Proterra, a provider of heavy-duty electric transportation, has announced that John Walsh has joined the company as senior vice president of sales. With nearly three decades of experience in the mobility industry and particular expertise in the heavy-duty vehicle sector, Walsh brings a track record of helping grow companies disrupting the transportation industry. Walsh will lead Proterra’s bus sales business, helping to continue the company’s success in the North American market.
“As more transit agencies and cities make the transition to battery-electric bus fleets, we are thrilled to have a seasoned industry executive leading our sales team,” said Proterra CCO Matt Horton. “John’s extensive knowledge of the heavy-duty and specialty vehicle industries, and his experience with innovative transportation technologies will be an asset as the electric bus market enters full maturity.”
Most recently, Walsh was president and chief operating officer of Davey Coach Sales, Inc., one of the leading dealers of new and used mid-sized buses and shuttles in North America. Prior to that, he served as president of the REV Group, one of the largest bus manufacturing groups in the United States. Walsh also vice president of sales and marketing at ARBOC Specialty Vehicles and CEO of VPG Autos, maker of the MV-1, the first purpose-built wheelchair-accessible car. Before that, Walsh spent more than two decades at National Bus Sales & Leasing, Inc. and served as president, where he grew National from a small school bus dealership to the largest bus dealership at the time.
“Electric buses are taking over the transit bus industry and Proterra is the company that is positioned best to succeed in the market with the only buses that are truly designed from the ground up to be battery-electric,” said Walsh. “I look forward to working with a great team as we continue to bring the best technology to transit agencies and a cleaner, quieter ride to the public.”
The electric bus market is growing as more cities continue to set ambitious goals to move fleets to 100-percent electric. Recently, the California Air Resources Board adopted the Innovative Clean Transit regulation, requiring state public transit agencies to transition to 100-percent zero-emission vehicles by 2040. With more than 90 customers throughout North America, Proterra has continued to see strong growth in the transit market. The company says Walsh’s leadership in this market strengthens its readiness to meet increasing demand for zero-emission buses.
