SOLiTHOR Welcomes New CEO Rodrigo P. Navarro to Propel Battery Innovations

SOLiTHOR Installs New Chief Executive Officer

Belgium-based SOLiTHOR, a pioneer in next-generation solid-state lithium battery technology, has announced a significant shift in leadership with the appointment of Rodrigo P. Navarro as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This move comes as the company prepares to enhance its technological advancements and expand its market reach. Navarro boasts almost two decades of extensive experience in the battery industry, having worked with global giants such as Philips, NXP, and DSM, where he has led corporate development and innovation teams in energy transition strategies focused on electric vehicles (EVs) and battery solutions. His role as a trusted advisor has also encompassed collaboration with various corporations within the battery sector, allowing him to amass a unique blend of skills and insights beneficial to SOLiTHOR’s future.

The strategic direction under Navarro aims to elevate SOLiTHOR's already notable innovations to the next level. With a focus on developing new materials and technologies, he plays a pivotal role in taking the company’s game-changing 10Ah battery cell from concept to commercial viability. Having successfully created a 3Ah battery cell, SOLiTHOR now looks toward its objective of scaling up its operations, an endeavor Navarro is uniquely qualified for, given his comprehensive understanding of the solid-state technology landscape.

Navarro's initiatives include fostering vital relationships with developers, industry partners, and investors, all aimed at accelerating the adoption of SOLiTHOR’s technology across various sectors. The company plans to collaborate with leading firms in aviation, maritime, automotive, and aerospace industries to develop demonstrable battery systems that meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

Dr. Fanny Bardé, SOLiTHOR's Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder, expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter under Navarro’s leadership: "With Rodrigo at the helm, we are poised to build upon the solid foundation laid by our dedicated R&D team and my co-founder, Huw Hampson-Jones. We have demonstrated considerable progress in enhancing cyclability, energy density, and industrial readiness of our proprietary solid electrolytes, positioning SOLiTHOR as a global leader in the solid-state battery arena."

In an optimistic statement, Navarro emphasized his ambitions for the company: "I am committed to strengthening SOLiTHOR's development and ensuring we establish strategic partnerships that will propel us further in commercializing our technology. This venture is filled with potential, and I look forward to unveiling the exciting breakthroughs within our battery technology platform."

Huw Hampson-Jones, the outgoing CEO and Co-founder, noted that Rodrigo's extensive experience and expertise are crucial for SOLiTHOR's expansion. He acknowledged that Navarro's leadership could enable the company to innovate its solid-state cell and battery systems to satisfy the demands of target markets. This progress is vital as Europe looks to enhance its self-sufficiency, reducing dependency on external suppliers in Asia and North America for crucial battery technology.

SOLiTHOR is not just positioned to influence the future of energy storage; it aspires to contribute significantly to the sustainability of Europe’s defense, aviation, and maritime sectors, reinforcing both territorial integrity and technological independence. As SOLiTHOR embarks on this transformative journey under Navarro's guidance, the industry watches in anticipation of the advancements to come, heralding a new era in solid-state battery technology.

For more details on their technologies, visit SOLiTHOR's website.