Behyad Jafari, the inaugural chief executive of the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), announced today that he will be stepping down from his role.
Former Polestar Australia managing director Samantha Johnson will assume the position of Interim CEO, the council revealed in a news release.
Jafari has led the EVC for the past eight years, a period marked by significant advancements in the Australian electric vehicle industry.
“I am hugely proud of the historic outcomes our members and our team of experts have achieved to support our mission of accelerating the electrification of Australian transport,” Jafari stated.
Jafari emphasised the importance of electric vehicles for a sustainable and prosperous Australia. He highlighted the passage of New Vehicle Efficiency Standards into law as a major milestone for the industry and a fitting moment for his departure.
“We now have an incredible team of leaders and experts at the EVC so I’m very comfortable leaving knowing the sector is in good hands,” he remarked.
Expressing gratitude to Samantha Johnson for stepping into the role, Jafari said, “I’m thrilled we have been able to attract a senior executive of Samantha’s experience and ability.”
He added, “Samantha is one of only a few executives with experience in launching an automotive brand in Australia.”
As Interim CEO, Johnson will work closely with the EVC team and its members to refresh the organization’s strategy and member value proposition, while also overseeing the recruitment of a permanent CEO.
Jafari will remain with the EVC as an Adviser, supporting Johnson during the transition until 31 July 2024.
