Nikola Corporation appoints Michael Lohscheller as next CEO
Nikola Corporation has announced that Nikola Corporation CEO and Chairman Mark Russell will retire effective January 1, 2023. The company has named current Nikola Motor Chairman Michael Lohscheller as his successor.
Lohscheller will assume the title of Chairman of Russell and will join Nikola’s Board of Directors effective immediately and will become CEO of Russell upon retirement.
Russell will remain a member of the board of directors.
Lohscheller joined as Chairman of Nikola Motor in February 2022.
Prior to Nikola, he was CEO of Opel, where he led the company to sustainable profitability and oversaw its transformation into a leading brand of electrified cars. He also served as Global CEO of VinFast.
Nikola is a designer and manufacturer of zero-emission hydrogen and battery electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems and hydrogen station infrastructure.
“I am honored and delighted to succeed Mark as the next CEO of Nikola as we move forward in our journey as a pioneer in zero-emission transportation and infrastructure solutions,” Lohscheller said. “We have a robust business model, a talented global team, cutting-edge electric vehicle technology and energy solutions. We are well positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities available to us and accelerate our strategic initiatives.
Steve Girsky, Chairman of Nikola’s Board of Directors, added, “The selection of Michael Lohscheller represents the completion of a thoughtful succession planning process by the Board of Directors. With over 20 years in the automotive industry, Michael has extensive experience as a seasoned executive and as a highly skilled commercial operator. In his six months since joining our company, Michael has continued to bring a heightened sense of urgency, high level of responsibility, improved lines of communication and accelerated decision-making to Nikola Motor. We believe that the same standard of excellence and operational and commercial expertise will benefit the company’s vision for vehicle and energy infrastructure.”
Russell comments, “I couldn’t be prouder of this team and all that we’ve accomplished and the milestones we’ve reached so far. I am confident that under Michael’s leadership, we will continue to show how to decarbonize heavy commercial transportation and help the world create the energy ecosystem of the future.”
Founded in 2015, Nikola Corporation is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
To read our interview with Michael Lohscheller, click on the link.
