NOVONIX Names Michael O’Kronley as New CEO Starting May 2025
NOVONIX appoints Michael O’Kronley as CEO, effective May 19, 2025, succeeding Interim CEO Robert Long.
Leadership Transition at NOVONIX
NOVONIX Limited has announced that Michael O’Kronley will take over as Chief Executive Officer, starting May 19, 2025. Bringing over 30 years of automotive experience—including 15 years in the lithium-ion battery industry—O’Kronley previously served as CEO of Ascend Elements, where he increased the company’s value significantly. Admiral Robert J. Natter, Chairman of NOVONIX, expressed optimism about O’Kronley’s appointment, highlighting his knowledge in manufacturing and scaling critical minerals production as essential for the company’s expansion. O’Kronley’s mission will be to bolster NOVONIX’s achievements and assist in building a North American graphite supply chain. He will replace Robert Long, who will revert to his role as Chief Financial Officer after serving as Interim CEO since January 2025. The announcement emphasizes NOVONIX’s commitment to innovative battery technology and sustainable practices in the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors.
Potential Benefits from O’Kronley’s Appointment
- Michael O’Kronley’s extensive automotive experience enhances leadership potential in the lithium-ion battery sector.
- His prior success at Ascend Elements, where he boosted enterprise value by US$1.6 billion, suggests promising growth prospects for NOVONIX.
- The strategic focus on developing a domestic graphite supply chain aligns well with industry trends and may strengthen the company’s market position.
- Robert Long’s continued role as CFO will provide necessary stability and continuity in financial leadership during this transition.
Challenges Ahead
- The leadership change may signal potential instability, which could create uncertainty for investors and stakeholders.
- Reliance on forward-looking statements in the press release indicates inherent risks and uncertainties, implying that actual performance could vary significantly from forecasts.
- The absence of a clear strategic plan during this leadership transition may raise concerns about the company’s future direction and execution of growth strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new CEO of NOVONIX?
Michael O’Kronley has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 19, 2025.
What experience does Michael O’Kronley have?
He brings over 30 years of automotive experience, including 15 years in the lithium-ion battery sector.
What role did Robert Long have prior to O’Kronley’s appointment?
Robert Long served as Interim CEO since January 2025 and will continue as Chief Financial Officer.
What are NOVONIX’s main focuses in the battery industry?
NOVONIX focuses on innovative battery technologies, sustainable materials, and efficient production methods for lithium-ion batteries.
Where is NOVONIX located?
NOVONIX is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Recent Hedge Fund Activity
In the latest quarter, 8 institutional investors increased their holdings in $NVX, while 9 reduced their stakes.
- GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC decreased their portfolio by 163,503 shares (-79.9%) in Q4 2024, with an estimated value of $294,305.
- UBS GROUP AG increased their holdings by 124,215 shares (+6257.7%) in Q4 2024, valued at approximately $223,587.
- QUINN OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS LLC added 55,000 shares (+inf%) in Q4 2024, valued at around $99,000.
- JANE STREET GROUP, LLC removed 34,495 shares (-100.0%) from their portfolio in Q4 2024, valued at an estimated $62,091.
- HRT FINANCIAL LP also removed 34,241 shares (-100.0%) in Q4 2024, worth about $61,633.
- JACKSON HOLE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC added 25,000 shares (+inf%) in Q4 2024, estimated at $45,000.
- SUSQUEHANNA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, LLP added 24,859 shares (+inf%) in Q4 2024, valued roughly at $44,746.
Full Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., April 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NOVONIX Limited (NASDAQ: NVX, ASX: NVX) announced the appointment of Michael O’Kronley as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 19, 2025.
O’Kronley possesses a strong technical foundation in engineering and brings over 30 years of automotive experience, including 15 years in the lithium-ion battery and materials sector. His most recent role was as CEO of Ascend Elements, where he increased the company’s enterprise value by US$1.6 billion within five years.
Admiral Robert J. Natter, USN Ret., Chairman of NOVONIX stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. O’Kronley to the NOVONIX team. His professional accomplishments and extensive experience in operations make him an ideal choice. We’re confident in his ability to lead the Company into its next phase of growth from our headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee.”
O’Kronley remarked, “It’s an honor to join NOVONIX at such a pivotal time. I look forward to collaborating with the team to build on recent successes and strengthen the graphite supply chain in North America.”
He succeeds Robert Long, who has acted as Interim CEO since January 2025. Long will now return to his primary role as Chief Financial Officer, continuing to play a vital part in the company’s strategic and financial leadership.
“I’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Long for his leadership over the past several months. He provided significant stability and strategic direction during this transition, and we are thankful he will continue his role as CFO,” concluded Admiral Natter.
This announcement has been authorized for release by Admiral Robert J. Natter, USN Ret., Chairman.
About NOVONIX
NOVONIX is a leading battery technology company focusing on transforming the lithium-ion battery industry through innovative and sustainable technologies, high-performance materials, and efficient production methods. The company manufactures advanced battery cell testing equipment, is expanding its high-performance synthetic graphite manufacturing operations, and has developed a patented all-dry, zero-waste cathode synthesis process. With robust R&D capabilities, proprietary technology, and strategic partnerships, NOVONIX has established a prominent foothold in the electric vehicle and energy storage systems battery industry.
# NOVONIX Reports on Future Production Plans and Market Outlook
### Overview of Forward-Looking Statements
This communication covers forward-looking statements related to NOVONIX Limited and the industry in which it operates. Such statements often include terms like “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “expect,” signaling projections about future events and trends. Notable examples include our plans to initiate commercial-scale production at the Riverside facility and to expand synthetic graphite production in the upcoming years.
### Basis for Projections
We base our forward-looking statements on current expectations regarding various factors that might influence our financial health and business strategy. These factors include the timely scaling of our furnace technology and our ability to satisfy customer specifications. Other uncertainties include market size accuracy, future revenues, capital requirements, and compliance with government financing support terms.
### Risks and Uncertainties
Numerous risks and uncertainties could impact our operations. These include securing necessary patent rights, defending against challenges, and adhering to regulatory requirements across different jurisdictions. The full details regarding these risks are available in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our most recent annual report on Form 20-F. Copies of these documents can be accessed through our Investor Relations website or the SEC’s website.
### Disclaimer on Forward-Looking Statements
It is essential to understand that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may vary materially due to a variety of factors. As such, undue reliance on these statements should be avoided. Any forward-looking information presented is based solely on data available up until the date of this communication. We do not commit to updating any forward-looking statements unless legally required.
Contact Information for NOVONIX Limited
For inquiries, please reach out to:
Scott Espenshade, [email protected] (Investors)
Stephanie Reid, [email protected] (Media)
This article was originally published on Quiver News. Read the full story for more insights.
The views in this article reflect the author’s opinions and do not necessarily represent those of Nasdaq, Inc.
