Driving the Future: Rivian’s Gerard Dwyer on Smarter Systems and Bold Innovation

Guest Introduction Gerard Dwyer serves as the Chief Information Officer at Rivian, a pioneering electric vehicle company reshaping automotive technology. With a global background that spans from Ireland to Silicon Valley, Gerard’s career journey includes executive roles at Google, Waymo, and Swisscom, as well as impactful work in South Africa during a post-apartheid transformation. At Rivian, he oversees a complex landscape of IT systems, digital innovation, and AI integration across manufacturing, commercial technology, and enterprise operations. Gerard’s blend of technical depth, strategic insight, and international experience positions him as one of the most versatile and forward-thinking CIOs in the industry today. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn How Rivian is scaling its electric vehicle production and brand reach Why the software-defined vehicle is reshaping consumer expectations The real-world impact of Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving How Gerard’s international journey shaped his leadership perspective The importance of taking professional risks early in your career Why mentorship and curiosity play a critical role in long-term success Rivian’s unique approach to charging infrastructure and battery innovation What the Volkswagen partnership means for Rivian’s future In This Episode Gerard shares Rivian’s bold mission to make EVs not only environmentally responsible but fun, adventurous, and accessible. He details how Rivian is expanding its product line with the R2 and R3 models while preparing to open a new, fully optimized manufacturing plant in Georgia. Gerard also explains how Rivian is approaching autonomous driving, emphasizing the company’s robust sensor suite and AI capabilities. The conversation covers how AI is transforming everything from logistics to contract negotiations, reflecting Rivian’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation. Gerard’s own journey is equally inspiring. From his humble beginnings in rural Ireland to executive roles across global markets, he emphasizes the value of staying curious, seizing opportunities, and embracing the unknown. Whether it was moving to South Africa on 24 hours’ notice or taking on the CFO role at Waymo without prior equity experience, Gerard’s story illustrates the power of resilience and adaptability. He also offers timely advice to young professionals navigating today’s rapidly shifting landscape. Rather than waiting for perfect qualifications, Gerard encourages people to act, learn on the go, and prioritize cultural fit and enthusiasm. His experience managing diverse teams and building high-performance systems at Rivian offers valuable insights for any leader working at the intersection of technology and business strategy.