Tim Fallon Leaves Rivian for Stellantis Amid EV Transition

Tim Fallon, the head of manufacturing at Rivian, will leave the electric vehicle startup on September 2 to join Stellantis as head of manufacturing in North America.​

His exit occurs at a critical juncture for Rivian, which is focusing on enhancing its production capabilities at its facility in Normal, Illinois, particularly for the forthcoming R2 SUV.

Stellantis’s Shift Towards Electric Vehicles:

Fallon’s new role at Stellantis is pivotal for the company preparing to launch a series of battery-powered vehicles.

Carlos Zarlenga, Stellantis’s chief operating officer for North America, expressed that Fallon’s experience is vital as the company enters this significant transformation phase, marking a strong commitment to electric vehicle production and innovation.

Interim Leadership at Rivian:

With Fallon’s departure, Rivian appointed Carlo Materazzo, a former Stellantis executive, to temporarily oversee production operations.

CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed the change in leadership during this adjustment period, emphasizing that Rivian is restructuring its organization to better position itself for future growth and scalability in the burgeoning EV market.

Challenges and Plans for Rivian’s Future:

Rivian is currently undergoing an expansion of its Normal facility to facilitate the production of the R2 SUV. This model is considered crucial for the startup’s success, especially amid a slowdown in electric vehicle demand.

Recently, Fallon spearheaded critical initiatives to enhance operational efficiencies, including a three-week plant shutdown designed to simplify production processes and reduce costs.

Stellantis’s Ambitious Electric Vehicle Strategy:

Stellantis aims to roll out 25 electric vehicle models in the U.S. by 2030 as part of its electrification efforts.

Notably, the company plans to launch an affordable Jeep EV model priced under $25,000, showcasing its strategy to capture larger electric vehicle market segments.

Fallon’s transition to Stellantis reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding and innovating within the rapidly evolving EV landscape.