The team
co-founder
Benoit Lemaignan
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
“Verkor is a unique human and industrial endeavour to tackle the current and future challenges of reshoring the value chains of tomorrow’s industry. We have embarked on a forward-looking journey that gives us the opportunity and the privilege to have a lasting impact on both our economy and our environment.”
co-founder
Benoit Lemaignan
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
An entrepreneur at heart, Benoit was behind the creation of Waga Energy in 2015 and Aniah in 2019. He also served as CEO of OSER ENER from 2015 to 2019. Prior to that role, Benoit was a Senior Consultant at Carbone 4 where his passion for energy and climate initiatives was ignited. From his time at Airbus, Benoit takes away a strong appetite for innovation and team work.
co-founder
Christophe Mille
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
“After 12 years abroad working for some of the most advanced hi-tech companies, I’m keen to draw on my environmental and societal awareness, and put my expertise and industrial background in batteries to work for the energy transition in Europe, and especially in France.”
co-founder
Christophe Mille
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
From 2009 to 2011, Christophe set up then managed the battery cell pilot line at the CEA.
In 2011, he was hired by Tesla to head up the prototype line of all the first cells by the California-based manufacturer. He actively contributed to bringing the production lines of the modules for the Model S and Model X vehicles into operation. Christophe also worked on a range of mechanical cell designs, developed innovative manufacturing processes, and led the phase 1 design of the first gigafactory in Reno, Nevada.
He subsequently moved to Apple, then BMW, still working in cell and module engineering and development, before co-founding Verkor and becoming its Chief Technology Officer.
co-founder
Sylvain Paineau
Co-Founder and Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer
“Verkor is the confluence of everything that has kept me working in the industry and striving to innovate for the last 25 years: an entrepreneurial initiative and a major industrial priority to keep France competitive and drive the ecological transition.”
co-founder
Sylvain Paineau
Co-Founder and Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer
A corporate strategy expert, Sylvain has over 30 years of working in industry, with solid experience in starting new companies. From January 2018, he was the Director of the global initiative EMEA OI & Business Incubation at Schneider Electric for over two years. He is also member of the Supervisory Board of EIT InnoEnergy.
co-founder
Philippe Chain
Co-Founder & Chief Customer Officer
“For 30 years I’ve been involved in promoting and developing electric vehicles. To me, Verkor’s creation is the logical outcome of a commitment to decarbonising mobility.”
co-founder
Philippe Chain
Co-Founder & Chief Customer Officer
Philippe spent 20 years working for Renault, the last two years of which he was Chief Electric Vehicle Strategist. He was then the first Vice-President in charge of Quality at Tesla for the launch of the Model S. He was also the lead engineer* of Audi’s first battery electric vehicles (the Audi e-tron SUV and the Audi e-tron Sportback) for three years.
co-founder
Gilles Moreau
Co-Founder & Chief Sustainability Officer
“I’ve been obsessed with stationary energy storage for more than 20 years and, for me, Verkor is my chance to have a real impact. This is a key issue for renewable energy and the energy transition.”
co-founder
Gilles Moreau
Co-Founder & Chief Sustainability Officer
An electrochemistry expert and a seasoned entrepreneur, Gilles has a solid background in stationary energy storage. Well versed in building start-ups, he was Co-Founder and Battery Lead at Lancey Energy Storage. During his time as Project Manager at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Gilles worked on various French and European lithium-ion battery projects. He is also an expert in fuel cells thanks to his experience at 3M and Renault.
He is co-founder of Verkor, today he is Chief Sustainability Officer, and at the instigation of the Ecole de la batterie project.
co-founder
Olivier Dufour
Co-Founder & Stakeholder Engagement
“Verkor is a terrific adventure: building a French industrial champion that’s deeply committed to the 21st century’s societal challenges of digitalisation, sustainability and humanity. Verkor is forging ahead by combining competitiveness and friendly interaction. The thing I’m most proud of is our team!”
co-founder
Olivier Dufour
Co-Founder & Stakeholder Engagement
Olivier has over 22 years’ experience working in industry, and has built up a solid network of key contacts in the energy and raw materials sectors. For 10 years he was the Director of External Affairs at Rio Tinto where he engaged in a range of areas, and in particular energy and climate change.
management team
Anna Teyssot
Chief Marketing Officer
“Verkor is an incredible place to work. We’re looking for self-starters who are passionate about batteries, who have exceptional talent, and who are eager to grow in a start-up environment and who understand the demands and the needs of our global corporate clients. Join us and make a difference!”
