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Just a year after being appointed CEO, Srini Godavarthy has resigned from Li-Metal Corp. (LIM-CN) and its board of directors, the Toronto-based lithium anode developer announced Monday morning.
The reason for his departure was not provided.
Keshav Kochhar, Li-Metal’s COO, has been named interim CEO.
Godavarthy took on the role of CEO of Li-Metal in May 2023, taking over from the company’s co-founder Maciej Jastrzebski.
Li-Metal is developing lithium anodes and lithium production technologies for use in batteries. The company’s products can extend the lifespan of batteries and can be produced with less environmental impact, Li-Metal states.
About Godavarthy
Godavarthy, who has a doctorate in chemical engineering from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from Colorado State University, held senior roles at chemicals company Huntsman Corporation, lithium processor Albemarle Corporation, and PTT Global Chemical prior to leading Li-Metal.
At Albemarle, he led the lithium metals and specialty salts business, developing the technology and commercialization plans for lithium metal, solid-state electrolytes and lithium metal anodes.
Tim Johnston, Li-Metal’s co-founder and director, said Godavarthy was chosen as CEO because of his experience in the lithium industry and developing partnerships with battery companies.
During his tenure, he spoke to Sustainable Biz Canada about Li-Metal’s plans to commercialize its anodes, test its lithium alloys with lithium-sulphur battery startup Lyten, and a concept study for a commercial carbonate-to-metal production site.
Li-Metal’s deposition technology can produce anodes that are more cost effective to manufacture, and can fit in more cells per battery.
Godavarthy said Li-Metal aimed to deliver a commercial anode machine this year that is geared for gigawatt-capacity customers. By late 2024 to early 2025, the company hoped to announce more partnerships and an anode production site.
The carbonate-to-metal production facility would have an average production of 1,000 tonnes of lithium metal per year at full capacity. Godavarthy said it would produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
Li-Metal sells its lithium metals business
In late June, Li-Metal announced it entered a non-binding letter of intent to sell its lithium metal business for $15 million. The company aims to use the proceeds to help commercialize its lithium metal anode business.
Godavarthy was not quoted in the release announcing the development; Li-Metal chairman Anthony Tse made comments instead.
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