Apple Engineering VP DJ Novotney Shifts Gears to Rivian Automotive

In a significant reshuffle within the tech and automotive industries, DJ Novotney, a respected hardware engineering vice president from Apple Inc., has chosen to end his nearly quarter-century tenure at the tech giant to pursue a new venture with Rivian Automotive Inc. As a renowned contributor to Apple's iconic home devices and an initial proponent of Apple's electric vehicle endeavors, Novotney's departure underscores a period of transition for Apple while marking a strategic acquisition for Rivian.

Novotney is widely known for his instrumental role in the development of landmark Apple products, such as the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. With his expertise now behind Rivian, he is set to take on the role of senior vice president of vehicle programs, where he will report directly to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. Novotney’s association with Apple's top brass, including his collaboration with former hardware chief Dan Riccio on the iPad project and his work with former head designer Jony Ive on the Apple Watch, signals the depth of experience he brings to Rivian.

At Rivian, Novotney will helm product management, focusing on products and engineering—a crucial position as Rivian amps up its competition with electric vehicle market leader Tesla Inc. Notably, Novotney had been tapped to kickstart Apple's secret "Project Titan," which aimed to enter the electric vehicle space. Despite later pivoting to pursue innovations in home devices and artificial intelligence, his expertise in consumer electronics and vehicle development is a prized asset as Rivian continues to push forward in the EV market.

This latest development also offers insight into the ongoing restructuring in the EV space and Apple’s shifting dynamics. Amid reorganization efforts, which include the discontinuation of exclusive contracts, like the one Rivian held with Amazon.com Inc. for battery-electric delivery vans, the company is illustrating a renewed commitment to broadening its market reach.

Rivian, based in Irvine, California, distinguishes itself as a key player amongst EV startups with its R1T pickups and R1S SUVs. Novotney’s move to the company adds to the tally of Apple veterans who have recently transitioned away from the Cupertino giant, prompting introspection into the retention and evolution strategies at Apple.

Such transitions are not without precedent at Apple, which saw the departure of product design vice president for the iPhone and Apple Watch Tang Tan to LoveFrom, Ive's design firm, as well as the exit of hardware technologies leader Steve Hotelling. With Novotney’s impending start date at Rivian, the industry will undoubtedly watch to see how his influence may shift Rivian's trajectory in the competitive landscape of electric vehicles.