Zero-emission semi-truck manufacturer Nikola has announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Anastasiya Pasterick, who assumed the role earlier this year after succeeding Kim Brady. Pasterick is stepping down to “pursue other opportunities,” and her departure follows the trend of executive turnover at the company, as reported by Reuters.
Pasterick is expected to assist in the transition to the next CFO until December 1. Nikola intends to promptly identify a successor for the position. During this interim period, financial leaders will report directly to CEO Stephen Girsky.
Kim Brady, who had been with Nikola since 2020, played a key role in the company’s public listing in 2020 through a merger with a blank-check firm.
The recent departure of Pasterick adds to Nikola’s challenges in retaining top-level executives. Former CEO and founder Trevor Milton, found guilty of fraud and ordered to pay $165 million in damages last month, requested probation just days ago. Milton, indicted in 2021 for making misleading statements about Nikola’s Tre battery-electric semi, had left the company in 2020.
Stephen Girsky, who took over as CEO earlier this year, is Nikola’s fourth CEO in as many years. The company has faced potential delisting from the NASDAQ stock exchange this year due to a brief drop in its share prices below the minimum bid requirements.
In addition to its battery-electric semis, Nikola recently initiated the delivery of hydrogen fuel cell semi-trucks, securing non-binding orders from 23 customers. The executive reshuffling follows Nikola’s Q3 earnings report, revealing a larger-than-average loss due to sales suspension and recalls of all 209 battery-electric semis. The recall was prompted by coolant leaks causing fires in the battery packs.
Nikola continues to navigate a challenging landscape marked by leadership changes, legal issues, and operational setbacks as it strives to establish itself in the competitive zero-emission truck market.
