• by Tanya Gazdik , July 30, 2024

Kjell Gruner is leaving Rivian after 11 months in the top sales role.

Gruner, who was chief commercial officer and president of business growth, has “resigned to pursue other opportunities,” according to a securities filing from the electric vehicle company on Friday.

Previously president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Gruner joined Rivian in September and was charged with the company’s sales, marketing, customer care, delivery service and fleet.

Rivian promoted 8-year company veteran Dagan Mishoulam to senior vice president  of commercial, according to the filing.  Formerly vice president of strategy and go to market, he will assume some of Gruner’s responsibilities. 

Rivian hired Jennifer Prenner, a former Meta executive, as its new CMO earlier this year.

Gruner’s last day in his role was  July 26, but he will remain employed by the company until Feb. 17 to assist with the transition as needed, according to the securities filing.  

Gruner says in a LinkedIn post that he is “ready to climb the next mountain.”

“During my time at Rivian, I have had the privilege of working with an incredibly talented team,” he says. “Together, we have built our direct-to-consumer marketing function, established a dynamic sales team, opened new showrooms, broken sales and delivery records, and, most importantly, enhanced the overall customer experience, including delivery and service.”

Gurner’s team built the product management function and helped launch the second generation Rivian R1.

“The partnership with the VW Group including fantastic brands like Porsche and Audi is also a significant milestone in Rivian's history that deserves recognition,” he says.  “With the commercial team now firmly in place, it is the right moment for me to transition to the next chapter of my career.”