Amy Mast (Rivian communications director) has left for Ford

[Zoidz]

Not too concerning. This could have even been planned when they hired on. Some people love the thrill of the startup but hate day to day operations. I’ve seen this scenario at several of my customers factories. One of my customers is one of the largest food manufacturers in the world. They have an operations management team that starts up a new factory and moves on once certain objectives are met, handing off to the permanent management team they trained.

Sponsored

 

[rkalbiar]

Bye Felicia! You sucked!

 

[AdamsFan1983]

This is also old news; though her first public comments on where she’s going. We learned about her departure during the last big staff shakeup

 

[Rivdog]

Ford is just as bad, and arguably even much worse, than Rivian when it comes to communication. Spend some time on the Mach E and Lightning forums…lots of frustrated customers there too. Communication is seriously one of the easiest things a company can do to maintain a good relationship with consumers, yet so many choose not to.

 

[dleewla]

hate to say it but this could be a good thing. as we all know Rivian comms has mostly been a joke. though im not sure if that falls on her or Tony.

 

[dleewla]

who?!?!

 

[DuoRivians]

This is also old news; though her first public comments on where she’s going. We learned about her departure during the last big staff shakeup

True. Old news really.

 

[ORFynder]

I don’t know Amy but a lot of early Rivian employees seems to really like her. Although I think this turnover is normal for a private to public company, I believe she will be missed and appreciate all her work in building the brand. Wish her the best

 

[IPTV65]

I’m personally shocked they even had a communications director. This is not a strength for the company. Pretty sure they can improve with better leadership.

 

[ads75]

Ford is just as bad, and arguably even much worse, than Rivian when it comes to communication. Spend some time on the Mach E and Lightning forums…lots of frustrated customers there too. Communication is seriously one of the easiest things a company can do to maintain a good relationship with consumers, yet so many choose not to.

If anyone can tell me anything about my Cadillac Lyric Delayed Edition that was supposed to begin deliveries in Spring 2022 I would appreciate it. I need to cancel that, some start up from Illinois managed to deliver before GM, despite GM getting my reservation earlier.

 

[popoga]

I've got a good little bit of experience in the startup and tech space, and this isn't really weird through that lens. You need different skillsets for different phases of growth, and existing folks don't always grow into those redefined roles, or even want them.

It would be interesting to see a breakdown comparing leadership 'attrition' across different companies/sectors/verticals/whatever. Maybe a fun data project for someone with a lot of free time...

 

[Joe schmoe]

I don’t find this concerning.

I‘m certainly no expert, but my impression is that Rivian’s greatest apparent weakness as a company is in communication/messaging and customer engagement.

The forums are full of people basically trying to parse equivocal messages and reading tea leaves.

When they do send a message, they’re as likely as not to step on a (figurative) rake and smack themselves in the face.

If they didn’t already have people in these positions, as an outsider I’d suggest they hire someone to manage communication and customer engagement.

 

[LL75]

What about Tony "bad news" guy? He should be moving too.

 

[itselectric]

Last year was Rivians first real year dealing with customers, product issues, deliveries, etc and I think that is to blame for all of the moves. RJ and team had to take an objective and critical look at where they were strong and where they could improve.

I'm not blaming this person individually for bad communications. I understand her title but let's be real, it's the executive team we should blame as they are the ones who ultimately try to disseminate or hide information from customers/the public. I also think Rivian is adjusting as they are going, realizing a lot of their plans aren't feasible and they are trying to not have to send a monthly update and completely change plans on customers again and again.

They will figure it out, I don't know, but I assume the learning curve is massive and isn't as easy as it sounds. (Though some communications seem like they should be pretty damn simple).

 

[Guy]

Last year was Rivians first real year dealing with customers, product issues, deliveries, etc and I think that is to blame for all of the moves. RJ and team had to take an objective and critical look at where they were strong and where they could improve.

I'm not blaming this person individually for bad communications. I understand her title but let's be real, it's the executive team we should blame as they are the ones who ultimately try to disseminate or hide information from customers/the public. I also think Rivian is adjusting as they are going, realizing a lot of their plans aren't feasible and they are trying to not have to send a monthly update and completely change plans on customers again and again.

They will figure it out, I don't know, but I assume the learning curve is massive and isn't as easy as it sounds. (Though some communications seem like they should be pretty damn simple).

Completely agree - they are modifying their plans when reality hits such as with membership, outposts and preserves, hubs, RAN rollout, home delivery and pickup for warranty claims. They had laudable goals and not that surprising things change.

Sponsored