Javier Varela: Driving Operational Excellence at Rivian
In the fast-changing world of electric vehicles and global manufacturing, strong leadership is one of the most critical factors for success. Among the industry’s top executives, Javier Varela has earned a reputation as a highly accomplished operations leader with more than three decades of experience across the automotive sector. Currently serving as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Rivian, Varela is known for his ability to scale organizations, streamline production, and drive innovation while keeping operational efficiency at the core. His professional journey spans multiple continents and companies, from PSA Peugeot Citroën to Toyota-PSA (TPCA), to a significant tenure at Volvo Cars, before stepping into his current role at Rivian.
This article provides a detailed look at Javier Varela’s background, career achievements, leadership philosophy, and influence on the automotive industry.
Early Life and Education
Javier Varela was born in 1964. Originally from Spain, he developed an early interest in engineering and manufacturing. He pursued Industrial Engineering at the University of Vigo, equipping himself with the technical and analytical expertise that later became the backbone of his career. With a strong educational foundation, Varela quickly entered the automotive industry, beginning a career that would take him across Europe and Latin America before positioning him as one of the leading global operations executives.
Career Path in the Automotive Industry
PSA Peugeot Citroën
Javier Varela spent over seven years at PSA Peugeot Citroën, where he held several leadership roles. Between 2007 and 2014, he worked in both Europe and Latin America, gaining experience across industrial operations.
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Industrial Director (2007 – 2010)
Varela managed operations in Argentina, overseeing two manufacturing plants located in Palomar and Jeppener. His responsibility was not only to ensure efficiency but also to improve productivity in highly competitive markets. -
President & CEO, PSA Argentina (2010 – 2011)
His strong performance earned him the top leadership position in Argentina. He was tasked with leading industrial strategy while balancing market dynamics in a fast-developing region. -
Director of the Sochaux Plant, France (2011 – 2014)
Varela returned to Europe to lead PSA’s large Sochaux facility in France, one of the company’s most important plants. His role focused on managing large-scale operations and adapting production systems to evolving industry standards.
Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile Czech (TPCA)
In 2014, Varela became Executive Vice President of TPCA, the joint venture between Toyota and PSA in the Czech Republic. His leadership during this time involved managing cross-cultural teams, optimizing supply chains, and overseeing manufacturing processes in a complex joint-venture environment. His success at TPCA showcased his ability to adapt to multinational structures and align diverse corporate goals.
Volvo Cars
Perhaps the most transformative chapter of Javier Varela’s career came during his time at Volvo Cars, which lasted nearly eight years.
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Senior Vice President, Manufacturing & Logistics (2016 – 2020)
Varela joined Volvo Cars in Gothenburg, Sweden, where he managed global manufacturing and logistics. His responsibilities included leading industrial strategy and ensuring smooth supply chain management during a period of rapid growth for Volvo. -
Senior Vice President, Industrial Operations & Quality (2020 – 2021)
Promoted to oversee a broader scope, he was in charge of procurement, manufacturing, and supply chain, ensuring global quality standards and operational efficiency. -
COO / Head of Engineering & Operations (2021 – 2022)
His leadership extended into research and development, procurement, supply chain, and engineering operations. -
Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO (2022 – 2024)
Varela became one of the most senior leaders at Volvo Cars, reporting directly to the CEO. In this role, he influenced not only operational decisions but also corporate strategy, contributing to Volvo’s transition into electrification and sustainability initiatives.
His tenure at Volvo strengthened his reputation as an executive capable of steering large organizations through periods of significant change.
Leadership at Rivian
Appointment as COO
In August 2024, Javier Varela joined Rivian as Chief Operations Officer. Rivian, a leading electric vehicle startup based in California, has been working to scale production and introduce new models to the market. Varela’s appointment was a strategic move, replacing Frank Klein, and signaling Rivian’s intent to strengthen its manufacturing and operational framework.
Responsibilities at Rivian
At Rivian, Varela oversees:
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Manufacturing and assembly operations
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Procurement and supply chain functions
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Logistics and distribution networks
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Quality assurance across production lines
His role is critical as Rivian prepares to bring its R2 midsize SUV platform into mass production while maintaining efficiency in its flagship R1T trucks and R1S SUVs.
Other Professional Affiliations
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Javier Varela is engaged in advisory and board roles:
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Board Member at Barnes (2025 – Present)
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Advisory Board Member at Zero100 (since 2022)
These roles highlight his influence in the broader manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem, where his insights help guide strategic decisions.
Personal Life
While Javier Varela is widely recognized for his professional contributions, he maintains a private personal life. Public information about his wife or children is not available, reflecting his preference to keep family matters outside of the media spotlight. What is known is that he values balance, discretion, and professionalism, focusing public attention on his achievements and leadership.
Age and Industry Experience
As of 2025, Javier Varela is 61 years old and has built more than 30 years of expertise in the automotive sector. His experience spans multiple regions including Latin America, Europe, and North America. This global exposure has shaped him into a leader who understands diverse market dynamics and cultural approaches to manufacturing and operations.
Leadership Philosophy
Javier Varela’s leadership philosophy is rooted in efficiency, innovation, and collaboration. He is known for:
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Driving operational excellence through industrial strategy.
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Building resilient supply chains capable of withstanding global challenges.
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Advocating for sustainable and electrified mobility, aligning with the industry’s shift toward green energy.
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Leading with discipline and adaptability, qualities essential in both established corporations and fast-moving startups.
Impact on the Automotive Industry
Varela’s influence extends beyond the companies he has worked for. His ability to modernize operations and deliver results during transformative periods has positioned him as a role model in the automotive world. His leadership at Rivian comes at a time when electric vehicle manufacturers face intense competition, supply chain challenges, and the demand for innovation. With his background at Volvo, PSA, and Toyota-PSA, he brings the expertise required to balance production scale with quality and long-term strategy.
Conclusion
Javier Varela stands as a distinguished figure in the automotive industry. From his beginnings in Argentina and France with PSA, through his executive leadership at Volvo Cars, and now as COO of Rivian, he has demonstrated consistent excellence in manufacturing and operations. His leadership has proven vital in periods of transformation, whether it was guiding Volvo through its electrification journey or now helping Rivian scale production in the competitive EV market.
At 61, Varela combines decades of experience with a forward-looking vision that makes him an invaluable asset to Rivian and the broader automotive industry. His story reflects not only professional success but also the importance of strong leadership in shaping the future of mobility.
