RIVIAN Automotive is shuffling its executive ranks, including the departure of one of its top manufacturing officers, in an effort to help it improve efficiencies.

It has appointed Frank Klein as its new chief operating officer, replacing Rod Copes who retired in December.

Rivian also announced the departure of its head of manufacturing engineering, Charly Mwangi.

It said Mr Mwangi, who joined the company in 2020 and played a key role in bringing the EV maker’s manufacturing capabilities online, left for personal reasons.

Mr Klein was previously an executive at Austria-based Magna International and president of its manufacturing arm, Magna Steyr.

He oversaw its shift to electric mobility including the production of the first electric vehicle made by a contract manufacturer.

Prior to that, he served in various management positions at Daimler for nearly three decades and was responsible for setting up the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemet, Hungary.

Mr Klein was named one of Automotive News Europe’s Eurostars in 2021 for his work in expanding Magna Steyr’s contract manufacturing business.

He joined Magna Steyr two years ago. The company builds cars including the full-electric Jaguar I-Pace, the Mercedes G-Class and will soon add the Fisker Ocean SUV. Magna Steyr is also helping Sony become a car-maker.

Mr Klein will be based in Normal, Illinois, where Rivian manufactures its ute and SUV models.

Rivian last year said it would locate its second US-based manufacturing facility in Georgia with production expected to start in 2024.

Rivian’s reorganisation involves splitting the commercial business, which includes delivery vans made for Amazon, from the retail side of the company that produces the R1T plug-in pickup truck and R1S sport utility vehicle.

By Neil Dowling