Splend appoints ex-EVC CEO Behyad Jafari as Chief Growth Officer

Splend, a major player in Australia's electric vehicle (EV) sector, has announced the appointment of Behyad Jafari as Chief Growth Officer. Jafari, who formerly helmed the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) as CEO for eight years, brings extensive experience in driving EV adoption and implementing key initiatives within the industry.

Chris King, CEO of Splend, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment. "We are thrilled to welcome Behyad to our leadership team. His unparalleled expertise in the EV sector and ability to drive change through complex stakeholder engagements will be instrumental in taking Splend to the next level. Behyad's appointment is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the transportation industry," said King.

In his new role, Jafari will be responsible for medium and long-term strategic growth initiatives at Splend. He is set to work closely with stakeholders across various sectors, including infrastructure, government bodies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and platform partners. His involvement comes at a crucial time as Splend continues to expand its footprint within the EV market.

"I am excited to join Splend at this pivotal moment in the transportation sector's evolution. Splend's innovative approach to fundamentally change how people own and operate an EV and its commitment to sustainability align perfectly with my vision for the future of mobility. I look forward to leveraging my experience to further enhance Splend's EV leadership and drive growth to the next level in this rapidly changing market," stated Jafari.

During his tenure at the Electric Vehicle Council, Jafari played a significant role in advancing Australia's EV industry. He led campaigns for New Vehicle Efficiency standards and worked on various projects aimed at fostering the adoption of electric vehicles across the country. His leadership has been credited with facilitating numerous advancements within the sector.

Jafari's appointment follows a period of notable recognition for Splend. The company was recently ranked as one of the top 10 medium-sized businesses in The Australian's Best Places to Work 2024 awards. In addition, Splend received commendation for being an exemplary workplace for disabled employees, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and employee welfare.

With the evolving landscape of the transportation industry increasingly leaning towards sustainable and green mobility solutions, Splend's leadership views this strategic hire as key to its long-term growth and success.

By bringing in a leader with Jafari's experience and vision, Splend aims to further solidify its position in the market and enhance its commitment to reducing carbon footprints through the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. His role will likely involve steering the company's future projects that aim to meet growing consumer and regulatory demands for sustainable transport solutions.

The appointment is seen as a strategic move designed to bolster Splend's growth trajectory and reinforce its standing as a leader in the EV space, not just in Australia but potentially in other markets as well.

As EV technology and infrastructure continue to develop, companies like Splend are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation. With Behyad Jafari joining the team, Splend appears well-positioned to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the quest for a more sustainable and innovative transportation ecosystem.