Princeton NuEnergy Taps Battery Industry Heavyweight to Spearhead Commercial Scale-Up

PRINCETON, N.J. – February 19, 2026 – In a significant move signaling its aggressive push from pilot-stage innovator to industrial-scale powerhouse, Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) today announced the appointment of Joseph Park as its new President and Chief Financial Officer. The hiring of the seasoned executive, who previously helped orchestrate the global expansion of battery giant SK On, underscores a pivotal moment for the advanced materials company as it aims to secure a leading role in America's burgeoning battery recycling ecosystem.

Park is tasked with steering PNE's financial strategy, capital formation, and strategic partnerships. His appointment comes as the company prepares to transition its proprietary direct battery recycling technology into large-scale commercial production, a critical step in bolstering the U.S. domestic supply chain for critical minerals.

A Strategic Power Play for Industrial Scale

The decision to bring Park into the leadership fold is a clear statement of intent. He is not merely a financial officer but a veteran of the global battery wars, bringing a formidable track record from one of the world's largest battery manufacturers. During his tenure at SK On, where he served for over six years as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, Park was instrumental in the company's global expansion into the United States, Europe, and Asia. He played a central role in executing multi-billion-dollar capital raises and strategic manufacturing scale-up initiatives that cemented SK On's market leadership.

His expertise extends deep into the world of high finance, with a resume that includes senior leadership roles in global investment banking as Head of Korea Investment Banking at Barclays and Daiwa Securities, following more than a decade at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. This combination of industrial-scale operational experience and Wall Street financial acumen is precisely what a company like PNE needs to navigate the capital-intensive journey to commercialization.

"We are thrilled to welcome Joe to the Princeton NuEnergy leadership team," said Chao Yan, Co-Founder and CEO of Princeton NuEnergy. "Joe's experience in battery manufacturing expansion, global partnerships, and capital strategy will be invaluable as we continue to scale our commercial operations and deliver reliable, high-quality production for our customers."

Advanced Technology Meets Market Demand

Founded in 2019 out of Princeton University, PNE has distinguished itself with a novel approach to a complex problem. The company's core technology is a patented low-temperature plasma-assisted separation process (LPAS™) for direct lithium-ion battery recycling. This method, which PNE brands as Cathode-to-Cathode® rejuvenation, bypasses the more common and energy-intensive hydrometallurgical processes.

PNE claims its technology can recover over 95% of materials from various lithium-ion battery chemistries while reducing energy consumption by up to 70% and costs by over 40% compared to traditional methods. The result is battery-grade cathode active material (CAM) that can be directly reintroduced into the manufacturing loop, creating a truly closed-loop system.

This technological edge has attracted significant backing. PNE has raised over $55 million in funding from a syndicate of strategic investors that reads like a who's who of the automotive, energy, and technology sectors, including Honda Motor Co., Samsung Venture Investment Corporation, Shell Ventures, and LKQ Corporation. This capital is being deployed to construct the company's first standalone, full-scale advanced manufacturing facility in the southeastern U.S., which is slated for commissioning by August 2025.

Navigating the U.S. Battery Gold Rush

Park joins PNE at a time of unprecedented opportunity and intense competition in the U.S. battery recycling market. Fueled by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the sector is experiencing a veritable gold rush. The IRA's provisions classify battery materials recycled within the U.S. as "American-made," making electric vehicles that use them eligible for lucrative consumer tax credits. This has unleashed a torrent of investment, with market projections soaring from approximately $500 million in 2024 to over $5 billion by 2032.

The policy has created a powerful incentive for automakers and battery manufacturers to secure domestic sources of recycled materials, reducing reliance on volatile international supply chains and supporting national energy security goals. PNE is positioning itself to be a key supplier in this new landscape, competing with other major players like Redwood Materials and Ascend Elements who are also rapidly scaling their operations.

In this high-stakes environment, Park's primary focus will be on building the financial and strategic framework necessary for sustained growth. His stated goals include scaling commercial deployment through a disciplined capital strategy and forging critical partnerships with battery cell manufacturers and energy storage system integrators, particularly those supporting the expansion of data centers and grid infrastructure.

"I'm excited to join Princeton NuEnergy at this pivotal stage," Park stated. "The company has a compelling value proposition, strong customer interest, and a demonstrable track record of successful operations. I look forward to helping build the financial and strategic foundation that will enable sustainable commercial growth in the years ahead."