IRVINE, CA — Preparing to launch its truck and SUV, electric vehicle startup Rivian has hired former Freuds MD Nick Mulholland to lead its growing communications function.

As a VP, Mulholland is charged with building out a global communications team for Rivian, which is backed by Amazon and Ford, in advance of its premiere vehicles hitting the market later this year. The company is also eyeing international expansion.

Mulholland brings experience from serving in previous leadership positions, which included spending more than a decade as managing director of Freuds in London. Most recently, he was CEO of global beauty startup Vernon François.

“Joining this team in a year of such seismic growth is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help bring the Rivian mission to life. Our goal is to create desirable transportation and energy products with the consumer and planet in mind. We aim to create solutions that inspire other companies to fundamentally change the way we all operate. It’s an outstanding adventure for any communications professional,” Mulholland said.

Other Rivian comms leaders include Amy Mast, who has been promoted from PR director to director of corporate comms. She is responsible for work around Rivian’s corporate, sustainability, and technology, as well as the 100,000 electric delivery vans Amazon has ordered from the company.

Andy Bowman, an eight-year veteran of Apple’s comms function, has joined Rivian as director of consumer communications. He will lead communications around vehicles, retail and lifestyle, as well as motorsports and adventure projects.   The company is in the process of recruiting more than 10 additional people to work in PR.

“We are looking for communications professionals who constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. Curious individuals who seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown,” Mulholland said. “As a group our backgrounds are diverse, but we share a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.”