Meet the Team Q&A – Jean-Yves

What motivated you to join Green Graphite Technologies, and what excites you most about the work being done here?

After several decades in the industry and in battery materials R&D, I decided to delay my full retirement and take part in the start-up of GGT with founders Gillian Holcroft and Kevin Watson at a time when the Western battery industry was undergoing major changes after the COVID pandemic. GGT’s innovative technology is a cost-effective and green solution for producing Li-ion battery-grade graphite outside China, and I’m excited by the lab and pilot results that confirm the enormous potential of our mining and recycled graphite purification processes.

Can you share a little about your background and how it connects to your role at GGT?

I have a Ph.D. in chemistry, and I’ve been passionate about batteries and battery materials for almost 40 years, including about ten years in graphite for batteries, which explains my connection with GGT. I’ve been involved in R&D, product management, quality control and marketing of a wide range of battery materials. At GGT, I am the VP Product Management, and my role is to develop and optimize our products.

How would you describe the work environment at GGT, and what do you enjoy most about being part of the team?

The working atmosphere at GGT is extremely motivating. I have the privilege of working alongside dynamic colleagues, whose varied expertise and remarkable achievements enrich our professional environment. I also have the chance to collaborate with several partners in research and development on critical issues related to our products and processes. This synergy generates continuous innovation and strengthens our ability to deliver technological solutions in the field of graphite for batteries.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I love outdoor sports — it’s my way of making the most of the four seasons while staying active all year round. In winter, I’m on the slopes downhill or cross-country skiing. The rest of the time, I run, play pickleball outdoors, and ride my bike around the city, with clubs, or through cycle touring in Quebec and France.