Rivian Automotive COO Frank Klein steps down, Javier Varela succeeds

Rivian Automotive (RIVN) announced Javier Varela will join as its COO 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 COO and deputy CEO. Varela will start at Rivian in August and will report directly to Rivian Founder and CEO 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 (VLVLY), where he led the engineering, program management, manufacturing, supply chain and procurement organizations.