Britishvolt announces management changes
Britishvolt has announced changes to its management team, with Founder and Chief Executive Orral Nadjari stepping down from the business.
Dr Graham Hoare OBE has been appointed as acting CEO having served as Britishvolt’s Deputy CEO/President Global Operations.
Dr Hoare is also Chair of the UK Automotive Council, and will utilise his 20+ year experience of delivering innovation, transformation, and change management in the automotive industry to lead the company as it reaches the next level of growth.
Following confirmation of UK Government support from its Advanced Propulsion Centre Automotive Transformation Fund, these announcements position the company for continued excellence as it rapidly moves towards full operational execution.
In line with plans, its first cell samples will be sent to customers this summer; testing indicates these will surpass quality and performance expectations.
Orral Nadjari, Founder of Britishvolt, said: “I am extremely proud of what Britishvolt has achieved since the business was founded in 2019, exceeding all expectations and bringing my vision to life. My vision was only possible because of all of the foresight of UK Government in creating a world-class battery cell ecosystem. In less than three years, we have created an enduring and sustainable organisation and remain focused to hit our mid-decade strategy of Phase One production at our UK Gigaplant.
“Although it was a difficult decision for me to step away from the operational management of the company, now is the right time for me to pass the reins, after laying the foundations, to our hugely talented, world-leading team, who will drive the business forwards as it enters the execution phase. They have my complete trust to take Britishvolt to the next level.”
Peter Rolton, Executive Chairman, Britishvolt, added: “On behalf of the Britishvolt board of directors, I want to thank Orral for his contribution to the company as our founder and CEO. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring that Britishvolt has reached the point today where we can look with great confidence to a highly successful future.”
Dr Graham Hoare OBE, Acting CEO, commented: “I express my thanks to Orral for his leadership during the embryonic stages of this amazing company. Orral provided powerful insights, and a tenacious approach, that ensured the early ideas for the company were brought to fruition. I thank him for his huge commitment, energy and contributions. I’m honoured to take the company forward, in the next chapter of our growth and industrialisation.”
Isobel Sheldon OBE, Chief Strategy Officer, Britishvolt: “I would like to personally thank Orral for building a world class team that are passionate about providing clean energy battery storage solutions as the world transitions to net zero. He has given us the vision and belief in ourselves to deliver the next chapter of the exciting Britishvolt story.”
Joe Bakaj, Executive Vice Chairman, Britishvolt: “Orral’s energy and passion for results has been a driving force for Britishvolt since the company’s inception in 2019. It is because of Orral’s vision and spirit that we have got to where we are, as a team, and it is that team that will accelerate the business to the next level. I wish Orral every success in the future.”
Britishvolt’s gigafactory will produce enough batteries for over 300,000 electric vehicles each year, significantly supporting the UK automotive industry’s transition to a zero emissions future and increased production of EVs. The project is set to create 3,000 direct highly-skilled jobs and another 5,000 indirect jobs in the wider supply chain.
Image courtesy of Britishvolt.
