SYDNEY: NOVONIX Limited, a leader in battery materials and technology, announced Monday the appointment of Michael O’Kronley as its new chief executive officer, effective May 19.
O’Kronley brings over 30 years of automotive experience, including 15 years in the lithium-ion battery and battery materials industry. He previously served as CEO of Ascend Elements, where he increased the company’s enterprise value by $1.6 billion over five years.
Admiral Robert J. Natter, retired U.S. Navy officer and chairman of NOVONIX, praised O’Kronley’s expertise in manufacturing, operations and scaling critical mineral production. “We’re confident in his ability to lead the company into its next phase of growth,” Natter said in a statement.
O’Kronley succeeds Robert Long, who served as interim CEO since January and will return to his role as chief financial officer.
“It’s an honor to join NOVONIX at such a pivotal time,” O’Kronley said. “I look forward to working with the team to build on recent successes and ultimately onshore the graphite supply chain in North America.”
According to the company’s filing, O’Kronley’s compensation includes a $600,000 base salary, a short-term incentive of up to 100% of his base salary and a long-term incentive worth $1.7 million in performance-based stock rights.
NOVONIX, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, specializes in innovative battery technologies, including synthetic graphite production and zero-waste cathode synthesis. The company aims to support the growing demand for electric vehicle and energy storage systems.