Westport Fuel Systems CEO steps down

Westport Fuel Systems Inc., a supplier of advanced alternative fuel systems and components for the transportation industry, announced this week that David Johnson, its CEO since 2019, has chosen to step down from this role as well as resign from the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Tony Guglielmin, who serves on the Board and is Chair of the Audit Committee, will act as interim CEO, with Bill Larkin, CFO, and Lance Follett, chief legal officer, taking on expanded roles during the transition period.

David Johnson

During his tenure with Westport, Johnson was charged with advancing the strategic focus of the company, including expansion of the usage of alternative fuel usage, such as hydrogen, in transportation. In addition to leading the company through the pandemic, he led the growth of the HPDI (High Pressure Direct Injection) 2.0 and LPG businesses, brought the H2 HPDI fuel system from an idea to reality with demonstrator trucks on the road today, Westport said, as well as introduced multiple H2 HPDI programs currently in various stages of testing and development. This progress led to the recently announced letter of intent to enter a joint venture with Volvo Group to further accelerate the adoption of Westport’s HPDI fuel system.

Dan Hancock, Board Chair of Westport Fuel Systems, thanked Johnson for his leadership on behalf of the Board, while adding that he remained confident in the future of the company. “We remain focused on creating a better world through innovative energy solutions. As we transition to Tony’s leadership, our priorities remain unchanged, and our team remains dedicated.”

Johnson echoed this, stating, “I truly believe in Westport’s vision and with the continued development of the H2 HPDI fuel system and the recently announced joint venture with Volvo, Westport is poised to dramatically advance transportation globally for the better. I will watch with interest as the team continues to meet its ambitious and important goals over the coming months and years.”

The Board has formed a search committee to conduct and oversee a search for the company’s next CEO. In the interim, Westport will continue to execute its current strategy, overseen by Guglielmin, a seasoned cleantech executive and long-time director of Westport.