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At Rivian, JP Shih’s mission is aligned with the electric car manufacturer’s broader purpose: building products for future generations in the right way, for the right reason. Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe had made the importance of creating vehicles and technology, not just for today’s consumers, but those consumers’ children and grandchildren, a defining characteristic of his company. It’s a mission and vision that Shih, as associate general counsel, privacy and cybersecurity, is passionate about serving.
Shih describes his role at Rivian Automotive as a “data steward” for the organization, ensuring the EV manufacturer uses data responsibly to support its mission and building trust with consumers. The AGC serves as the legal architect for a data strategy that prioritizes transparency, consumer choice, and long-term trust.
Shih is acutely aware of the unique challenges posed by software-defined vehicles, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more deeply integrated into automotive systems. That’s why the attorney sees responsible data governance as much more than a compliance exercise—it’s central to Rivian’s identity and to the future of mobility.
“We’ve all seen tech companies that handle data in a way that may not be best for consumers,” Shih explains. “We take consumer trust incredibly seriously here. Our success depends on the trust that we build with the people that operate our vehicles. Whether you’re fording two feet of water, riding over sand dunes, going to national parks, or just dropping off your kids, I think our customers know that their vehicle was built by people who really care. It was built with intent by people that love transportation, sustainability, and are trying to do their part for future generations.”
If you’re not familiar with Rivian, you will be soon. The company’s expansion includes a landmark joint venture with Volkswagen, which is investing $5.8 billion to co-develop software and electrical hardware technologies for future electric vehicles. That has broadened Shih’s focus to include the global scaling of data governance, leading efforts to anticipate regulatory and ethical challenges, especially as AI-driven features are deployed in vehicles where safety and reliability are paramount.
The AGC is committed to ensuring that Rivian’s approach to AI is deliberate, thoughtful, and always prioritizes the well-being of users and society at large. Within Rivian, JP is widely respected not only for his deep legal expertise, but also his integrity and leadership. His colleagues describe him as someone who consistently stands up for what is right, brings people together, and leads by example. He’s a true coach that others, not just his team, naturally look to for guidance.
If there’s one feeling that’s immediately identifiable when speaking with Shih, it’s passion. He speaks often of the importance of empathy, humility, and listening, qualities he attributes to his Midwestern roots. His passion for making a difference in people’s lives has included supporting creative teams at Electronic Arts, particularly the Maxis studio behind The Sims and SimCity. The attorney remembers seeing a message from a user, thanking the studio for their continued updating of the game to include those who think or act differently.
“I remember one message from a teenager who said that she didn’t feel accepted at school, that she was made fun of, but that she was able to express herself through the game,” Shih says. “It helped her feel seen and heard. That’s where I really appreciated how I could help make people’s lives better through my work in the corporate sector, and I just kept looking for bigger and bigger ways to do it.”
Shih spent six years at Meta and Google prior to coming to Rivian, rounding out a status as a tech lawyer’s tech lawyer. In those roles, Shih says he worked hard to bring out the best in the organizations he was serving, balancing business objectives with societal good, striving to shape technology in ways that benefitted users.
“We take consumer trust incredibly seriously here. Our success depends on the trust that we build with the people that operate our vehicles.”
JP Shih
He grappled with the immense reach and influence of technology platforms. At Facebook, Shih was drawn to how the platform fosters communities and connections that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. At Google, he engaged with the company’s mission to organize the world’s data and promote the search for truth.
“I was looking for a more focused mission,” the AGC explains of his decision to come to Rivian. Shih is living that mission. At the time of speaking with us, the lawyer’s family had just returned from a camping trip. It highlighted what’s truly important in life.
“I’ve been at many tech companies, but being in the woods and just soaking up the silence is so important,” Shih says. “It gives you time to make sure you’re doing what you’re doing for the right reasons. It’s a time to reflect and a time to be grateful. And that reminded me of why I’m so happy to be where I am right now.”
JP Shih believes in Rivian’s mission, and he wants to be part of creating a better future for his children, and their children. He’s willing to grapple with the complex issues at the intersection of transportation, technology, and safety, precisely because he knows what can be accomplished when people and their safety are prioritized.
“JP delivers tremendous value to Rivian through his intelligence, work ethic, and sound judgment on cutting-edge legal and technology issues. I expect him to continue excelling in future leadership roles.”
–Jeffrey Stefan, Partner
