FIVE MINUTES WITH ...
DENISE GRAY
Energy Digital Magazine spends five minutes with LG Energy Solution ' s Head of External Affairs and Government Relations , North America , Denise Gray
An aptitude for maths and engineering coupled with unrivalled ambition meant that , from a young age , Denise Gray was always destined to be an industry leader .
A pioneer within the energy industry , known by insiders as the ‘ Battery Czar ’, Gray is now heading the External Affairs & Government Relations for LG Energy Solution – one of the world ’ s largest makers and suppliers of automotive batteries for electric vehicles ( EVs ).
Q . TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR ROLE WITHIN LG ENERGY SOLUTION ( LGES )
» “ I began my engineering career over four decades ago as a Kettering University co-op engineering student , sponsored by GM ’ s Tech Center . It was a perfect match because I grew up in Detroit , where most people I knew worked for or dreamed of working in the automotive industry .
While at GM , I was amazingly blessed to support the company by designing and developing advanced technology such as : infotainment systems ; automatic braking systems ; engine / transmission controls for better fuel economy and reduced pollutants ; and battery systems for a range of electric vehicles ( EVs ).
The battery system work led me to LG Energy Solution , where I have had a relationship for more than 17 years , including working directly for nearly eight years .
I was CEO / President of the LGES North American Research & Development Center , responsible for cultivating business relationships and demonstrating EV battery technology readiness by designing production battery systems for companies such as Volvo , Stellantis , and Ford .
In 2022 , I transitioned to Head of the External Affairs and Government Relations Department for North America . My role is to ensure LG Energy Solution ’ s activities in the US / North America meet government and industry R & D and manufacturing objectives .
22 April 2023