management team
Anna Teyssot
Chief Marketing Officer
Anna has acquired solid experience in managing the technical and commercial requirements of OEMs in automotive battery products. She brings to Verkor her formidable technical training (a PhD in solid-state chemistry, 13 years in battery engineering and strategic sourcing for Renault), coupled with entrepreneurial experience in company development for Alliance Ventures VC.
management team
Sam Kim
Head Officer, Process Engineering
“In the course of my career in the industrial landscape, I’ve learned that building a good factory isn’t just about spending money. Verkor is the perfect example of wanting to build a good business, which is more than just wanting to build a big factory.”
management team
Sam Kim
Head Officer, Process Engineering
Before joining Verkor, Sam managed the process engineering technological centre at SVOLT Energy Tech in China. He led the expansion of the factory while lowering costs and increasing efficiency. His extensive international experience will help Verkor to become one of the leaders in the sector.
management team
Charline Baechele
Chief Financial Officer
“Verkor was a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor at a company that’s working for the energy transition and the re-industrialisation of Europe. Two things that mean a lot to me. Every day, I feel like I’m working toward our common future, alongside experts from all over the world. It’s a challenge and a chance to make a difference. It’s a modern-day adventure.”
management team
Charline Baechele
Chief Financial Officer
Charline was a financial controller at InnoEnergy and an auditor at Deloitte specialised in start-ups. Her global view of innovation and entrepreneurial strategy, as well as her expertise in internal processes, are invaluable to Verkor.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
Verkor's team has
300
employees
+ 1200
years’ combined experience in batteries
+ 200
patents individually filed
technical team
Adriana Iordache
Project Manager
Adriana has a strong R&D background in organic chemistry and electrochemistry. She started working in the Li-ion battery field on organic active materials at CEA and silicon anode materials at Enwires. She joined Verkor as a project manager and brings her skills in project planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling.
technical team
Adrien Chalumeau
Battery Mechanical Designer
A designer of Li-ion battery packs and modules for the automotive industry, Adrien helped power up Verkor with his expertise gained at Berdrandt where he designed high-energy battery packs for Renault and Renault Sport Cars.
technical team
Adrien Lassagne
Research Engineer
Hailing from Grenoble, Adrien has a PhD in electrochemistry and is a former CEA Research Engineer specialised in developing new electrolytes for solid-state batteries, making him a key asset of the R&D team.
technical team
Akash Basia
AI development engineer
An AI development engineer with a PhD on Li-ion batteries, Akash has accumulated diverse experience as a researcher focusing on the circular economy and machine learning at the G-SCOP lab, as a researcher at the National Engineering School of Tarbes, and as a Senior Operations Engineer. He brings to Verkor his strong skills and knowledge in battery modelling and analytics.
technical team
Alexandre Peyraud
Electrode Engineer
Alexandre is a recent graduate in chemical engineering and material science. Joining our process development team, he brings to Verkor his experience in development and optimization of industrial processes. His research project in the field of Li-ion battery recycling will play a key role in the development of Verkor batteries.
technical team
Antoine Crétinon
Cell Assembly Process Engineer
With a Mechanical and Industrial engineering background, Antoine contributes to Verkor with his skills in industrial and product flow management. His expertise in project management are key assets for Verkor.
technical team
Armand Jacquart
Electrochemical Engineer
A young engineering master’s graduate specialising in electrochemistry and processes for energy and the environment, Armand is actively involved in Verkor’s development, drawing on the knowledge he acquired during his research internship at Saft.
technical team
Ben Jeong
Lead Engineer – Advanced Processes
Ben has gained experience from all four corners of the world. Of note, he was Innovation Team Manager at SVOLT in China, and Senior Process Engineer at A123 Systems in the United States. Ben is a major asset to the team for the implementation of innovations to improve existing processes to develop new ones.
technical team
Bruno Delobel
Senior Expert
After many years working for some of the biggest names in the French automotive space (Renault SA and Valeo), Bruno brings to Verkor his expertise in battery cell development and his experience as a cross-disciplinary team manager.
technical team
Carolina Saavedra Rios
Anode Materials Engineer
Hailing from Columbia, with a PhD in science and electrochemistry, Carolina is a young researcher specialising in carbon materials derived from bioresources. She was a doctoral researcher at CEA. Her expertise combined with her motivation to contribute to the development of a circular economy make Carolina an excellent addition to the Verkor team.
technical team
Céline Turban
Formation Engineer
Céline is a young professional qualified in process engineering for energy and environment. She will contribute towards Verkor’s mission based on her prior experience in process development and optimization, and industrial project management.
