The addition of Krzanich, former CEO of Intel Corp. and CDK Global Inc., comes as SES AI gains value-creating momentum on its path to commercialization in the electric vehicle (EV) market and in its expansion into urban air mobility (UAM) applications.
Mr. Krzanich began his career at Intel as an engineer, rising through the ranks until he was named the company’s CEO in 2013. Under his leadership, Intel expanded from its core CPU market into next-generation technologies ranging from cloud computing and artificial intelligence to autonomous vehicles, among others. When he moved to CDK Global Inc. in 2018 to take over as CEO, he led that technology company through a successful sale to investment firm Brookfield Business Partners. CDK is now a top provider of automotive retail software.
“Brian brings extensive leadership experience in the commercialization of next-generation technologies for automotive applications,” said Qichao Hu, founder, Chairman and CEO of SES AI. “His expertise will be particularly valuable as we seek innovative ways of developing and implementing AI and machine learning in our material discovery and manufacturing processes – advancements that will ultimately improve the performance and safety of our batteries.”
The expansion of SES AI’s board comes a month after the company announced that it entered into the world’s first B-sample Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with a major automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for its Li-Metal battery. It is also developing a machine-based deep learning platform that will be used at the company’s new Electrolyte Foundry; a new form-factor for its Li-Metal cells; and is exploring opportunities in the emerging Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market.
“I am excited to join the Board of SES AI, a leader in next-generation battery technology that will bring new experiences and range to our electrified world,” Mr. Krzanich said.
In addition to Mr. Krzanich and Dr. Hu, SES AI’s Board of Directors includes Dr. Jiong Ma, a former partner at Braemar Energy Ventures who also served in senior roles at 3i Group and Bell Labs; Eric Luo, former CEO of GCL System Integration and Shunfeng; Michael Noonen, CEO of Swave Photonics; Prof. Jang Wook Choi of Seoul National University; and Anirvan Coomer, managing director at GM Ventures.
