Rose Marcario Steps Down from Rivian’s Board Amid Strategic Shifts
Rose Marcario, the former CEO of Patagonia, has announced her resignation from Rivian’s board of directors, effective January 1, 2026. This decision, detailed in a recent stock exchange filing, is attributed to her desire to focus on other commitments. Consequently, Rivian’s board will reduce from eight to seven members.
Marcario joined Rivian’s board in January 2021 after a 12-year tenure at Patagonia, where she served as an executive and later as CEO. Her appointment aligned with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe’s vision of the company becoming the Patagonia of EVs, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.
Despite stepping down from the board, Marcario will continue her role as chair of the board of trustees for the Rivian Foundation. Established just before Rivian’s 2021 IPO, the foundation was allocated 1% of the company’s equity to make the natural world a stakeholder in Rivian’s success. Under Marcario’s leadership, the foundation announced its first $10 million in grants in 2024 and an additional $2.6 million in awards in 2025.
Rivian expressed gratitude for Marcario’s contributions, stating, We would like to thank her for her stewardship on the Rivian board over the past 5 years and look forward to her continued leadership on the Rivian Foundation.
Marcario’s departure coincides with a pivotal period for Rivian. The company plans to launch its more affordable R2 SUV in the first half of 2026, aiming to reach a broader market than its current R1 models. Production plans include manufacturing hundreds of thousands of R2 units annually, with a new factory in Georgia playing a significant role. Additionally, Rivian is set to expand its automated driving features, as highlighted during its recent Autonomy & AI Day event.
In recent years, Rivian has undergone several organizational changes. In June 2025, the company laid off approximately 140 employees, about 1% of its workforce, primarily from the manufacturing team, to enhance operational efficiency ahead of the R2 launch. This followed a 10% reduction in its salaried workforce in February 2024, driven by cost-cutting measures in a competitive EV market.
Leadership adjustments have also been notable. In November 2023, CEO RJ Scaringe assumed the role of chief product officer, overseeing all product development, a move deemed critical for the company’s next-generation platform. Further, in October 2025, Scaringe took on the interim position of chief marketing officer amid a restructuring that included laying off over 600 employees.
The EV industry has witnessed similar leadership transitions. In February 2025, Lucid Motors’ CEO Peter Rawlinson stepped down, with COO Marc Winterhoff appointed as interim CEO. Such changes underscore the dynamic nature of the sector as companies adapt to evolving market demands.
Rivian’s strategic shifts, including Marcario’s resignation and leadership realignments, reflect its commitment to navigating the competitive EV landscape. As the company prepares for the R2 SUV launch and other initiatives, these changes aim to position Rivian for sustained growth and innovation.
