PowerCo SE has appointed HW Vassen as the new Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management, effective August 1, 2024. The appointment was approved by the Supervisory Board of PowerCo SE. Vassen, who has been serving as Head of Series Development since mid-2023, played a crucial role in the development of PowerCo’s unified cell, set to begin mass production in 2025. In his new role as Chief Technology Officer, he will oversee technology and product development, as well as testing and analytics at PowerCo SE.
Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo SE, expressed gratitude to Soonho Ahn for his contributions to the technological advancements at PowerCo. Ahn’s work in establishing the technology department and laying the groundwork for the unified cell has been instrumental in positioning PowerCo as a sustainable and competitive battery company. Blome also voiced confidence in Vassen as the ideal successor, citing his significant role in unified cell development and extensive international experience in battery development.
Prior to joining PowerCo SE, Vassen worked with Volkswagen Group China on battery cell and system development. He studied electrical engineering at RWTH Aachen University and has been with the Volkswagen Group since 1999. Meanwhile, Ahn earned his PhD in electrochemistry for battery applications from Auburn University in the United States in 1992 and has been instrumental in building up the technology department at PowerCo SE since 2022 following his role as Global Head of Battery Development at Apple.
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