Last month, Rivian announced it produced 13,992 vehicles in Q1. The company says it’s still on track to produce 50,000 vehicles by yearend.
Krafcik’s appointment to Rivian’s board follows other recent executive appointments. In June, Rivian announced it hired Sarah O’Brien as its new chief communications officer. O’Brien previously served as vice president of communications at Tesla.
In addition, Rivian announced July 31 it hired Alan Hoffman as its chief policy officer. Hoffman previously served as head of corporate affairs for used car retailer Carvana and will be responsible for Rivian’s global public policy and regulatory strategy.
