Nikola Corp., a designer and manufacturer of zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen-electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems, and hydrogen station infrastructure, has appointed Mary L. Petrovich as a new independent director and has expanded Pablo Koziner’s role within the Nikola executive leadership team.
Petrovich is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur with a passion for disruptive technologies and leading innovation. Over the past 30 years, Petrovich has engineered three successful private equity turnarounds and guided start-up ventures. She is currently the chairman of the board of two private companies: DealerShop, North America’slargest buying group for dealerships and collision centers, and Traxen, a software developer focused on devising the most useful combination of technologies to promote safe driving and more efficient fuel use for the heavy-duty trucking industry.
Most recently, she served as executive chairman of AxleTech, where she helped shape the company’s electric vehicle strategy for the truck and bus markets, positioning it as a technology leader. She also previously held the position of president of Dura Automotive’s driver controls unit and served in various roles with increasing responsibility at AlliedSignal, Chrysler and General Motors.
“Mary will be a real asset to Nikola’s board,” said Steve Girsky, chairman of Nikola’s Board of Directors. “Her transformative experience in automotive, and trucking specifically, parallels nicely with Nikola’s needs. We are confident that Mary’s valuable perspective and insights will help the Board and management team execute on its strategic and business priorities.”
“I am pleased to join the Nikola Board of Directors,” said Petrovich. “I believe in the company’s mission that combines zero-emission commercial trucking with an innovative energy infrastructure. This company has a great future ahead. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and management to meet Nikola’s milestones while creating shareholder value.”
Pablo Koziner Promoted to President, Energy and Commercial Division
In June 2020, Koziner joined Nikola as president, Nikola Energy to oversee Nikola’s hydrogen fueling and battery charging initiatives focusing on delivering and maintaining the energy infrastructure required to support Nikola’s battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicle programs. Koziner’s role has now expanded to include the commercial vehicle business and was recently named as president, Energy and Commercial. Within this new capacity, Koziner will maintain his energy responsibilities and lead vehicle business development, dealer development and administration, vehicle sales warranty and service.
As a 19-year veteran of Caterpillar, Koziner most recently served as vice president of CAT Electric Power and as president of Solar Turbines Incorporated (a Caterpillar Company).
Prior to joining Caterpillar, Koziner practiced commercial law at Hunton & Williams LLP (now Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP) and later at Paul Hastings LLP. Koziner is a graduate of Boston College and earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Boston College Law School.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to provide leadership to two critical parts of the Nikola business—the commercial operations and the energy business,” said Koziner. “I look forward to continuing to work with the great teams within Nikola and with our industry partners to execute on our stated initiatives and deliver value to our customers, shareholders and the communities that we serve.”
