Rivian Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rivian has 5 executives leading key functions including administrative strategy, corporate management, manufacturing engineering, service operations, and global operations.

Focused on sustainable transportation, Rivian advances clean energy technology by designing high-performance electric trucks and SUVs for consumer and commercial markets worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Rivian

  • Senior Leadership Administrative Partner, Office of the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer - Colleen Benham
  • Manufacturing Engineering Chief of Staff - Kelsey Bakka
  • Service Chief of Staff - Savan Patel
  • Chief Operations Officer - Javier Varela
  • Managing Director - Otis Scott
  • Colleen Benham - Senior Leadership Administrative Partner, Office of the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer

    Colleen Benham, the Senior Leadership Administrative Partner, Office of the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Rivian, manages high-level executive workflows and organizational priorities. Benham coordinates complex communication channels between the Co-Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer to ensure seamless decision-making processes. By streamlining administrative operations, the Senior Leadership Administrative Partner facilitates efficient resource allocation across the executive suite. Colleen Benham maintains rigorous oversight of internal governance protocols, supporting the broader mission of producing sustainable electric vehicles. This role requires constant alignment with corporate objectives to drive productivity within the leadership team. Through meticulous scheduling and strategic project management, the Senior Leadership Administrative Partner optimizes the time and focus of top-tier management. Such efforts directly contribute to the operational stability of the company as the organization scales production of electric trucks and SUVs for global markets.
    Colleen Benham

    Kelsey Bakka - Manufacturing Engineering Chief of Staff

    Kelsey Bakka, the Manufacturing Engineering Chief of Staff at Rivian, coordinates technical workflows and production engineering initiatives. Bakka manages the integration of advanced manufacturing processes to enhance the assembly of electric vehicles. As the Manufacturing Engineering Chief of Staff, Bakka bridges the gap between engineering design and factory-floor execution to ensure high-quality output. This role involves optimizing production lines to support the rapid scaling of electric truck and SUV manufacturing. Kelsey Bakka monitors engineering milestones and resource allocation to maintain alignment with corporate sustainability targets. By driving efficiency in the manufacturing lifecycle, the Chief of Staff supports the company's mission to deliver reliable, high-performance transportation. The position requires constant interaction with technical teams to resolve bottlenecks and implement innovative assembly solutions. Through rigorous oversight of engineering operations, Bakka ensures that production capabilities meet the evolving needs of both consumer and commercial markets.

    Savan Patel - Service Chief of Staff

    Savan Patel, the Service Chief of Staff at Rivian, directs the operational strategy for customer support and vehicle maintenance networks. Patel oversees the development of service infrastructure to ensure a seamless ownership experience for electric vehicle users. As the Service Chief of Staff, Patel aligns service delivery models with the company's commitment to performance and reliability. This role involves managing cross-regional service initiatives to support the growing fleet of electric trucks and SUVs. Savan Patel coordinates with technical teams to streamline diagnostic processes and parts logistics, enhancing overall service efficiency. By focusing on customer satisfaction and operational excellence, the Chief of Staff strengthens the brand's market position in the clean energy sector. The position requires proactive management of service capacity to accommodate rapid growth in the consumer market. Through strategic planning, Patel ensures that maintenance operations remain consistent with the high standards of the company's electric vehicle technology.

    Javier Varela - Chief Operations Officer

    Javier Varela, the Chief Operations Officer at Rivian, directs global supply chain and production operations to support the manufacturing of sustainable electric vehicles. Varela oversees the end-to-end operational lifecycle, from raw material procurement to final vehicle delivery. As the Chief Operations Officer, Varela drives initiatives to optimize factory throughput and logistics efficiency across international markets. This leadership role involves managing complex manufacturing ecosystems to ensure the consistent production of high-performance trucks and SUVs. Javier Varela collaborates with executive leadership to align operational capacity with long-term growth objectives and environmental goals. By implementing scalable processes, the Chief Operations Officer enhances the company's ability to meet demand while maintaining rigorous quality standards. The position requires a focus on operational resilience and innovation in clean energy manufacturing. Through strategic oversight, Varela ensures that all operational activities contribute to the company's mission of advancing sustainable transportation solutions for families and businesses.
    Javier Varela

    Otis Scott - Managing Director

    Otis Scott, the Managing Director at Rivian, directs strategic initiatives aimed at expanding market presence and operational efficiency. Scott oversees cross-functional teams to ensure the successful deployment of electric vehicle programs across diverse consumer segments. As the Managing Director, Scott aligns business development goals with the company's commitment to environmental consciousness and high-performance engineering. This leadership position involves evaluating market trends to refine the commercial strategy for electric trucks and fleet vehicles. Otis Scott fosters collaboration between departments to accelerate the transition toward sustainable transportation solutions. By monitoring performance metrics and operational output, the Managing Director secures long-term growth and competitive advantage in the automotive industry. The role demands a focus on scaling infrastructure to meet rising demand for clean energy technology. Through disciplined management, Scott ensures that all business activities support the overarching goal of reducing carbon emissions while delivering superior utility to customers.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rivian Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rivian?
    Rivian is led by Colleen Benham (Senior Leadership Administrative Partner, Office of the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Kelsey Bakka (Manufacturing Engineering Chief of Staff) and Savan Patel (Service Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Rivian’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rivian includes leaders such as Colleen Benham (Senior Leadership Administrative Partner, Office of the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer), Kelsey Bakka (Manufacturing Engineering Chief of Staff), Savan Patel (Service Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rivian have?
    Rivian has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rivian’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rivian includes roles such as Senior Leadership Administrative Partner, Office of the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Manufacturing Engineering Chief of Staff, Service Chief of Staff, Chief Operations Officer, Managing Director.