Battery Council International has formally honoured the inaugural recipients of its newly-created NextGen Leadership Award in Philadelphia.

Honorees were acknowledged in person during BCI’s committee week, held from October 5-7.

The BCI award, established in partnership with BEST Magazine, celebrates rising leaders shaping the future of the battery industry and recognises early- and mid-career professionals across manufacturing, technology, and commercial roles whose work is advancing innovation, safety, and growth in energy storage.

BCI said this year’s recipients were nominated by their colleagues and peers as being those that the industry is likely to look to in the future for leadership and vision.  

The inaugural class* includes 30 individuals across 20 organisations worldwide including: Nate Kirchhofer, CEO & co-founder of BioZen Batteries, Francesco Marfisi, technical sales director at CAM, Hammond Group VP of sales Brad Bisaillon and Robert Lucas, president and CEO of Hammond Group.

BCI president and executive director Roger Miksad said: “As the industry navigates rapid technological change and rising global demand for energy storage, strong leadership is more important than ever before.

“This first crop of NextGen Leaders illustrates the kind of dynamic professionals who will ensure the sector’s continued success, and we are excited to see how they will shape the battery industry in the years ahead.” 

*The full list of awardees is on BCI’s web site.