Thurso-based battery cell developer AMTE Power, which went public in March, announced that James Hobson, 43, will join its board as chief financial officer designate on October 4, 2021, and will take over the role of CFO following the upcoming AGM.

AMTE Power is a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells for specialist markets, including the automotive industry, oil and gas market and energy storage sector.

AMTE’s purpose-built cell manufacturing facility in Thurso has the second largest cell manufacturing capacity in the UK and the company also has a product development team based in Oxford.

“James joins the company with extensive experience in the energy sector and as a director of a public company,” said AMTE.

“Most recently, James was CFO of ADC Energy UK, a clean technology company commercialising new DC microgrid technology powered by batteries.

“Between 2006 and 2019, he worked for GCM Resources plc, the AIM quoted mining and energy company, holding several senior positions and for the last seven years as CFO.

“James is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1998.

“James’ appointment follows on from the announcement in June that Adam Westcott would be stepping down from his position as CFO.

“Adam will continue to be a director of the company until the conclusion of the upcoming AGM and will work with James on an orderly handover.”

AMTE Power CEO Kevin Brundish said: “In James, I believe we have found a worthy successor to Adam.

“He will bring significant sector and public company experience with him and his knowledge of launching new technology-led energy products to global marketplaces fits neatly with AMTE.

“As a board we are looking forward to working with James and pursuing our commercial objectives together.”