Rivian hires Sarah O’Brien (former Tesla, Apple, Meta executive) to lead communications

[Electric Rivilution]

Source: https://electrek.co/2023/06/30/rivian-hires-former-tesla-apple-exec-lead-communications/

June 30, 2023

Electric vehicle maker Rivian (RIVN) hired Sarah O’Brien to lead the company’s communications efforts on Friday. O’Brien previously served as vice president of communications at Tesla during the launch of the Model 3 and at Apple before that for a critical eight-year stretch.

Tesla hired O’Brien in September 2016 as vice president of communication, serving until August 2017 during the launch of the Model 3, Solar Roof, and Tesla Semi Truck.

Before her two-year stint at Tesla, O’Brien worked for over eight years at Apple, leading communications for the Apple Watch (which now has over two billion active users) in addition to launches for the global iPhone, iPad, App Store, and the iTunes Music Festival.

Most recently, O’Brien spent the last four years at Meta as vice president of executive and product communications.

O’Brien starts her position as chief communications officer at Rivian, starting June 30, 2023. Commenting on her new role, the new communications leader said:

Rivian is still in the early chapters of its incredible story, and I’m thrilled to be able to play a role in telling the next chapters. Rivian is delivering on an ambitious mission, not only to create electric vehicles that redefine the ownership experience, but to provide its customers with real ways to get carbon out of transportation and drive real impact. By helping to tell Rivian’s stories, we hope to inspire people from across the world to explore responsibly and preserve our natural world.

Her new responsibilities at Rivian will include overseeing the EV maker’s communications efforts, including products (like the upcoming R2), consumer (managing brand reputation), internal (informing employees on updates), and corporate communications (media and public relations).

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[R1Sky Business]

Who is she replacing?

 

[DaveA]

Who is she replacing?

Pretty sure its a brand new position!!!

 

[Electric Rivilution]

Who is she replacing?

Amy Mast, who left in January 2023? Don't think they hired anyone since then AFAIK.

 

[Eeyore]

So another upper exec that can't seem to hold a job at other name brand tech companies?

Meh.

 

[SASSquatch]

Tesla actually had someone working in communications???

Other than a poop emoji?

That's actually a real thing.

 

[Autolycus]

Tesla actually had someone working in communications???

Other than a poop emoji?

That's actually a real thing.

For <1 year, 6 years ago.

 

[SANZC02]

So another upper exec that can't seem to hold a job at other name brand tech companies?

Meh.

Explain more please? At Apple for 8 years, Tesla for 2 before they got rid of the communications department, and the last 4 at Meta.

In todays world those are long stints from what I have seen. Am I missing something?

 

[COdogman]

Is she familiar with ChatGPT?

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Rivian can certainly use a communications director. Hopefully she does a good job.

 

[Eeyore]

Explain more please? At Apple for 8 years, Tesla for 2 before they got rid of the communications department, and the last 4 at Meta.

In todays world those are long stints from what I have seen. Am I missing something?

No, you’re good. I was just being snarky.
8 years at Apple is pretty good. I have a high opinion of that company. The other 2 companies, not so much.

 

[Guy]

What about Tony? Didn’t he try for the position?

 

[SASSquatch]

Dear Sarah,

Welcome to Rivian and the Rivian Community. I think you will find that the customer base is deeply passionate about the Rivian brand and mission - to empower environmentally responsible adventurism.

Now, for the love of god and everything sacred, please tell me when I can configure the R1T that I have been waiting for since the LA Auto Show with a power tonneau cover.

Please.

Pretty Please.

Love,

Sassquatch

 

[DuoRivians]

Amy Mast, who left in January 2023? Don't think they hired anyone since then AFAIK.

Amy Mast wasn’t ever this high up, or reported to RJ directly.

I think this is a new role for the company

 

[Craigins]

I hear the interview process consisted of asking her how many different ways she could say s00n.

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