Former Tesla leader brings operational & new product introduction manufacturing expertise from automotive & technology industries as REE opens global integration centers & readies for commercial production
REE Automotive (“REE”) announced the appointment of operations and manufacturing executive Josh Tech as the company’s chief operations officer (COO). Josh joins REE after serving on Tesla’s Operations Leadership Team as Head of the New Product/Manufacturing Introduction group. Previously, he oversaw manufacturing development and launch at a worldwide leader in automotive exterior design, development, and manufacturing, and most recently served as Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering for one of America’s most advanced construction technology firms, Plant Prefab. Based in the U.S., Josh replaces Michael Charlton, who will serve as strategic advisor on manufacturing, extending his decades of global automotive and manufacturing expertise to the REE leadership team.
Josh brings over 23 years of experience to REE in complex product development & launch, industrialization, infrastructure development, engineering, supply chain, quality, and operations management. As REE’s COO, Josh will be based in the U.S. and lead all aspects of REE’s operations, manufacturing, and global expansion management, including leveraging his unique talent for the launch of REE’s integration centers in Austin, Texas, and Coventry, UK.
Josh joins REE at a momentous time for the company, as it prepares for full vehicle prototype testing for customers in 2022 on its path towards commercial production of its REEcorners and modular REEboard EV platforms in 2023. Under his leadership, REE’s integration centers will serve demand in North America and Europe with initial focus on the commercial launch of REE’s P7 platform, intended to power commercial electric vehicles such as walk-in delivery vans, buses, and recreational vehicles.
“I’m excited to welcome Josh to the leadership team. We sought out his wealth of experience in introducing new products and scaling manufacturing as we introduce our P7 platform to the market,” said Daniel Barel, REE co-founder and chief executive officer. “An exceptional team is key to executing our mission of accelerating EV adoption, and Josh’s deep automotive and technology operations experience – and enthusiasm – will be invaluable as we continue to advance on our business plan towards firm orders and start of production. Mike will remain a critical part of REE’s leadership in a broader, strategic role as we grow our partnerships and plan for global execution. I am grateful for his dedicated work to position us for growth and long-term success.
“I am thrilled to join REE based on the revolutionary nature of the product and how it enables a massive shift towards global commercial vehicle electrification. The REEplatformTM can be applied to all makes, types, and applications of commercial electric vehicle – the company truly brings ‘flexible’ electrification to the entire mobility industry,” said Mr. Tech. “I look forward to playing an important role in bringing this groundbreaking technology to market and helping lead the company through this important period of growth.”
