Westport Fuel Systems Inc., a supplier of advanced alternative fuel systems and components for the global transportation industry, has announced David Johnson has decided to step down as CEO and will resign from the company's board, effective immediately. Tony Guglielmin, who serves on the Westport board and as chair of the audit committee, will act as interim CEO until such time that a replacement is identified. Bill Larkin, Westport's chief financial officer and Lance Follett, chief legal officer, will both take on on expanded roles during the transition period.
Johnson joined Westport in 2019 and during his tenure was charged with advancing the strategic focus of the company, including expansion of alternative fuel usage in transportation, including hydrogen. In addition to leading the company through the challenges of the pandemic, he led the growth of the HPDI 2.0 and LPG businesses, brought the H2 HPDI fuel system from an idea to reality with demonstrator trucks on the road today 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 to further accelerate the adoption of Westport's HPDI fuel system.
Westport's board has formed a 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.
