Huntersville-based Atom Power has named a new leader to oversee its expansion efforts.
The networked energy company today named Bharat Vats as CEO and president. He succeeds Atom Power co-founder Ryan Kennedy, who has served as CEO since the company's start in 2014.
As part of the transition, Kennedy will step into a new role as chief evangelist. Atom Power told CBJ he's transitioning to that position to "dedicate more of his time to what he has the most passion for: the product and Atom Power customers."
"This new role will allow him more time to innovate, collaborate and continue to build Atom Power’s presence locally and nationally," the company said.
As CEO, Vats will lead the company's growth initiatives, specifically around its mission to become a global power in the electric-vehicle charging space. Atom Power's EV-charging stations feature its digital circuit breaker technology developed by Kennedy. The solution allows for built-in notification control and expedited response times, among other benefits.
Vats brings more than a decade of experience in technology innovation and artificial intelligence in the utilities, energy and other related industries. He has held leadership roles at companies including PARC Xerox, General Electric, IBM and Danaher Corp. Vats most recently served as a chief operating officer at onepredict, an industrial AI technology company.
He joins Atom Power as the company's growth has been exponential over the last few years. It was awarded incentives last July for its major Huntersville expansion plans, which includes adding 205 jobs by 2026 — a move that would more than triple its N.C. workforce. Additionally, the $4.2 million project calls for the expansion of Atom Power's corporate headquarters and its research, development and manufacturing operations.
In 2022, the company also closed a $111.2 million funding round that saw South Korea-based SK Inc. become Atom Power's top outside investor.
Additionally, Atom Power made a deal last September with downtown Los Angeles' sports and entertainment district, L.A. Live, to install 48 of its electric vehicle-charging ports there. L.A. Live attracts nearly 20 million annual visitors and has hosted concerts and high-profile events such as the Grammy Awards.
Atom Power has about 100 employees, the majority based out of its two offices in the Charlotte and Raleigh areas.
