Marking another major step forward for the startup electric vehicle maker, Tesla Motors has announced the hiring of a former Audi sales exec and the former communications head of YouTube. The news follows quickly on the heels of Tesla’s headquarters move from Can Carlos, California to Palo Alto.
John Walker, Audi’s former general manager of sales, will take over as Tesla’s vice president of North American sales. Walker, 46, spent time with Audi’s Australian and Canadian divisions, and has also worked for General Motors and BMW . Walker will take up his new post immediately.
Additionally, Tesla has named Ricardo Reyes vice president of communications. Reyes, 35, started his career in Washington working in public policy and communications, and most recently held the position of global communications and public affairs chief at Google-owned YouTube. Reyes will start with Tesla later this month.
Tesla, maker of the $109,000 Roadster, reached profitability in June and most recently landed a $465 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy that will help the EV maker produce its Model S electric sedan.
