Ascend Elements Appoints Linh Austin as President and CEO
Portfolio - People | Mar 24, 2025 | EIN
Ascend Elements, a leading U.S.-based battery materials company, has appointed Linh Austin as its new President and CEO. Austin, who joined the board in 2024, brings more than 30 years of experience across the energy sector, including roles at McDermott, BP, and ARCO. Austin aims to advance the company's stature as a top producer of critical battery minerals in Europe and North America through technological and operational excellence. The company is noted for its Hydro-to-Cathode synthesis process, a technology lauded in the battery materials and recycling industry. Ascend Elements operates a significant lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Georgia and plans to start large-scale lithium carbonate production in 2025. Additionally, the company is constructing a new pCAM manufacturing plant in Kentucky, aligning with U.S. policies on critical minerals and energy independence, supported by a substantial grant from the Department of Energy.
Sectors
- Battery Materials
- Recycling and Waste Management
- Renewable Energy
Geography
- United States – Ascend Elements is based in the U.S. and operates key facilities in Georgia and Kentucky, influenced by U.S. energy policy, and has received a substantial grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Europe – The new CEO aims to posit Ascend Elements as a leader in battery materials across North America and Europe, indicating potential future geographic expansion.
Industry
- Battery Materials – Ascend Elements focuses on the production of battery materials, specifically for lithium-ion batteries, which is central to the article as their operations in battery recycling and production are highlighted.
- Recycling and Waste Management – The company's involvement in lithium-ion battery recycling exemplifies its role within the recycling sector, an important aspect of its business model.
- Renewable Energy – Ascend Elements is involved in the production of materials crucial for renewable energy storage solutions, tying into broader themes of sustainability and energy independence.
Financials
- $316 million – Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energy to assist in funding the Kentucky pCAM manufacturing facility.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ascend Elements | Target company | Company | A battery materials company focused on lithium-ion battery recycling and critical mineral production. |
| Linh Austin | President and CEO | Person | Recently appointed CEO of Ascend Elements with extensive experience in the energy industry. |
| Department of Energy | Funder | Government | Provided a $316 million grant to Ascend Elements for their Kentucky manufacturing facility. |