Rivian Automotive, Inc. announced Javier Varela will join as its Chief Operations Officer as the company focuses on optimizing operational efficiencies, including the production of R2, its midsized SUV. Varela joins Rivian from Volvo Cars, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Varela will start at Rivian in August and will report directly to Rivian Founder and Chief Executive Officer RJ Scaringe.

Varela succeeds Frank Klein, who has served as Rivian?s COO since June 2022. Klein is stepping down after leading the buildout of Rivian?s operations, as well as scaling vehicle production of the EDV and R1 programs. Varela has spent the last eight years at Volvo Cars, where he led the engineering, program management, manufacturing, supply chain and procurement organizations. He oversaw the company?s three main regions, including 14 industrial sites, engineering sites and tech hubs worldwide.

He began his career at PSA Group (now Stellantis) in 1990. At Rivian, Varela will be central to the company?s growth and profitability. He will oversee operations including procurement, manufacturing, logistics and quality.

Varela joins Rivian as the company prepares the Normal factory for start of production of R2, its midsize platform unveiled in March. This new midsize SUV will deliver a combination of performance, capability and utility in a five-seat package optimized for big adventures and everyday use. The platform will underpin R2 and R3 product lines.