--- title: "Former Porsche US CEO Could Be Joining Rivian: Report" description: "A recent report claims that former Porsche North America CEO Kjell Gruner is joining Rivian in an undisclosed role." date: "2023-07-16" modified: "2023-07-16" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/former-porsche-us-ceo-could-be-joining-rivian-report" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Rivian News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "Rivian" --- # Former Porsche US CEO Could Be Joining Rivian: Report ![]() Rivian could be getting a new executive from Porsche North America, as the Stuttgart brand's former CEO is joining the American EV startup in an undisclosed position, according to[ *Automotive News Europe*](). Just over a week ago, on July 5, Kjell Gruner "announced his intention to leave Porsche" after spending three years as President and CEO. Now, Gruner seems to be taking his talents to [Rivian](), likely in the hopes that he can help increase sales for the promising EV maker. According to Porsche, the brand saw record growth in the United States market during Gruner's time at the helm. He was said to be instrumental in customer satisfaction increases, as well as marketing and press improvements. Potentially more importantly, Gruner helped Porsche expand its dealer network to nearly 200 locations across the U.S., which could be why Rivian is interested in his assistance. ![]() *Rivian* Rivian has had a bit of an up and down year so far, with its stock price dropping significantly, and then normalizing a bit, and posting a $1.35 billion net loss in the first quarter, despite exceeding Q1 revenue expectations. However, Rivian is also trucking ahead (pun unintended), as it's building a $5 billion plant outside of Atlanta, and working on a fourth vehicle, the [more affordable R2](). Someone with the experience of running a profitable, established brand like Porsche could be an incredible asset for Rivian. It's currently unclear what sort of role Gruner will play at Rivian, if he is indeed joining the American EV brand, as nothing has officially been announced yet. However, it doesn't seem likely that he'll make a lateral move to CEO, as that would mean replacing Rivian founder [RJ Scaringe](). Whatever role he would end up playing, though, Gruner would be a good get for Rivian. If he has indeed joined the team, it will be interesting to see how he can help the electric truck brand moving forward. *The Drive reached out to Rivian for a comment and will update this story when we get one.* Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()