PowerGenix Adds Former Fortune 50 Exec from UTC Power

SAN DIEGO--PowerGenix, a manufacturer of nontoxic, high performance rechargeable Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) batteries, today announced the addition of Richard J. Brody as vice president of business development and strategic marketing. In his new position, Mr. Brody will cultivate demand for PowerGenix’s NiZn batteries in emerging markets and lead the company’s government outreach initiatives. Mr. Brody joins the company on the heels of the release of its consumer AA batteries to major online retailers.

“The addition of an executive experienced in creating international product demand underscores PowerGenix’s commitment to furthering the adoption of Nickel-Zinc batteries across an array of global industries,” said PowerGenix CEO Dan Squiller. “Richard’s familiarity with the nuances of government policies also makes him the ideal point man for spearheading PowerGenix’s outreach to key U.S. government and military programs, fostering the long-term development of these markets.”

With nearly 20 years of experience in realizing international business growth, Mr. Brody has worked extensively to generate market opportunities for environmentally friendly power solutions and direct government policy initiatives to speed their adoption. As vice president of international business development for UTC Power, a division of United Technologies Corporation (UTC) producing fuel cells for onsite power, transportation, space and defense applications, he expanded the company’s clean and renewable energy power generation business to include Asia and Europe.

“With extensive performance and environmental advantages, PowerGenix’s Nickel-Zinc batteries have received a positive reception across a wide range of applications from consumer rechargeables to light electric vehicles and power tools,” Mr. Brody said. “I’m here to help PowerGenix continue to deliver on the potential of its core technology and expand our reach into markets such as grid storage and hybrid vehicles through development and licensing agreements.”

Prior to his time at UTC Power, Mr. Brody served as president of UTC’s corporate office in Moscow and was chairman of the board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia. Before joining UTC, he worked in the White House as a foreign policy advisor to Vice President Al Gore.

Mr. Brody holds a Ph.D. and Master's degree from the University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree from Columbia University.

About PowerGenix

PowerGenix has developed and patented a high-energy density, high-cycle life and low-cost Nickel-Zinc battery targeting the market for energy intensive electronics and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Specifically designed to utilize existing Nickel-Cadmium manufacturing processes, techniques and equipment, PowerGenix offers the supply chain scaling and security OEMs require. With its patented rechargeable Nickel-Zinc battery technology, PowerGenix is pursuing applications to replace existing Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries in the multi-billion dollar rechargeable battery market.