Kurt Kelty

As VP of Battery and Sustainability, I have the honor of leading GM’s incredibly talented battery and corporate sustainability teams as we continue to develop innovative solutions for the future. I’m responsible for GM’s battery cell strategy, which includes the strategic use of raw materials, research, development and integration of new technologies, commercialization of cells and battery packs, and the creation of a sustainable battery life cycle.

I am responsible for the commercialization of silicone anode material for Sila Nanotechnologies, a battery materials company that enables lighter, higher energy density lithium-ion batteries for mass adoption of electric vehicles, longer-lasting portable electronics, and broader use of renewable power sources. Sila Nano’s materials are manufacturable economically at scale and are drop-in replacements to existing battery manufacturing processes.

Sold to Ford

Led various teams including: *Operations *Market Launch (global expansion strategy) *Deployment of farms *Supply Chain *Program Management *IT

Set Tesla’s battery cell usage strategy. Implemented this usage strategy by sourcing the battery cells, negotiating supply contracts and managing relationships with multiple Asian vendors. Successfully delivered the batteries implemented in Roadster, Model S/X and Model 3 Negotiated multiple contracts, including two multi-billion-dollar supply contracts. Negotiated many JDAs (Joint Development Agreements) with potential material suppliers. Strong leader and manager. At peak, managed a 50-person engineering team in HQ and a 50-person sales team in Japan. Led effort to evaluate battery cells based upon o Performance metrics such as cycle life, calendar life, and impedance o Safety test results such as thermal runaway propagation resistance, nail penetration, impact, etc. Led the partnerships and material sourcing efforts at the Gigafactory, Tesla’s battery manufacturing facility in Nevada. Responsible for forming and implementing relationships to co-locate Tier 3 suppliers at the Gigafactory. Ultimately, responsible for all the material costs and performance of the battery cells made at the Gigafactory from Panasonic and all upstream suppliers. Represented Tesla at multiple battery conferences, often as the keynote speaker. Performed interviews with the media. Led the battery cell quality control team Received the Battery Innovator of the Year award at the 2017 Florida International Battery Seminar. Planned, built and managed the battery cell test lab with arguably the largest number of test channels in the U.S. Accustomed to fast growth and necessity to wear multiple hats. At various time, have acted as: o Interim country manager for Japan vehicle sales (50+ employees) o Head of Powertrain Supply Chain (50+ employees) o Leader of wire harness engineering team (10+ employees) o Founder of leader Japan energy storage sales team o Creator and manager of battery pack qualification testing lab (thermal, vibration, cycle testing)

Founder and director of battery R&D lab which was a U.S. extension of the Japanese battery R&D lab. Created alliances & joint development programs in advanced Li-ion rechargeable batteries and fuel cells for portable applications. Worked in Japan for 6 years in the 90's leading sales of Ni-MH and Li-ion battery cells to U.S. based computer customers.

Founded and led seafood trading company based at Fishermen's Wharf. Bought fish from local fishermen and from overseas. Exported to Japan.