Proterra Inc is making changes to its executive team.
Gareth Joyce, who currently serves as president of Proterra’s Powered and Energy business units, has been promoted to president of Proterra.
He began his new role Sept. 13 and will work in coordination with Jack Allen, Proterra’s chairman and CEO, to execute the company’s growth strategies across its Proterra Powered, Energy and Transit businesses.
Joyce is a proven leader with more than two decades of experience building and running high-performing businesses in the automotive and transportation industries. Since joining Proterra in 2020, he has overseen the company’s growing business as a leading provider of electric vehicle technology to commercial vehicle manufacturers and charging infrastructure solutions for commercial fleets.
“We are pleased to have a leader with Gareth’s dynamic skillset and proven track record of performance taking on the role of president during this important time for our company,” said Allen. “Gareth has already played a significant role driving growth across our company as more commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators choose zero-emission commercial electric vehicles that are powered by Proterra. We believe that expanding his responsibilities in this new role will help the company capitalize on the significant opportunities ahead to advance our mission and drive sustainable, long-term value for all our stakeholders.”
Joyce joined Proterra from Delta Air Lines where he served as chief sustainability officer and president of Cargo and Airport Customer Services. Prior to joining Delta, he held a variety of senior leadership positions with Mercedes-Benz throughout South Africa, Europe and North America, having served as vice president of customer service for Mercedes-Benz North America and finally as the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada.
“I am honored to serve as Proterra’s president and play a greater role in our efforts to power the world’s best-performing electric commercial vehicles,” said Joyce. “During the past year, we have demonstrated significant momentum across our business, and I believe that our best-in-class technology and commitment to innovation have us well-positioned to meet the growing EV demands of our customers, now and in the future. I look forward to working closely with Jack and my colleagues on our leadership team to execute on our growth plans and deliver strong results for our stakeholders at a time when clean energy solutions have never been more critical to our future.”
Proterra also announced that Chief Financial Officer Amy Ard will depart the company following a transition period. The company noted that Ard’s departure is not the result of any disagreement regarding Proterra’s financial reporting or accounting. A.J. Cederoth, an experienced public company finance executive with more than 20 years’ experience at Navistar International, including serving as CFO from 2009 – 2013, has been appointed interim CFO.
Ard will step down from her role as CFO effective Sept. 15, 2021, before departing Proterra over the next few months. She will work closely with Cederoth to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities prior to her official departure from the company.
The company has initiated a search, with the support of leading executive recruiting firm Egon Zehnder, to identify Proterra’s next CFO.
“Amy is a passionate and influential leader who has earned the respect of our entire organization during her nearly four and a half years as CFO for Proterra,” said Allen. “Not only did she help build our financial team and implement a plan to achieve significant revenue and margin growth, but she also provided important insights and perspectives that have shaped the successful start of our new chapter as a public company. Proterra is a better company because of Amy’s invaluable contributions, and we appreciate her continued support during this transition period.”
Ard added, “It has been a privilege to work with the Proterra team to help transform the business into the dynamic, publicly-traded commercial EV leader that it is today. I am confident that, with strong global demand for zero-emission, battery-electric commercial vehicles, the considerable capital we have raised during my time as CFO, and the additional financial resources that are available to a public company, Proterra is poised to capitalize on the significant opportunities ahead and drive further growth, innovation and value creation.”
Cederoth joins Proterra as interim CFO with significant financial experience at public companies across multiple industries.
From 2009 until 2013, Cederoth served as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Navistar International, a global truck and bus manufacturer, and previously held multiple senior finance roles at the organization.
After leaving Navistar, Cederoth served as CFO and financial advisor to multiple public and private companies across various industries. His overall breadth of experience makes him uniquely qualified to assist Proterra during this transition period.
Cederoth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from DePaul University.
