February 9, 2023: A host of new appointments from across the batteries sector have been announced in recent days, including new jobs for industry veterans Peter Nemec-Losert, Brian Stanhaus and Petar Oklobdzija.
Peter Nemec-Losert said on LinkedIn on February 4 he had been appointed director for product and process engineering at Exide Technologies Operations GmbH & Co KG in Germany.
He was previously product and process manager for the company and is a former head of process engineering for Hoppecke.
Brian Stanhaus has started a new position as Americas international sales manager for TBS Engineering. Stanhaus, who was most recently sales engineer for Digatron Power Electronics, announced his move on LinkedIn on February 8.
Petar Oklobdzija joined Stryten Energy on February 1 as EVP and CFO, the company confirmed.
Oklobdzija, who has more than 30 years of experience in the global automotive and energy storage industry, will lead the company’s finance team, information technology and strategic sourcing.
He was most recently CFO for ENTEK International, where he oversaw all aspects of the company’s finance, accounting, treasury, tax and compliance activities.
Oklobdzija has also worked for Johnson Controls’ automotive and power solutions/Clarios divisions and the Ford Motor Company.
Stryten president and COO Mike Judd said Oklobdzija’s experience and leadership skills from the energy storage industry would “bring immediate impact” to the company.
Oklobdzija’s appointment follows a major shake-up of Stryten’s leadership team, announced on January 4, with a reformulation of ex-Johnson Controls senior management that had worked together in the previous decade.
Mike Judd is to succeed CEO Tim Vargo, who will become chairman, before the end of Stryten’s fiscal year on March 31.
Kristy Davern has joined the C&D Technologies/Trojan Battery Company as director of customer service, the company announced on February 7.
Davern, who has more than 16 years of experience in customer service, will be leading its motive and stationary customer service teams.
The move followed the announcement a week earlier of the appointment of Alex Dimitrijevic, who has joined the organization as chief financial officer.
Meanwhile, Dimitris Gkoundinos said in a LinkedIn post on February 7 he had been appointed senior M&A manager at the Sunlight Group.
Gkoundinos was most recently VP of investment banking at A35 Capital Partners. He is also a former senior analyst for strategy and transactions with EY.