Roger Nielsen joins Proterra’s board of directors

Proterra announced the appointment of Roger Nielsen to the company’s board of directors effective March 2, 2022. The company also announced that Jochen Goetz will be stepping down from the company’s board effective March 2, 2022 so that he may focus on his other professional responsibilities. 

Roger Nielsen fills the vacancy on the Proterra board created by the departure of John F. Erhard of ArcLight Capital.  

“Having worked with the Proterra team during my time at Daimler, I’ve seen first-hand how Proterra is transforming commercial vehicles with industry-leading EV technology solutions. I’m looking forward to joining the company’s board of directors at this important moment for electrification as our journey towards zero-emissions transportation continues,” said Roger Nielsen. Proterra and Daimler indeed had announced their alliance at IAA Hanover in 2018. The outcome has been the launch of the electric school bus Jouley.

Roger Nielsen appointed to Proterra’s board of directors

The e-bus (and battery application) builder points out in a press note that «Roger Nielsen is a leader in commercial vehicle product development, having recently retired from Daimler Trucks, a global leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, after a 35-year career that included serving as President and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America. During his time at Daimler Trucks, Mr. Nielsen spearheaded the company’s significant advancements in the electrification of its heavy and medium duty trucks and school buses».

Roger Nielsen served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Daimler Trucks North America from April 2017 to April 2021, with responsibility for all aspects of Daimler Trucks North America and its affiliated companies in the Western Hemisphere, Australia and New Zealand. From May 2001 to April 2017, Mr. Nielsen served as Daimler Trucks North America’s Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for the company’s manufacturing network in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, as well as all levels of operations in quality, supplier management, logistics and application engineering.

Jochen Goetz leaves Proterra

Jochen Goetz leaves the Proterra board after four years of service and assisting the company in its transition to a public company.  “Proterra thanks Jochen for his invaluable contributions to our company over the past four years and wish him well with his future endeavors,” said Jack Allen, Chairman of Proterra’s board of directors. “We are delighted to add Roger’s extensive knowledge and experience as a leader in the commercial vehicle market to our company’s board. Roger’s strong track record of developing innovative products will support Proterra’s growth and mission as we work to deliver best-in-class technology solutions to electrify commercial vehicles.”