SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Graphite producer and battery anode material developer Volt Resources Limited (ASX: VRC) announced the appointment of Prashant S. Chintawar to the role of Chief Executive Officer as of 1 January 2023.

Prashant joined Volt on 1 September 2022, having led the US industrialisation strategy for a top ten global EV and ESS battery producer, as well as previously serving as Director, Global Business Development & Sales for leading global chemical company BASF.

Since joining Volt, he has quickly displayed a very high level of proficiency in his key objectives. These include the development of the Company’s rapidly scaling downstream business, assessment of Battery Anode Material business activities in the US and Europe, organisation structure, development plans, and planning for small scale, and producer level, Battery Anode Material facilities.

While mining and processing of raw materials is the foundation of the Company, Volt anticipates significantly greater future value creation will be derived from the manufacturing of graphite based battery materials within the US and European markets. In line with this view, the promotion of US-based Prashant marks a key milestone in the work we have done in positioning Volt to become a benchmark-setting Company in this industry.

Over the last 18-24 months, Volt has pursued a strategy designed to capitalise upon the vast, and rapidly growing, opportunity in becoming a leading integrated supplier of natural graphite anode material to the battery industry.

Managing Director, Trevor Matthews, who has been a driving force of Volt for six years and was instrumental in the success of the downstream initiatives will transition to Executive Director – Finance and Commercial as of 1 Jan 2023 and continue to work closely with the Volt team.

Chief Operating Officer, Justine MacDonald, who joined Volt in 2021 after 22 years in the African mining industry working across resource geology, project management and business improvement, will take on a greater role in the operation and advancement of the Company’s graphite assets.

Non-Executive Chairman, Asimwe Kabunga said: “Since joining Volt, Prashant’s high-level industry experience, and deep industry networks, have shone through in the work he has done and the projects he has underway. We are thrilled that he has now accepted the role of CEO for Volt and believe that having such highly qualified Company leadership located at the geographic heart of the market opportunity is a huge future value-driver for the Company.

Prashant Chintawar commented: “I am deeply honored and want to thank the Volt Board of Directors for their confidence in promoting me to the role of CEO. Volt has high-quality graphite assets and high-value existing relationships along the battery value chain, and the appointment allows me to fully leverage my skills and networks.

It also comes at a time when the battery sector is enjoying robust market dynamics, with automotive OEMs pushing ever harder for more localised supply chains, and governments providing policy and financial support. Volt’s assets and this market back drop combine to offer Volt a truly unique and transformational growth opportunity, that I am privileged to take leadership of.”