NWTN Appoints New CEO to Drive Strategic Transformation

Rhea-AI Summary

NWTN Inc. (Nasdaq: NWTN) has appointed Benjamin Zhai as Executive Director of the Board and Global Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move marks the company's transformation from a NEV manufacturer to a global smart technology platform. Zhai brings over 30 years of global leadership experience across technology, mobility, and venture investment, with previous roles at major companies including NIO, Canoo, and Russell Reynolds.

Under Zhai's leadership, NWTN will implement a three-pillar strategy: 1) Expanding beyond NEVs into autonomous logistics, drones, and smart wearables, 2) Establishing the NWTN Smart Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi, and 3) Creating a "technology + manufacturing + capital" model leveraging UAE's strengths.

Positive

• Strategic transformation from NEV manufacturer to broader smart technology platform expands market opportunities
• Appointment of experienced CEO with 30+ years of global leadership in technology and mobility
• Establishment of Smart Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi enhances manufacturing capabilities
• Diversification into high-growth sectors including autonomous logistics, drones, and smart wearables

Negative

• Significant transformation may pose execution and integration risks
• Expansion beyond core NEV business could lead to resource dilution
• Heavy investment required for new manufacturing facilities and product development

News Market Reaction

+48.41%

1 alert

+48.41% News Effect

On the day this news was published, NWTN gained 48.41%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

DUBAI, UAE, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NWTN Inc. (Nasdaq: NWTN), a Dubai-headquartered Intelligent New Energy Vehicles (NEV) and smart technology company, announced the appointment of Mr. Benjamin Zhai as Executive Director of the Board and Global Chief Executive Officer.

This leadership change marks a milestone in NWTN's strategic evolution, transforming from a NEV manufacturer to a global smart technology platform, poised to revolutionize innovation and supply chain ecosystem.

The NWTN board announcement stated, "We are excited to have Mr. Zhai to lead the company's transformation and growth in the next phase. Mr. Zhai's deep experience and impressive track record in building and transforming technology companies is a perfect match for our group."

Mr. Zhai brings over three decades of global leadership experience across technology, mobility, and venture investment. He has worked extensively in Asia, Americas, Europe and Oceania, and has held senior roles at EDS (now HP), Kearney, Egon Zehnder, and Russell Reynolds, and played critical roles in several high-growth ventures such as NIO. He was former Chairman of NIO Global User Trust, CEO of Canoo (Go EV) China, CEO of Shenzhen Talent Group, Managing Partner of Russell Reynolds' Automotive Practice in Asia Pacific and Americas, Managing Partner of Egon Zehnder's Industrial Practice in Asia Pacific.

"NWTN is embarking on an exciting journey, fueled by AI, electrification, and new version of globalization," said Mr. Zhai. "With UAE as our global hub, we are committed to builing a platform combining smart manufacturing, agile supply chains, and industrial-digital finance."

Under Mr. Zhai's leadership, NWTN will implement a transformative three-pillar strategy:

• Global Smart Innovation – Expand product offerings beyond NEVs to include autonomous logistics systems, drones, and smart wearables and other smart devices.
• Advanced Manufacturing in UAE – Establish the NWTN Smart Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi, integrating R&D, vehicle assembly, and intelligent equipment production to enhance smart manufacturing capabilities.
• Industrial-Digital Finance Convergence – Leverage the UAE's strengths in industry policy, technology and talent, to create a "technology + manufacturing + capital" model.

"There is no better place than UAE to drive NWTN's transformation. We look forward to partnering with technology innovators and entrepreneurs around the world, and we are committed to making this world more intelligent, more connected and more integrated." Mr. Zhai concluded.

About NWTN

NWTN is a global innovator in smart EVs, green energy solutions, and autonomous driving technologies, headquartered in Dubai, UAE.

For Media Enquiries:
NWTN PR Team
Email: pr@nwtn.ae 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nwtn-appoints-new-ceo-to-drive-strategic-transformation-302457548.html

SOURCE NWTN Inc.

FAQ

Who is the new CEO of NWTN (NWTN) and what is his background?

Benjamin Zhai is NWTN's new CEO, bringing over 30 years of global leadership experience in technology, mobility, and venture investment. He previously held senior roles at NIO, Canoo, EDS, Kearney, and Russell Reynolds.

What are the three main pillars of NWTN's (NWTN) new transformation strategy?

NWTN's three-pillar strategy includes: 1) Global Smart Innovation expanding beyond NEVs, 2) Advanced Manufacturing in UAE through the Smart Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi, and 3) Industrial-Digital Finance Convergence combining technology, manufacturing, and capital.

How is NWTN (NWTN) planning to expand its product offerings?

NWTN plans to expand beyond NEVs to include autonomous logistics systems, drones, smart wearables, and other smart devices as part of its Global Smart Innovation strategy.

What is NWTN's (NWTN) manufacturing strategy in the UAE?

NWTN is establishing a Smart Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi that will integrate R&D, vehicle assembly, and intelligent equipment production to enhance smart manufacturing capabilities.