Rivian’s executive resigns after short but successful time with the company

Rivian executive Dr. Kjell Gruner resigned after nearly a year at the company to pursue other opportunities. Gruner’s exit was revealed in a securities filing released on July 24, 2024. 

“Dr. Gruner’s resignation is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matters related to its business, policies, or practices,” clarified Rivian.

Dr. Gruner joined Rivian in 2023 as Chief Commercial Officer and President of Business Growth. He has extensive experience in the global auto market. Before Rivian, Gruner was the former President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. He was also the Global Vice President of Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer of the global Porsche brand. He has also worked with Daimler as the Director of Strategy for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Given Dr. Gruner’s ties to Porsche, he was likely an instrumental figure in Volkswagen’s decision to invest $5 billion in Rivian. The current CEO of Volkswagen AG, Oliver Blume, is also the CEO of Porsche. Blume took over for Herbert Diess after he resigned. He is the CEO of Volkswagen AG and Porsche simultaneously.

Gruner’s last day as a Rivian executive was July 26, 2024. However, to facilitate the transition, Dr. Gruner will remain employed at Rivian until February 17, 2025. 

Dagan Mishoulam, who has been Rivian’s Vice President of Strategy and Go to Market, will assume many of Dr. Gruner’s responsibilities as the Senior Vice President of Commercial. 

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