Scott Perry, who’s been with Ryder System for more than 25 years, has joined Nikola Motors as chief operating officer, where he will help bring the company's fuel-cell-electric Class 8 truck to market.

Perry most recently was chief technology and procurement officer for Ryder’s Fleet Management Solutions division, where among other things he was responsible for Ryder’s Advanced Vehicle Technology strategy team. He brings real-world trucking and technology expertise to Nikola. His career with Ryder spans more than two decades, with extensive experience in vehicle maintenance operations, carrier and transportation management and warehouse operations.

Less than a year ago, Ryder announced it would provide sales, service and warranty coverage for Nikola as the company looks to build a support network for its hydrogen fuel cell, electric-drive, Class 8 truck.

At the time, Perry noted that it was a similar strategy to what Ryder did when it introduced natural gas into its fleet six years earlier. Indeed, under Perry’s leadership, Ryder in recent years has positioned itself as a leader in testing and providing alternative fuel and drivetrain vehicles to its customers. Just in the past year, in addition to the Nikola deal, it was named the exclusive distributor of the new Chanje electric van, announced it will distribute Workhorse’s new electric delivery vehicles, and has been piloting a new hybrid tandem drive axle.

Perry has been with Ryder since 1990, when he started working for the company’s Integrated Logistics business while completing his undergraduate degree.

Nikola also announced that Kim Brady is joining its team as chief financial officer. Recently senior managing director with SOLIC Capital Advisors LLC, he brings over 20 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, and corporate restructuring.