Palmetto State News

Earlier this month, commercial vehicle electrification technology company Proterra, Inc., unveiled its leadership succession plan in response to the upcoming retirement of CEO Jack Allen.

On Dec. 9, Proterra announced that incumbent company president Gareth Joyce will succeed Allen, effective Jan. 1, 2022, according to a Proterra press release.

Allen, who will stay on the board as non-executive chairman following his retirement, called his time as head of Proterra a privilege.

“It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Proterra, and I could not be more proud of how we have come together to redefine the commercial vehicle industry,” he said, according to the press release. “Since I joined the company’s board in 2017, we’ve grown tremendously, expanding our technology, scaling our operations and delivering more EV (electric vehicle) solutions to customers every year.”

Allen added that he felt comfortable enough to retire given Proterra’s growth and successful public listing.

“Now is the right time for me to retire and transition and focus on serving on the board,” he said.

Joyce expressed excitement in regard to his new role, eager to further the momentum Proterra has created under Allen’s watch.

“Thanks to Jack’s leadership, Proterra has a strong foundation in place,” Joyce said. “As the race towards a zero-emissions future continues, I am confident we will continue playing a central role in electrifying the commercial vehicle sector for years to come.”

A goal of Joyce’s as CEO is to enhance the EV customer experience.

“As CEO, I will be committed to working with our incredibly talented team to provide customers with best-in-class electric buses and technology, growing our share of the EV market and creating long-term value for shareholders,” Joyce said.

Proterra also announced that the appointment of Karina Franco Padilla as its CFO. Padilla, who will also assume her new position on Jan. 1, has more than 25 years of experience overseeing corporate and business unit finances.