Redwood Materials has lost its chief operating officer Chris Lister, who is retiring, according to documents reviewed by TechCrunch. At least three other vice presidents have also departed the company during a recent restructuring and layoffs period. The changes mark a significant shift in leadership at the battery recycling startup founded by JB Straubel.
Lister, who joined Redwood from Tesla in 2021, will step down after five years in executive roles. His departure follows an internal review that led to job cuts across multiple departments. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed the exits but declined to provide further details about the number of affected employees or affected teams.
The restructuring comes as Redwood accelerates plans to expand its battery recycling operations. The company has secured contracts with major automakers to process scrap from electric vehicle production. However, the leadership changes raise questions about the company’s ability to maintain momentum during a period of rapid growth and industry competition.
Redwood Materials has not publicly commented on the departures or the restructuring. The company remains focused on scaling its facilities in Nevada and South Carolina. Industry analysts say leadership stability will be key as the company competes with larger players in the sustainable materials sector.
The departures add to a series of executive exits at Redwood over the past year. The company has faced pressure to improve efficiency while expanding capacity to meet rising demand for recycled battery materials.
Source: techcrunch.com