General Motors has hired former Tesla and Google executive Jens Peter Clausen as its new head of global manufacturing and sustainability, according to a press release Tuesday. Clausen is replacing long-time employee Gerald Johnson, who is retiring after a 44-year career at the automaker.
At Tesla, Clausen led efforts to scale the production of the company's electric vehicle propulsion systems at its Gigafactory 1 in Sparks, Nevada. He also worked for Google as a vice president of engineering, where he worked on product development and process optimization for the tech company’s data centers.
“JP’s unique expertise in global manufacturing innovation, engineering, and operations will accelerate our ability to deliver on our vision for GM with the highest quality vehicles for our customers, said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “We are excited to welcome him to the team and know that his contributions will be instrumental to our future.”
Clausen is another high-profile employee to join GM from rival Tesla as the Detroit automaker pivots to EVs. In February, GM hired former Tesla executive Kurt Kelty to lead its EV battery program.
Johnson will stay with the automaker through the end of the year, working alongside Clausen to help ensure a smooth transition.