technical team
Chirag Solanki
Digital engineering lead
Chirag joins us from India with 13 years of experience in research and connected systems design, as well as in the deployment of smart factory solutions at scale. Chirag is a great asset to Verkor, and is in charge of digital engineering to help drive company performance through the digitalisation of Li-ion battery manufacturing.
technical team
Christober Vinoth Raj Rayappan
Head of Digital
Formerly an engineer at the Samsung SDI research centre in South Korea, Christober has over 15 years’ experience in onboard systems and data analysis. He is part of the implementation of Verkor’s Industry 4.0.
administrative team
Claire Stromboni
Business Partner - External Affairs
Claire is co-founder of KS-Links (development of large-scale projects and innovation) and has a wide range of experience, including as Public Affairs Officer at SOITEC. As an expert in communications and public-private relations, Claire plays a key role in developing Verkor’s brand and reputation.
technical team
Delphine Vidal
Formation Engineer
A young PhD’s graduate from the CEA and thanks to numerous internships at MerkChemicals (UK), or at the IMS Laboratory. Delphine is a real asset for Verkor. She is involved in improving the cell formation process in terms of safety, quality, and productivity.
technical team
Drew Heilman
Cell Engineer / Senior Process Engineer
Drew was the first to cross the ocean to join Verkor. With his experience as a battery engineer at Panasonic Energy of North America, Drew brings his solid expertise and knowledge as a chemical engineer, as well as his considerable experience of working in a Gigafactory.
administrative team
Enzo Ribeiro
Chief of Staff & Head of Financing
Enzo’s extensive experience has given him a solid background in finance and political science. He first worked with Verkor as a consultant for a few months to help the company on capital fundraising. He is now Chief of Staff & Head of Financing.
supply chain
Frédéric Michaudet
Purchasing Manager
With considerable experience totalling 30 years as a procurement manager at Schneider Electric, Frédéric brings his expertise and skills in production and non-production procurement structures, negotiation, and strategic sourcing to play a key role in Verkor’s expansion.
technical team
Guillaume Ogier
MES/SCADA expert
A true expert in his field, Guillaume was previously digital product manager, business analyst, and project manager at Rio Tinto, MES Technical Manager at MBDA, and also worked at Air Liquide and Schneider Electrics. With his knowledge of MES (manufacturing execution systems) and SCADA (control and data acquisition), he is part of the implementation of the 4.0 factory of the future to contribute to a carbon neutral society.
administrative team
Hyunjoo Parade
Trilingual Assistant
Originally from Korea, Hyunjoo is an indispensable asset and a real support for Verkor. Through training and experience, she brings a variety of key skills in translation, communication, and administration for human resources and for onboarding of new employees.
technical team
Iona Moog
Active Materials Leader
Iona is an expert in lithium-ion battery material and “Beyond Lithium-ion” technologies. From her previous roles as Senior Scientist at Johnson Mattey and CTO at Tiamat she learned about product development while maintaining her entrepreneurial spirit that aligns with Verkor’s DNA.
technical team
Jordan Mares-Manton
Module Technology Engineer
Formerly lead battery development engineer at General Motors, Jordan’s hands-on experience working at the largest battery lab in North America is invaluable to his role as Module Technology Engineer at Verkor. Alongside his mission, Jordan is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder.
technical team
Julien Portales
HSEQ Officer
Drawing on his valuable experience at BRENNTAG and THALES & TRIXELL, Julien is in charge of Verkor’s environmental management systems, HSE, and is our expert in regulatory matters (ICPE, SEVESO, ISO14001 and ISO45001).
technical team
Kenichi Hoshino
Principal Cell Designer
Kenichi’s extraordinary background is what makes him a key member of the Verkor organisation. He was recently General Manager of the cell design department at Sony Corporate in Japan, and was part of the take-off of the Samsung SDI Co. Ltd in South Korea, and of Northvolt AB in Sweden.
administrative team
Laura Inard
Communication manager
After studying communications for five years to obtain a Master’s degree in communication and international strategy, Laura completed a three-year work-study placement, including two years in industry with Air Liquide. Laura joined the Verkor team as its very first open applicant.
technical team
Léopold Verdeaux
R&D Engineer
An electrochemistry engineer graduate from INP Grenoble, Léopold completed his internship at Verkor before joining the team as an R&D engineer. He plays a key role in the development of Verkor’s batteries.
administrative team
Marie Bayo
Human Resources Manager
With her diverse experience in administration, as an assistant, in accounting and in human resources, the range of skills Marie has acquired makes her one of the vital elements of Verkor’s administrative services.
