Global renewable energy storage innovator Gelion has appointed the former CEO of battery developer Ecoult and decades-long innovator in battery and energy solutions John Wood as its new CEO.
Related article: Gelion launches Australian battery manufacturing facility
John succeeds interim CEO Hannah McCaughey, who was appointed in March 2022 to review and drive the commercialisation plan and has now completed her interim engagement.
John has a 30-year track record of successful entrepreneurship and establishing global businesses in emerging technology markets, having both founded and led a number of large enterprises and teams to develop multiple breakthrough technologies and solutions during significant industry transitions.
During his 12-year tenure as CEO of Ecoult, John developed and commercialised an advanced lead acid battery technology, leading the fundraising process while establishing the company’s product development roadmap and market positioning. Ecoult was acquired in 2010 by East Penn manufacturing, one of the world’s largest lead-acid manufacturers.
Prior roles include founding StepNexus in 2005 (now MULTOS International Secure Services), the security provider for smartcard platforms, and global payments technology service provider Keycorp.
At Keycorp, John grew the company’s market cap from $1 million to $400 million in just eight years, and oversaw the group’s listing on the ASX.
In addition to his wealth of commercial experience, John also brings significant advisory experience having previously been appointed to a number of boards, committees, and panels in both the US and Australia either in an advisory or non-executive capacity.
John joins the team to take Gelion’s breakthrough battery technology to the world, and become a significant player in the global battery market which is predicted to grow to $265 Billion by 2026.
Gelion chair Dr Stephen Mahon said, “John is an experienced CEO with a track record of growing technology companies and delivering shareholder returns. With his wealth of commercial, battery, and manufacturing experience, I am confident that under his leadership we can take Gelion to the next level of growth. Having now successfully transitioned the battery manufacturing from laboratory to production, John’s depth of knowledge and proven record of creating shareholder value will help Gelion plan for scale. We are excited to welcome John to the leadership team and look forward to Gelion’s future success.
Related article: 5 Minutes With… Hannah McCaughey, Gelion CEO
“On behalf of the Board, I would also like to personally thank Hannah McCaughey for her hard work and contribution since March. Hannah has helped us to achieve a significant milestone in September with the first industrial production of Gelion’s zinc-bromide battery at the Battery Energy factory, and we wish her every success for the future.”
