Rivian Hires Frank Klein as Chief Operations Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Rivian Automotive has appointed Frank Klein as its new Chief Operations Officer, effective June 1, 2022. Klein, previously President at Magna Steyr, brings extensive experience from his 27 years at Daimler AG. He will oversee the scaling of vehicle production and enhance operational processes at Rivian, addressing the company's vertical integration efforts. Klein succeeds Rod Copes, who retired last year. His appointment aligns with Rivian's strategy to expand manufacturing, including a new facility in Georgia and increased production at its Normal, Illinois plant.

Positive

• Frank Klein's extensive experience in electric vehicle production from Magna Steyr could enhance Rivian's operational efficiency.
• Klein's leadership may lead to improved vertical integration in logistics and manufacturing.
• The appointment aligns with Rivian's growth strategy, including new manufacturing capacity.

Negative

• None.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIVN) (“Rivian”) today announced the hiring of Frank Klein as Chief Operations Officer, effective June 1st, 2022. Frank most recently held the position of President at Austria-based automotive contract manufacturer Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of Canadian-based Magna International. He will be based in Normal, IL, and will report directly to Rivian’s Chief Executive Officer, RJ Scaringe. Klein succeeds Rod Copes, who retired from the position last year.

Frank Klein (Photo: Business Wire)

During his time at Magna Steyr, Frank oversaw the company’s shift to the electric mobility manufacturing space, including the production of the first electric vehicle made by a contract manufacturer.

Prior to working for Magna Steyr, Klein worked for Daimler AG for 27 years. Since 1996, he has held management positions in various business division such as Vehicle Research, Trucks, Cars, and Vans. Among other things, he was responsible for the setup of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét, Hungary, where he took over the function of plant manager. He also served as Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans Operations, with a global responsibility for the production network of Mercedes-Benz Vans, including Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain and Quality functions.

Klein holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Automation Technologies from Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University as well as a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the FernUniversität (state distance-learning university) in Hagen.

At Rivian, Frank will lead the buildout of robust and stable operations processes as well as scaling vehicle production across several new programs. He will reinforce Rivian’s ongoing effort to achieve greater vertical integration in logistics, manufacturing, and operations.

Frank Klein said:
“I'm hugely excited to be joining Rivian. It's a company creating industry leading products and services that are helping to shape the future of the automotive industry. I share RJ's vision and I'm looking forward to working with him and the team to drive growth and further Rivian's mission.”

Rivian announced its plans to locate its second U.S. manufacturing facility in Georgia late last year, as well as its plans to scale capacity at its existing plant in Normal, Illinois.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220314005452/en/

Investors

Derek Mulvey

ir@rivian.com

Media

Kenya Friend-Daniel

media@rivian.com

Source: Rivian Automotive, Inc.

FAQ

Who is the new COO of Rivian?

Frank Klein has been appointed as the new Chief Operations Officer of Rivian Automotive.

When did Frank Klein start as COO of Rivian?

Frank Klein officially took on the role of Chief Operations Officer on June 1, 2022.

What experience does Frank Klein bring to Rivian?

Klein previously served as President at Magna Steyr and has 27 years of experience at Daimler AG.

What are Rivian's plans regarding manufacturing facilities?

Rivian plans to build a second manufacturing facility in Georgia and expand production capacity at its existing plant in Normal, Illinois.