Valence Appoints CEO

Kanobe

Valence Technology Inc. of Austin, Texas, has appointed Robert L. Kanode as chief executive officer and president. He succeeds Dr. James Akridge, who successfully transitioned the company’s base powder technology to commercial scale and began mass production of battery packs in China. Kanode will also assume Akridge’s position on the board of directors.

Kanode brings over 12 years of experience in the battery industry to Valence. He previously served as president of Varta Batteries North America and a senior partner of the sales and performance group concentrating on product commer-cialization, sales and marketing. Kanobe also was the program manager for the IBM Think Pad. “Recently, Kanobe has been a special consultant to our company, working on developing product and large account opportunities,” says Carl E. Berg, Valence’s chairman and principal stockholder. “His working knowledge of Valence will ensure a smooth transition.”

He holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Auburn University School of Engineering.