Altilium, a UK-based clean technology group focused on supporting the transition to net zero, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Cartwright to the new role of Managing Director, in a move that strengthens the company’s senior leadership team and underlines its commitment to building a UK national champion for EV battery recycling.
With 40 years’ experience in the chemicals industry, David brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in commercial leadership to Altilium. His expertise in steering complex chemical projects and extensive management background, paired with a deep commitment to sustainability, will play a pivotal role in driving the next phase of the company’s ambitious growth strategy, including the scale-up of its EV battery recycling operations in the UK.
David most recently worked for Kolmar Group, a major global petrochemicals, petroleum and renewable products trading company, as managing director of its Asian headquarters in Singapore, leading the company’s business across Asia. David joined Kolmar Group as Global Product Manager in 2011 before moving to Singapore as Commercial Director Asia in 2012 and then becoming Managing Director Singapore in 2013. Prior to joining Kolmar, David held senior commercial roles at both BP and Ineos in the UK.
Christian Marson, COO Altilium, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome David to Altilium at this pivotal moment in our growth. His track record of leading high-performance teams at major global companies, combined with deep commercial expertise in the chemicals industry, will be invaluable as we accelerate our mission in battery recycling and clean technology in the UK. David’s leadership will play a key role in driving our next phase of scale-up and success.”
David will take on several key leadership and corporate responsibilities for Altilium, including the development of its planned ACT4 mega-scale battery recycling facility in Teesside. The plant will have the capacity to process scrap from over 150,000 EVs per year (50,000 tonnes of black mass), producing 30,000 tonnes of cathode active material (CAM), meeting nearly 20% of the expected demand in the UK by 2030 and making it one of the largest recycling projects in the UK and Europe.
David Cartwright commented:
“I am thrilled to join Altilium at such an exciting time and to continue my journey from trading petrochemicals to advocating for sustainable solutions. The EV revolution is here, and recycling is critical to its sustainability. I look forward to working with the impressive Altilium team, helping to drive continued innovation and ensure that we not only meet the demand for clean energy but also minimise environmental harm in the process.”
Originally from Hartlepool, David will initially be based in Devon, before transitioning to his native North East as work around the ACT4 facility ramps up. In addition to overseeing the Teesside development, he will focus on forging strategic partnerships, optimising supply chains and championing circular economy initiatives in EV battery recycling.
David’s appointment follows a number of significant milestones for Altilium and a busy start to 2025. In January, the company announced a US$5m strategic investment from leading Japanese trading and investment group Marubeni Corporation, as part of its Series B funding round. That investment is supporting the next stage of development for Altilium’s ACT4 facility, including detailed engineering studies, land acquisition, planning and permitting, as well as strengthening of the leadership team.
Other recent operational highlights include:
- MOU’s signed with Talga Group Ltd and major chemical company HELM AG, for the supply of recycled graphite and lithium, respectively.
- Successful processing of Altilium’s recycled battery materials at UKBIC for the production of cathode electrodes, a UK first.
- Analysis by Imperial College London confirming Altilium’s recycled materials can match and outperform virgin mined materials.
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