Edward Hightower

Edward Hightower is an automotive EV executive, CEO, and founder of Motoring Ventures LLC, an advisory firm focused on strategy, growth, and operations in the global automotive industry. He previously served as CEO and president of Lordstown Motors, where he led a major operational turnaround and oversaw the development, launch, and delivery of the Endurance all-electric pickup. Under his leadership, the company saved over 700 jobs and became one of the few new EV manufacturers—alongside Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid—to bring a vehicle from concept to market. He was also recognized as the first African American CEO of a publicly traded automaker. Earlier in his career, Hightower held senior leadership roles across product development, engineering, and brand strategy at Ford, BMW, and General Motors, including leading GM’s $20 billion global crossover business and driving record performance for BMW’s 5 Series portfolio. He has also worked as a strategy and operations consultant at AlixPartners and brings extensive international experience across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.Hightower currently serves on the board of Blue Bird, where he chairs the Technology and AI subcommittee, and has held additional board roles across public, private, and nonprofit organizations. He is also the author of Motoring Africa: Sustainable Automotive Industrialization, presenting a roadmap for developing automotive industries across Africa, and had the honor of presenting the work at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A Chicago native, Hightower earned his engineering degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the University of Michigan. He remains actively engaged as a mentor and advisor, and is a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Council on Foreign Relations. Hightower is also an Eagle Scout, he previously served on the executive board of the Michigan Council of the Boy Scouts of America and is a recipient of the National Outstanding Eagle Scout award. He is also a 6th degree Master Black Belt and Sensei in Isshinryu karate, and lives with his family in Metro Detroit.