General Motors hires former Tesla executive Kurt Kelty as VP of Batteries

General Motors (GM) says the company “continues to invest in the infrastructure and attract world-class talent to make that a reality,” reporting that GM has hired Kurt Kelty, a “globally recognized battery expert” and former Tesla (TSLA) executive, to be vice president of Batteries, reporting to GM President Mark Reuss. “In this newly created role, Kelty will be charged with GM’s battery cell strategy and a new end-to-end approach. This will include the use of raw materials, research, developing and investing in new technology, commercialization of cells and packs, and end of life opportunities. His team will be responsible for a critical piece of GM’s electrification strategy, bringing together the company’s already robust battery development resources with industry expertise to more quickly deliver profitable, lower-cost, higher performing electric vehicles to customers at scale,” GM stated.