Former Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario is stepping down from her position on Rivian's board of directors, effective January 1, to pursue other commitments. The electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer announced her departure in a recent stock exchange filing. Marcario, who joined the board in January 2021, will continue her crucial role as chair of the Rivian Foundation, overseeing its philanthropic initiatives. This move will reduce Rivian's board from eight to seven members.
Marcario brought extensive experience to Rivian, having served 12 years as an executive, eventually becoming CEO, at the outdoor apparel giant Patagonia. Her appointment to Rivian's board was particularly notable given CEO RJ Scaringe's stated ambition for Rivian to become "the Patagonia of EVs," signaling a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
While departing the main board, Marcario will maintain her leadership as chair of the Rivian Foundation's board of trustees. She serves alongside Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, Chief Sustainability Officer Anisa Kamadoli Costa, and renowned conservationist Ed M. Norton. The foundation, established just before Rivian's significant 2021 initial public offering (IPO), was endowed with 1% of the company's equity. Its core mission is to ensure "the natural world" remains a "stakeholder in [Rivian's] success."
After a quiet period following Rivian's post-IPO stock price fluctuations, the Rivian Foundation began actively distributing funds. It announced its first $10 million in grants in 2024 and has since publicized an additional $2.6 million in awards on its website this year.
A spokesperson for Rivian expressed gratitude for Marcario's contributions, stating, "We would like to thank her for her stewardship on the Rivian board over the past 5 years, and look forward to her continued leadership on the Rivian Foundation."
