Heavy-duty electric transportation manufacturer, Proterra, announced that John Walsh has joined the company as sr. VP of sales. With nearly three decades of experience in the mobility industry and particular expertise in the heavy-duty vehicle sector, Walsh brings a track record of helping grow companies disrupting the transportation industry. Walsh will lead Proterra’s bus sales business, helping to continue the company’s success in the North American market.

Most recently, Walsh was president/COO of Davey Coach Sales Inc., one of the leading dealers of new and used mid-sized buses and shuttles in North America. Prior to that, he served as president of the REV Group, one of the largest bus manufacturing groups in the U.S. Walsh was also VP of sales and marketing at ARBOC Specialty Vehicles and CEO of VPG Autos, maker of the MV-1, the first purpose-built wheelchair-accessible car. Before that, Walsh spent more than two decades at National Bus Sales & Leasing Inc. and served as president, where he grew National from a small school bus dealership to the largest bus dealership at the time.

The electric bus market is growing as more cities continue to set ambitious goals to move fleets to 100% electric. Recently, the California Air Resources Board adopted the Innovative Clean Transit regulation, requiring state public transit agencies to transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2040. With more than 90 customers throughout North America, Proterra has continued to see strong growth in the transit market. Walsh’s leadership in this market strengthens Proterra’s readiness to meet increasing demand for zero-emission buses, according to the company.