Zinc8 Energy Solutions (CSE:ZAIR) has announced the appointment of Swapan Kakumanu as its new chief financial officer, effective December 6, 2023, replacing Jason Birmingham in his role as interim CFO.
The company also announced a strategic collaboration with Blackland Energy Partners.
With more than 25 years of senior finance and operations experience, Zinc8 noted that Kakumanu has served at the senior executive management levels, both in public and private companies, in high-growth technology, manufacturing, blockchain, medical device and oil field service industries.
Kakumanu has held senior roles as president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, controller, company secretary and board member for public and private companies in the information technology and energy service sectors.
“Mr Kakumanu has extensive experience in public company reporting, investor relations, ERP implementations, mergers and acquisitions, internal controls, and overall financial and operations management,” Zinc8 said in a statement.
“He is well versed in commercializing technologies and launching software (including software as a service) solutions, and his experience spans manufacturing, distribution, oil field services, health care technologies and multijurisdictional operations.”
Commenting on the collaboration with Blackland, Zinc8 said the main aim is to drive the commercialization of its patented products while enhancing its overall corporate structure.
The company said Blackland is well-positioned to assume a pivotal role due to its proficiency in corporate efficiency and energy storage solutions across North America.
The collaboration will help merge the technological potential of the company’s Zaeras zinc-based energy storage technology with the operational expertise and vision of Blackland and Zinc8. Blackland’s end-to-end manufacturing solutions can also simplify its operations while streamlining communications both internally and to the market, Zinc8 added.
"We anticipate that this partnership will lay the groundwork for a streamlined path to achieve our short-term goals, fostering heightened market awareness and a more favourable financial outlook,” Zinc8 director Dr Simon Fan commented.
“This collective effort signifies a commitment to guiding Zinc8 toward a trajectory of growth, technological innovation and strengthened market presence.”
Zinc8 Energy Solutions (CSE:ZAIR) focuses on developing and commercializing its low-cost, long-duration zinc-air energy storage system (ZESS) for utilities, microgrid, and Commercial and Industrial markets.
Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com