From Fortune:

Apple Inc veteran DJ Novotney is leaving to join Rivian Automotive Inc, the latest in a string of senior departures from Apple. He is credited with leading work on home devices and the development of the Apple Watch, and helped start efforts to develop an electric vehicle project. Novotney will be senior vice president of vehicle programs at Rivian.

In a memo to colleagues, Novotney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work on products such as iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. At Rivian, he will be one of the company’s most critical executives, leading product management for engineering and production.

This doesn’t mark the first senior departure from Apple. Other executives have moved on or are planning to leave the company. Rivian, which makes electric SUVs and pickup trucks, sees Novotney’s hire as a significant accomplishment. Apple and Rivian declined to comment on the departure.

Rivian makes electric vehicles and has delivered to Amazon in the past. It is currently expanding into the EV market and sees Novotney as an important asset to the company’s growth. Earlier Hanover, Apple also lost other key executives, giving reasons for concern over significant departures from the technology company.

Rivian is one of the leading electric vehicle companies, producing battery-electric pickups, SUVs, and delivery vans. The departure of Novotney to join Rivian is a significant move for both companies, marking key changes in leadership for each.



Read more: Apple veteran leaves for Tesla-chasing EV maker Rivian