METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Proterra names new chairman, CEO

Jack Allen will step into the role immediately, with Ryan Popple named co-founder and executive director.

March 24, 2020
Proterra names new chairman, CEO

 

2 min to read


Jack Allen

Proterra’s board appointed current Chairman Jack Allen as chairman and CEO. Ryan Popple, Proterra’s CEO since 2014, was named co-founder and executive director. Proterra began planning for this transition in January and the board voted earlier this month on Allen’s appointment.

Before joining Proterra as chairman in 2017, Allen spent more than 30 years at Navistar International, the global truck and bus company, where he most recently served as COO. As CEO, Allen will use his extensive operational experience to guide Proterra’s continuing growth, including scaling operations, and supply chain and manufacturing capability to meet growing demand for zero-emission vehicles. He will also continue Proterra’s legacy of delivering groundbreaking EV technology to the market.

Ad Loading...
Ryan Popple

Under Popple’s leadership, Proterra has grown from a few customers to more than 120 customers in North America. During his tenure, he introduced industry-leading battery technology, a new Catalyst vehicle platform, and heavy-duty charging systems. In 2017, Proterra broke the world record for the longest distance ever traveled by an electric vehicle on a single charge, traveling 1,101 miles. Today, Proterra has sold more than 900 electric transit buses and Proterra’s EV technology has been proven on the road with more than 11 million service miles to date.

Popple also led the introduction of Proterra’s EV platform into adjacent vehicle markets, including electric school buses, coach buses, and delivery truck chassis with industry-leading partners.

In his new role, he will focus his attention on Proterra’s innovative and industry-leading technology. He will report directly to Allen.

 

 

More Management

A tan, blue, and green graphic with text reading "Record Ridership: World Cup 2026."
Managementby Elora HaynesJune 18, 2026

FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide

See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.

Read More →
Zero-emissions bus with FLEETWATCH technology
ManagementJune 17, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets

In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.

Read More →
Six-Year Plan Boosts Virginia Transit, Rail Investments
Managementby StaffJune 17, 2026

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A color graphic with LIT's logo and text reading "Now Accepting 2027 Host City Proposals."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJune 17, 2026

Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit

The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Read More →
Group announcing BUSES Act
Motorcoachby StaffJune 16, 2026

Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program

Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 16, 2026

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades

Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An LA Metro D Line train in Union Station
Managementby StaffJune 16, 2026

D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System

Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.

Read More →
Manhattan Congestion Relief Zone Sees Traffic Reduction
Managementby StaffJune 15, 2026

Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone

NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.

Read More →
A user demonstrating Metrolink's contactless fare payment pilot.
Technologyby StaffJune 12, 2026

Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot

Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A BART train on the tracks.
Managementby StaffJune 12, 2026

California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels

The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.

Read More →