Apple veteran DJ Novotney (DJ Novotney), who pioneered the development of home devices and helped launch the development of the electric car, announced to colleagues that he was leaving the company. According to the source, Novotny will assume the position of vice president of automotive programs at Rivian, which makes electric SUVs and pickup trucks, and will report directly to Rivian CEO Robert Scaringe (RJ Scaringe).

“Great products are what we do best, and I’m so lucky to be part of great teams developing iPod, iPhone, iPad, Watch and more. “Apple has been my life, but now it’s time for me to step up and help bring new products to life.”– he said in a message to his colleagues at Apple.

DJ Novotny worked at Apple for almost 25 years. According to the source, he played a key role in the development of several generations of the iPod and iPhone, and was also involved in the creation of the iPad and helped bring the Apple Watch to market. Nearly a decade ago, Novotny became one of the leaders who initiated the development of Apple’s first electric car. In the reorganization of the automobile project, which took place after a series of failures, Novotny was appointed head of the unit that develops devices for the home, including in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. One such device should be the new HomePod smart speaker equipped with a screen and robotic manipulator.

Novotny will start working at Rivian on Monday, according to the source. He will be one of about a dozen vice presidents and will lead product management and engineering. Official representatives of Apple and Rivian have not yet commented on this issue.