Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Battery technology pioneer Britishvolt has announced a transition within its management team, aligned to the company’s growth plans and 2050 vision. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Orral Nadjari (pictured) is to step down, with Dr Graham Hoare OBE appointed as Acting CEO.

Dr Graham Hoare OBE, currently Britishvolt’s Deputy CEO/President Global Operations, and Chair of the UK Automotive Council, will utilize 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.

The ATF funding will support Britishvolt’s plans to build an advanced technology battery cell Gigaplant in Northumberland. The total investment for Britishvolt’s Blyth gigaplant is around £3.8 billion, making it the largest industrial investment in North East England since Nissan’s arrival in 1984 and one of the largest-ever industrial investments in the UK.

At full production enough battery cells will be produced for more than 300,000 lithium-ion batteries a year. The facility is expected to employ over 3,000 people directly in skilled jobs, with another 5,000 in the wider supply chains.

Orral Nadjari commented: “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.”