Next-generation battery technology company Sila has announced key executive leadership updates to support its transition into gigascale manufacturing and meet growing global demand for its anode technology.
Following seven years of initial science development and eight years scaling its Titan Silicon silicon-carbon (Si/C) anode technology, Sila has expanded output from one gram per batch to one ton per batch. The company is now transitioning into a global manufacturing operation designed to produce hundreds of tons per day. The executive team updates are intended to help the company leverage its position and momentum in U.S. manufacturing.
As part of the leadership transition, Chris Dougher has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Dougher will oversee Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Capital Projects, Quality, Planning, and Industrial Engineering. During his nine-year tenure at Sila, Dougher contributed to the stand-up of the company’s Alameda production facility and managed the build-out and staffing of the Moses Lake manufacturing facility. Prior to Sila, Dougher spent eleven years at PPG Industries managing manufacturing facilities. He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Environmental Management, and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University.
“Chris has been a force of nature at Sila, defined by a relentless drive for operational excellence, and a talent for building world-class teams,” said Gene Berdichevsky, Sila Co-founder and CEO. “As we accelerate into our next phase of giga-scale production, Chris will be the engine driving our success internally while showcasing Sila’s powerhouse capabilities to the global stage.”
Additionally, Gwen Hsu has joined the company as VP, Product. Hsu brings over 20 years of product management experience in the electronics industry, including leading mixed-discipline R&D teams and managing OEM, ODM, and contract manufacturing models across B2B and B2C markets. She holds an MBA from National Taiwan University and a BA in International Trade from National Chengchi University. In her new role, Hsu will focus on anode and new product initiatives while collaborating on overall product strategy and go-to-market planning.
“Batteries are foundational to the world’s most critical industries and Sila’s technology makes every one of them better. Defining and executing a product strategy that delivers maximum impact isn’t just an advantage for Sila, it’s pivotal to our growth and our mission. Gwen’s seasoned product leadership and deep, practical grasp of the global supply chain ecosystem are exactly what we need to execute this vision, scale our impact, and serve our customers as we manage this new phase of growth,” said Berdichevsky.
