Sreela Venkataratnam, once VP of Finance at Tesla, now strengthens Rivian as Chief Accounting Officer. With over 25 years of industry experience and a decade at Tesla, she brings extensive expertise in financial reporting, taxation, internal controls, and manufacturing controllership – a crucial asset for Rivian in a critical phase.
New Responsibilities at Rivian
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Financial Strategy and Compliance:
Venkataratnam takes charge of financial reporting, tax and trade matters, as well as the management of internal controls and compliance. -
Transformation and Controllership:
She will also be responsible for transformation in the financial sector and manufacturing controllership management, to further strengthen Rivian's strong financial foundation.
Looking Back at Her Tesla Career
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Long-standing Experience at Tesla:
At Tesla, Venkataratnam was instrumental in global expansion and efficiency improvements. Although she left the company in August 2024 – "definitely not for the fault of heart" – she leaves behind a strong legacy. -
Pioneer in the Financial World:
Her career began at Ernst & Young in Canada, before holding positions at Kleiner Perkins, Intuitive Surgical Inc., and Mercury Interactive Corp. Her extensive expertise makes her the ideal candidate to strengthen Rivian's financial stability.
Challenges and Future at Rivian
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Pivotal Moment:
Rivian celebrated a positive gross profit for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2024 – a milestone that Venkataratnam is now expected to support, while lower delivery numbers are forecasted for 2025. -
Financing Uncertainties:
The current uncertainty surrounding the $6 billion loan for the financing of the Georgia facility, due to measures by the current administration, poses additional challenges that Rivian must face.
Conclusion
The transition of Sreela Venkataratnam to Rivian marks a significant step in the company's financial realignment. With her extensive experience, particularly from her time at Tesla, she is well-equipped to strengthen Rivian's financial foundation and lead the company into a promising future.