Technology veterans boost ION Storage Systems’ leadership team

ION Storage Systems, developer of advanced solid-state battery (SSB) technology, announced three recent additions to its leadership team. The hires include Jorge Diaz Schneider as the company's new chief executive officer, with over 10 years of experience in materials science and energy innovation; David McKenery as president and general counsel with more than 10 years of experience in corporate development and intellectual property; and Eric Lind, who will serve as ION's first chief commercial officer, bringing over 30 years of strategic experience in the battery industry. They join an already talented leadership team including the company's co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Gregory Hitz.

ION is working to advance American leadership in battery technology with its versatile, safer, and more sustainable SSB platform, which is poised for targeted prototyping across key industry applications in 2025. This progress is fueled by the growing demand for safer, more powerful batteries for applications ranging from defense/military and grid storage to electric vehicles (EVs). Significant support has come from from key public and private partnerships, including ARPA-E, the U.S. Department of Energy, Saint-Gobain, and KLA. ION's existing platform and relationships, coupled with a multifaceted team with complementary capabilities, open new opportunities for growth and further innovation, enabling ION to scale its technology across industries and accelerate entry into new markets.

“Over the past year, ION’s team has hit some monumental milestones, and the market is taking notice with increased demand for our safe, more powerful SSB,” says Dr. Hitz. “This is a pivotal moment of growth for ION, and Jorge, David, and Eric each bring invaluable experience that will propel the company into its next phase. When a team works together, complementing each other, it can achieve great things. From managing large-scale operations to forging strategic partnerships, this outstanding new leadership has the expertise to guide us to the great things we are very sure we can accomplish.”

Industry impact and growth
ION’s advancements in SSB technology, including its anode-less and compression-less design, address essential safety and efficiency needs across applications from military to consumer to industrial uses including energy storage and EVs. The company recently commissioned its pilot SSB manufacturing facility. With critical partnerships and state-of-the-art infrastructure, ION aims to continue scaling its operations and deliver on the growing demand of strategic customers.

Jorge Diaz Schneider, Chief Executive Officer
Schneider comes to ION from Albemarle Corporation, a global lithium supplier, where as vice president of Advanced Energy Storage Materials and Lithium Recycling, he established a global business unit for high-energy-density battery materials, partnering with OEMs and strengthening upstream supply chains. Prior to Albemarle, at LORD Corporation, he commercialized thermally conductive resins and adhesives for EV battery pack assembly and other e-mobility applications across Europe, North America, and Asia. “ION’s technology offers a clear path forward in a world that requires energy solutions free from traditional supply chain vulnerabilities,” he says. “I look forward to leading this exceptional team as we expand ION’s impact in critical markets.”

David McKenery, President and General Counsel
With a background in corporate law, McKenery brings deep experience in providing advice on high-stakes strategic relationships. His experience in mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and complex regulatory strategy will be instrumental as ION navigates new markets and partnerships. "ION's mission to transform energy storage is deeply aligned with my work in ensuring strong, growth-oriented legal frameworks," he says.

Eric Lind, Chief Commercial Officer
A veteran in the battery industry with over 30 years of experience, Eric led teams in aligning product development with customer needs, resulting in multimillion-dollar partnerships. Known for his customer-first approach to commercial strategy, Eric will focus on positioning ION as a leader in energy storage solutions. “Customers demand secure, scalable energy solutions and this demand has never been higher,” said Eric. “I am excited to be part of a team that brings ION’s groundbreaking technology to industries where reliable and long-lasting energy storage is paramount.”