Keynotes | EV Tech Expo Detroit 2025

Hear from the Visionaries Driving
the Battery and EV Revolution

The Battery Show North America brings together the industry’s most influential leaders to share their expertise, strategies, and vision for the future of energy storage and electric mobility. This year’s keynote lineup features executives shaping the next wave of battery innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability.

Kurt Kelty
Vice President of Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability
General Motors

Tuesday, October 7
10:45–11:15 a.m.

Kurt Kelty leads GM’s battery cell and pack strategy, driving advancements from research and development through commercialization and end-of-life sustainability. A globally recognized expert, he brings more than 30 years of experience spanning Panasonic, Tesla, and Sila. At Tesla, Kelty spent 11 years overseeing supplier relationships, quality, and the launch of the first Gigafactory, helping transform large-scale lithium-ion production. He has also worked on silicon anode commercialization and fast-charging solutions. A Stanford Sloan Fellow and Swarthmore graduate, Kelty is an inventor on 16 patents and continues to shape innovations critical to EV adoption worldwide.

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Robert H. “Bob” Lee
President, North America
LG Energy Solution

Tuesday, October 7
11:15–11:45 a.m.

Bob Lee is President of LG Energy Solution North America, where he leads the company’s growth across the EV and energy storage landscape. A seasoned executive and board member, he brings extensive experience across the automotive and battery industries. His leadership background includes serving as CEO of Continental, the LG-Honda joint venture, and the SKI-Continental joint venture. Beyond corporate leadership, Lee has worked in venture capital, startups, and consulting, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the global energy transition.

Austin Brown
Director, Vehicle Technologies Office
US Department of Energy

Wednesday, October 8
10:15–10:45 a.m.

Austin Brown is Director of the Vehicle Technologies Office at the U.S. Department of Energy, leading R&D and deployment of clean, affordable mobility solutions. He previously served as Senior Director for Transportation Emissions at the White House Climate Policy Office and as Executive Director of UC Davis’s Policy Institute for Energy, Environment, and the Economy. A Harvey Mudd graduate with a Ph.D. from Stanford, he also teaches at Johns Hopkins University.

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Rob Schnell
President, North America
SK On

Wednesday, October 8
10:45–11:15 a.m.

Rob Schnell is President of SK On North America and brings a broad background in automotive technology and manufacturing. His career includes leadership roles at Axalta, Faurecia, and Air International Thermal Systems, where he focused on quality, lean processes, and business development. With expertise in FMEA, APQP, and advanced manufacturing practices, Schnell has built a reputation for driving operational excellence and innovation in the EV battery sector. His leadership is central to SK On’s expansion and its mission to supply next-generation battery solutions across the North American market.

Celina J. Mikolajczak
Battery Industry Advisor

Thursday, October 9
10:30–11 a.m.

Celina Mikolajczak is a mechanical engineer and battery technology leader with more than two decades of experience advancing lithium-ion and next-generation chemistries. She began her career at Exponent, focusing on safety and failure analysis, before leading cell quality and materials engineering at Tesla. Mikolajczak later served as Director of Battery Engineering at Uber, Vice President of Engineering at Panasonic Energy of North America, and Vice President of Manufacturing at QuantumScape. Since 2022, she has been with Lyten, developing lithium–sulfur batteries aimed at improving energy density and sustainability. Her career reflects a consistent focus on innovation, safety, and scaling solutions for electric mobility.