Nikola appoints a President

Mr. Joseph S. Cappello as President of Nikola Energy, effective September 25, 2023.

Phoenix, United States- Nikola Corporation., a zero-emissions transportation and energy supply and infrastructure solutions, via its HYLA brand, is proud announce the appointment of Joseph S. Cappello as President of Nikola Energy, effective September 25, 2023.

As president of Nikola Energy, Cappello will be responsible for directing and developing the company's HYLA brand operations as well as infrastructure, supply strategy, trade, technology, and development to support Nikola's client base. His appearance coincides with the Class 8 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle's impending commercial introduction.

Cappello joins Nikola after a successful five-year employment with Iwatani Corporation of America (ICA), a U.S. affiliate of the renowned Japanese conglomerate Iwatani Corporation and a market pioneer in the delivery of LNG, LPG, and hydrogen. Cappello began his tenure with ICA in 2018 as Executive Advisor before taking the positions of Chairman and CEO in 2019.

Mr. Steve Girsky, Nikola President and CEO, said that,  Our company's vision and potential are highlighted by having an established energy executive of Joe's quality join Nikola as President of our Energy business. This also puts us on the right track to progress our hydrogen highway ambitions. "Energy management and infrastructure are fundamental to Nikola's business strategy, and Joe has first-hand experience building hydrogen stations, which is crucial as our hydrogen fuel cell trucks begin to travel in the next few weeks,"

Mr. Joseph S. Cappello, President of Nikola Energy said that, Nikola is poised to drastically lower diesel emissions from Class 8 vehicles, putting it at the forefront of transformational change in the global transportation sector. I'm excited to be a part of this firm and support its objective to innovate and decarbonize trucking by offering a superior value proposition.

ABOUT JOSEPH CAPPELLO
Joseph S. Cappello began his career as a Sell-side Chemical Analyst on Wall Street before joining Praxair, now Linde, where he held roles of increasing responsibility over a 15-year period.

His first corporate assignment at Praxair was leading investor relations, followed by operating roles managing the U.S. CO2 business, Global Helium business, and the Pipeline Services organization. He was then named VP, North America where he led the company’s Product Management Group, which included the largest merchant hydrogen portfolio in the U.S. Additionally, Joe piloted the business units responsible for the expansion of the company’s position throughout Asia Pacific as President of Praxair Asia, based in Shanghai.

Cappello then transitioned to the Private Equity sector, leading business units in two separate companies. His leadership played a significant role in the success of both organizations, including managing one of the largest off-road energy transportation and logistics businesses in the U.S.

In 2019, Cappello assumed the role of Chairman and CEO of Iwatani Corporation of America (ICA) and was subsequently named Senior Managing Officer of Iwatani Corporation. Under his guidance, ICA grew significantly through acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and transformative investments, resulting in the establishment of four new U.S. Business Platforms: Hydrogen, Specialty Gases, Helium, and Industrial Gases.

Cappello earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Montclair State University and a Master of Business Administration from New York University, Stern School of Business.