ABTC adds energy sector financial executive to board

Battery refiner and recycler American Battery Technology Co. (ABTC), Reno, Nevada, has announced the addition of energy sector financial executive Lavanya Balakrishnan to its board of directors, effective Sept. 16.

ABTC says that with more than 20 years of experience specifically within the energy sector spanning corporate finance, strategic and financing advisory, mergers and acquisitions and credit risk management, Balakrishnan is known for her ability to guide complex transactions and deliver strategic leadership in dynamic, rapidly evolving markets.

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“We are at a critical moment globally where the successful buildout of industrial facilities and refineries is just as dependent upon ensuring access to sufficient power generation and electrical infrastructure as it is upon the technical performance of the refineries themselves,” ABTC CEO and Director Ryan Melsert says, adding that Balakrishnan’s expertise within the power generation and energy sectors make her an ideal addition to the board.

“After a thorough selection process, we are confident that her deep knowledge of financial markets, capital strategy, along with her proven track record in strategic execution will help drive our long-term vision as we advance our commercial initiatives and expand our operations.”

Balakrishnan currently serves as vice president of credit at Constellation Energy, a producer of emissions-free energy. In this capacity, she oversees both wholesale and retail credit functions and is responsible for developing and executing credit strategies across the enterprise. Balakrishnan ensures alignment with Constellation’s balance sheet priorities, risk management frameworks and long-term business objectives, while contributing to strategic direction as a core member of the company’s finance leadership team.

Prior to her role at Constellation, ABTC notes that Balakrishnan spent 17 years at Morgan Stanley, where she was managing director in the Global Power, Utilities and Renewables Group. During her tenure, she advised U.S. and Canadian power and utility companies as well as leading renewable energy developers in wind, solar and battery storage on matters ranging from M&A and strategic advisory to complex financings, IPOs, equity and debt issuances and shareholder activism and defense.

Notably, ABTC says Balakrishnan originated and executed “industry-defining” transactions and provided strategic counsel on capital structure, investor communications and sustainability. She also spearheaded Morgan Stanley’s client engagement in energy transition and sustainability.

Balakrishnan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College, where she graduated cum laude and was recognized as a First Group Scholar. She earned her master’s in business administration from Harvard Business School.

“I’m greatly looking forward to joining the ABTC team at such an exciting time in this rapidly growing domestic battery critical minerals industry,” Balakrishnan says. “There are a plethora of strategic partnership and scale-up opportunities in front of ABTC, and I’m excited to bring my experiences in the energy sector financial markets to help bring these opportunities to fruition and support the company’s growth forward.”

ABTC says that Sherif Marakby, who was first appointed to the board in March 2022, will be stepping down from his role effective Sept. 15. The company says Marakby’s resignation is aligned with its board’s succession plan for independent directors.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Sherif for his remarkable contributions and steadfast guidance throughout his tenure with us,” Melsert says. “Over the past two years, his expertise and support have played a pivotal role in driving us toward the commercial-scale operations we have achieved today.”

ABTC Board Chairman Rick Fezell says, “On behalf of the board, I would like to welcome Lavanya to the team and express my profound appreciation to Sherif for his dedicated service and invaluable contributions over the past two years.”