Core Viewpoint - American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has appointed Lavanya Balakrishnan, a seasoned financial executive in the energy sector, to its Board of Directors effective September 16, 2025, to enhance its strategic leadership and financial expertise in the evolving energy landscape [1][6][12]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Lavanya Balakrishnan brings over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, strategic advisory, mergers and acquisitions, and credit risk management within the energy sector [2][17]. - Balakrishnan currently serves as Vice President of Credit at Constellation Energy, overseeing credit functions and developing credit strategies aligned with the company's objectives [4][5]. - She previously spent 17 years at Morgan Stanley as Managing Director in the Global Power, Utilities, and Renewables Group, advising on M&A, strategic advisory, and complex financings [5][6]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - CEO Ryan Melsert emphasized the critical need for expertise in power generation and energy sectors to support the company's industrial facility buildout and operational expansion [3][4]. - Balakrishnan's appointment is expected to drive ABTC's long-term vision and commercial initiatives, particularly in the domestic battery critical minerals industry [7][9]. - The company is committed to a circular supply chain for battery metals, aiming to meet the growing demand from electric vehicles and other sectors [9]. Group 3: Board Changes - Sherif Marakby, a current board member, will step down effective September 15, 2025, as part of the board's succession plan for independent directors [7][8]. - The board expressed appreciation for Marakby's contributions over the past two years, highlighting his role in advancing the company's commercial scale operations [8][9].