May 4, 2023: EnerSys announced the appointment of Shannon Thomas as its new chief human resources officer effective May 1.

EnerSys said Thomas will be responsible for the strategy, leadership and operations of the company’s HR globally, overseeing talent lifecycle and development, total rewards, as well as  diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Thomas has over 20 years’ experience as a global HR leader.

She served her most recent five years at Chemours, where she helped lead several transformational initiatives, EnerSys said.

Prior to Chemours she held HR leadership positions at several publicly traded and private companies including Owens Corning, Hexion, Apex Tool Group, and the Eramet Group.

Thomas holds an MBA in HR management from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree in HR management from Marietta College.

She succeeds Ted Fries — who is retiring after 26 years of service — and she joins the battery giant’s executive team, reporting directly to president and CEO David Shaffer.

Shaffer said Thomas had extensive experience leading HR teams in a variety of industries and a “proven track record of driving change through innovation, collaboration and challenging the status quo”.

Thomas’s vision and leadership will support the company’s moves to attract, develop and retain top talent from around the world, while fostering a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Shaffer said.

On Ted Fries, Shaffer said his business acumen had been invaluable to the growth and success of EnerSys.