Slate Auto Appoints New CEO Ahead of Affordable Electric Truck Launch
In a strategic leadership shift, Slate Auto, the electric vehicle (EV) startup backed by Jeff Bezos, has appointed Peter Faricy as its new Chief Executive Officer. This change comes just months before the anticipated launch of the company’s affordable electric truck.
Leadership Transition
Peter Faricy, formerly the Vice President of Amazon Marketplace, assumed the CEO role on March 9, 2026. Prior to joining Slate Auto, Faricy served as an advisor at McKinsey and Bessemer Venture Partners. His extensive experience in e-commerce and strategic business development positions him well to lead Slate Auto through its next growth phase.
Christine Barman, the company’s inaugural CEO and a veteran of Chrysler, has transitioned to the role of President of Vehicles. Barman was instrumental in establishing Slate Auto, being the first hire when the company was still operating under the codename Re:Car within the Massachusetts-based manufacturing incubator, Re:Build Manufacturing.
Barman’s Continued Influence
Barman has been a prominent figure for Slate Auto since its public emergence in April 2025. She featured in numerous promotional materials, including a recent video where she hinted at an upcoming announcement regarding the pricing of the base electric truck model, scheduled for June. In her new capacity, Barman will focus on ensuring the timely and budget-conscious delivery of the truck, as stated by company spokesperson Jeff Jablansky.
Product and Pricing Strategy
Initially, Slate Auto promoted its electric truck with a starting price under $20,000, factoring in the federal EV tax credit. However, following the discontinuation of this tax credit by Congress and the Trump administration, the company has adjusted its pricing strategy. The base model is now expected to start in the mid-$20,000 range. Customers will have the option to customize their vehicles extensively, including converting the truck into an SUV for an additional cost.
Market Response and Preorders
The market has responded enthusiastically to Slate Auto’s offerings. The company has amassed approximately 160,000 refundable preorders for its electric truck. The next phase involves converting these preorders into confirmed vehicle orders, a process that Faricy will oversee as the new CEO.
Strategic Leadership Choice
The decision to appoint Faricy aligns with Slate Auto’s strategic direction. His background in building Amazon Marketplace is particularly relevant as the company prepares to scale its operations and enhance its market presence. Jablansky emphasized that Faricy’s experience is crucial for the company’s growth trajectory.
Integration of Amazon Alumni
The leadership change underscores the strong ties between Slate Auto and Amazon. Beyond Bezos’ financial backing, the company has several former Amazon executives in key positions. Diego Piacentini, a former Amazon executive, is among the investors. Jeff Wilke, Amazon’s former Consumer CEO, is a co-founder of Slate Auto. Additionally, leaders of Slate’s mobility, UX/UI, e-commerce, fleet sales, and HR teams have backgrounds at Amazon.
Conclusion
As Slate Auto approaches the launch of its affordable electric truck, the appointment of Peter Faricy as CEO marks a significant milestone. With a seasoned leadership team and a clear strategic vision, the company is poised to make a substantial impact in the electric vehicle market.