administrative team
Find out moreMarie-Louise Grum-Schwenzen
Executive Assistant and Office Manager
administrative team
Marie-Louise Grum-Schwenzen
Executive Assistant and Office Manager
A Danish national, Marie-Louise is Verkor’s Executive Assistant. After starting her career in travel and tourism, she moved into executive management assistance for international industrial companies, including Alstom and Araymond.
administrative team
Mathieu Guyon
Legal Counsel
With a double degree in business law and finance, Mathieu studied law in the United States thanks to a scholarship for high-level athletes. He joined Verkor to defend his ecological convictions. Mathieu contributes to all of Verkor’s activities thanks to his knowledge in the legal field.
administrative team
Maxime Morand
Head of Strategy
A graduate of HEC Paris, Sciences Po and with a master’s degree in law, Maxime has acquired varied experience in finance and strategy, as Portfolio Manager at the French State Participation Agency then Deputy Head of Unit at the French Treasury. He is also a lecturer at Sciences Po. He brings to Verkor his solid knowledge and skills and is a key player in Verkor’s rise.
technical team
Ngoc Anh Tran
Electrode engineer
With a PhD in electrochemistry and a previous position as a research engineer at CEA, Ngoc Anh is a real asset to the Verkor team. He brings his experience to the development of batteries and optimisation of industrial processes.
technical team
Nikita Hall
Senior Project Manager
Nikita has acquired extensive experience in Li-ion battery technology from her time Ricardo and the University of Warwick (UK). She was also a research engineering at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). Her drive and ability to see the bigger picture are real assets for Verkor.
technical team
Peter Murphy
Full Stack Developer
Originally from Ireland and with 16 years of experience as a Software Engineer at James F. Wallace & Co, Web Developer at Netapsys and Full Stack Developer at EMBL, his expertise and knowledge make Peter a key asset to the Verkor’s team.
supply chain
Rabah Belarbia
Equipment Purchasing Manager
With extensive experience as an equipment purchasing manager at Emotors (a Nidec-PSA joint-venture), as an electronic project buyer at Valeo and at BuyingPeers, and his expertise in the automotive industry, Rabah is a driving force in supply chain matters for Verkor.
technical team
Simon Blanchard
Quality Manager
Simon comes aboard Verkor with more than 16 years of experience in quality assurance in the automotive sector, project management and entrepreneurship. His passionate inclination towards people, innovation, and sustainability are strong suits for Verkor. Alongside his mission at Verkor, Simon is currently pursuing an MBA with a specialization in « Smart and Sustainable Business » at Grenoble Ecole de Management.
administrative team
Sonia Manaila
Cost Controller
With 10 years of experience as product cost manager at Renault Group, Sonia has strong skills in cost management, as well as extensive knowledge in electric and hybrid powertrains. These expertise make Sonia an asset to the Verkor team.
administrative team
Temitope Olubakinde
Accounting assistant
Originally from Nigeria, Temitope has acquired diverse skills in finance, accounting, and business management. Her dynamism and knowledge are an indispensable asset to the team.
supply chain
Thierry Berlureau
Sourcing and Procurement Manager
Having a remarkable experience spanning 30 years in the field of batteries and raw materials including 10 years in several automotive projects. He subsequently decided to train in a more cross-disciplinary expertise, adding to his technical and quality experiences an expertise in purchasing. Thierry has previously worked with the likes of SAFT and ACC.
technical team
Tuan Tu Nguyen
Battery Simulation Engineer
Tuan Tu is a PhD student at Renault as part of the collaboration with the LRCS Laboratory in Electrochemical Engineering, and has participating in battery manufacturing and simulation. His R&D experience in conventional Li-ion batteries with high energy density are some of the strengths he brings to R&D at Verkor.
technical team
Viviana Estupinian Pinilla
Utilities Engineer
Originally from Colombia, Viviana is a young Master’s graduate in electrical engineering from INP Grenoble, and has worked at Spie City, Schneider Electric, and Ingetec. Drawing on her rich experience, and as part of her drive to participate in the decarbonization transition, Viviana is helping to improve Verkor’s processes.
technical team
Xavier Petrissans
Cell Technical Leader
Xavier has a PhD in materials science and electrochemical energy storage and is a specialist in Li-ion cells. He brings to Verkor his expertise, acquired during his various experiences, as a cell specialist for electric vehicles at LG Energy Solution, and thanks to his role as engineer in charge of the development of the cell for the Megane Electric at Renault.
technical team
Youngsu Kim
Cell assembly principal engineer
Originally from Korea, Youngsu has over 15 years’ experience in manufacturing, product, design and process engineering at companies including Northvolt and A123 Systems. He plays a key role at Verkor where he applies his expertise and knowledge in cell assembly and research.
Want to join our team?