Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian has appointed Aidan Gomez, co-founder and CEO of generative AI startup Cohere, to its board of directors. This strategic move underscores Rivian’s dedication to integrating advanced artificial intelligence technologies into its operations and products.
Aidan Gomez’s Background and Expertise
Aidan Gomez is a prominent figure in the AI community. Before founding Cohere in 2019 alongside Nick Frosst and Ivan Zhang, Gomez was a researcher at Google Brain, the deep learning division of Google. He is notably recognized for co-authoring the 2017 paper Attention Is All You Need, which introduced the Transformer model—a foundational architecture for many of today’s leading generative AI systems.
Cohere specializes in training AI foundation models tailored for enterprise applications, offering services to companies like Oracle and Notion. Under Gomez’s leadership, Cohere has emerged as a significant player in the AI industry, focusing on developing scalable and efficient AI solutions for various business needs.
Rivian’s Strategic Vision for AI Integration
Rivian’s decision to bring Gomez onto its board aligns with its broader strategy to embed cutting-edge AI technologies into its vehicles and services. The company has been actively exploring AI applications, including the development of an AI assistant for its EVs since 2023. This assistant aims to enhance user experience by providing intuitive and responsive interactions within the vehicle.
In March 2025, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, discussed the company’s AI initiatives, emphasizing the focus on creating an orchestration framework for the AI assistant. This development operates independently of Rivian’s joint venture with Volkswagen Group, highlighting the company’s commitment to advancing its proprietary AI capabilities.
Collaboration with Volkswagen Group
In addition to its internal AI projects, Rivian has entered into a $5.8 billion joint venture with Volkswagen Group to co-develop software solutions. This partnership involves sharing Rivian’s expertise in electrical architecture and licensing existing intellectual property to the joint venture. The collaboration aims to create software that could potentially be marketed to other companies in the future, positioning Rivian as a leader in automotive software development.
Leadership Perspectives
Rivian’s founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, expressed enthusiasm about Gomez’s appointment, stating, His thinking and expertise will support Rivian as we integrate new, cutting-edge technologies into our products, services, and manufacturing. This sentiment reflects the company’s recognition of the pivotal role AI will play in the future of automotive innovation.
Implications for the Automotive Industry
Rivian’s proactive approach to AI integration signifies a broader trend within the automotive industry, where companies are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance vehicle performance, safety features, and user experience. By appointing an AI expert like Gomez to its board, Rivian is positioning itself at the forefront of this technological evolution.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Aidan Gomez on Rivian’s board marks a significant step in the company’s journey toward becoming a leader in AI-driven automotive solutions. This move not only reinforces Rivian’s commitment to innovation but also sets the stage for future developments that could redefine the intersection of AI and electric vehicles.
