BYD America Expands Leadership Team in Los Angeles

May 30, 2016
BYD has announced the promotions of several executives, effective immediately to expand the leadership team at its downtown Los Angeles headquarters.

BYD has announced the promotions of several executives, effective immediately to expand the leadership team at its downtown Los Angeles headquarters.

BYD America President Stella Li has appointed Macy Neshati to Senior Vice President of BYD’s newly created B2B division, which will focus on developing and delivering BYD’s advanced battery electric vehicle technologies to business customers. In this new role, Neshati will oversee the company’s quickly growing Fleet, Coach and Bus, and Materials Handling units. Neshati will report directly to Li. Neshati previously lead the company’s Coach and Bus unit, which was responsible for a significant portion of BYD’s revenue growth in North America.

Vice President Micheal Austin has been appointed to lead BYD America’s booming Energy Storage business. Energy storage will become a key focal point for BYD’s growth in North America as utilities and independent power producers continue the trend of turning to clean power for generation. Austin will report directly to BYD America President Stella Li.

Brendan Riley has been appointed to the role of vice president of BYD’s newly created Materials Handling division, which will include technology applications including electric forklifts, taxis and car sharing. Riley formerly focused on growing the company’s promising electric trucks division. Riley will report directly to Macy Neshati under the B2B division.

Additionally, Andy Swanton, has been appointed to lead the company’s newly created Fleet division, which will include BYD electric trucks – a division poised for significant growth particularly in California. Swanton will report directly to Macy Neshati under the B2B division.

Zach Kahn has been promoted to BYD’s newly created role of government affairs director, and will lead BYD’s engagement at the federal, state, and local levels. Kahn previously worked in the company’s Coach and Bus division, and will continue to report to Macy Neshati.