Case StudyThe foundational leadership behind a landmark greenfield battery manufacturing joint venture

As four global industrial leaders came together to establish a new battery manufacturing joint venture, leadership needed to be in place long before construction could begin.

Before a site had been selected, Wenham Carter helped appoint the executives who would shape the organisation, lead the development of its first manufacturing facility, and establish the foundations for long-term growth.

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Business ContextThe $3b joint venture aimed to localize battery cell production and the battery supply chain in the United States.

Amplify Cell Technologies was established as a joint venture between Accelera™ by Cummins, Daimler Trucks, PACCAR and technology partner Eve.

Created to strengthen the North American battery supply chain and support the transition to zero-emission transport, the business was founded with the ambition to build a large-scale greenfield manufacturing operation from the ground up.

Who made this happen?

The Leadership ChallengeBuilding leadership for a business still on the drawing board

Leadership needed to be appointed before many of the business’s key operational decisions had been made.

The CEO and COO would play a central role in shaping the organisation, supporting site selection, planning the manufacturing operation, and building the leadership team that would ultimately deliver the facility.

As with any joint venture, the leadership brief needed to reflect the shared ambitions of multiple partners. Wenham Carter worked closely with the Board to establish a common view of the capabilities and success criteria that would guide both appointments before the search began.

The CEO and COO would build both the manufacturing operation and the organisation behind it.

Our ApproachCreating a blueprint for success

Having previously supported one of the joint venture partners, Wenham Carter was recommended to lead the executive search.

Working alongside the Board, we defined the leadership profile required to build a manufacturing business from first principles, balancing operational excellence, large-scale industrial leadership, and the ability to lead a complex, high-growth organisation.

The search resulted in the successful appointment of both the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. The partnership continued as the business evolved, supporting additional leadership appointments during the early stages of organisational build-out.

Business OutcomeFrom concept to construction

With experienced leadership in place, the joint venture was able to progress site selection, develop its manufacturing strategy, and begin building the organisation that would support one of North America’s most significant battery manufacturing investments.

The appointments established the leadership platform from which the wider organisation could be built. As the joint venture progressed, our partnership expanded beyond the CEO and COO appointments to support the continued build-out of the company’s leadership team.

The executive team remains in place, and has been instrumental in helping the joint venture adapt to challenges in the EV and battery sectors.

With experienced leadership in place, the joint venture was able to progress site selection, develop its manufacturing strategy, and begin building the organisation that would support one of North America's most significant battery manufacturing investments.

More Evidence No stone unturned

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