Mark Duchesne och Matti Kataja.
Northvolt announced on Wednesday that Mark Duchesne, CEO of Northvolt Ett, is stepping down. This news was first reported by DN.
At a meeting that same day, a replacement was introduced. Matti Kataja, Northvolt's communications manager, informed Norran in an email:
– Angéline J. Bilodeau, Vice President of Operations for Northvolt North America, will assume responsibility for all operations at Northvolt Ett as the Acting Senior Vice President. This appointment takes effect immediately and will continue until the end of the year, when Northvolt names a permanent CEO for Northvolt Ett.
Northvolt Ett in Skellefteå.
Mark Duchesne, a Canadian, became CEO of Northvolt in July 2023. Known for his reserved nature, he has rarely given interviews. Even during the company's recent challenges, he has maintained a low public profile.
When Norran interviewed him in April 2024, Duchesne discussed his relationship with CEO Peter Carlsson and the factors that drew him to Northvolt.
- Peter Carlsson contacted me and asked if I wanted to be involved in developing the battery factory in Skellefteå.
- I really liked what I saw and heard, the passion, the company's philosophy and the goal of the business, said Mark Duchesne at the time.
Mark Duchesne, Northvolt Ett.
In the same interview, Mark Duchesne emphasized that he would like to become part of the local community. He has in various contexts talked about his love for ice hockey.
- Nowadays I am a big fan of Skellefteå AIK and have a season ticket, he said among other things.
He has highlighted his work in changing the structure of Northvolt Ett's organization. Among other things, it has been about making the work groups smaller and increasing the resources to support the employees.
Mark Duchesne has a long career in the automotive industry behind him, including as an employee in various positions at Toyota for over 20 years. He has also worked together with Peter Carlsson at Tesla and at the Chinese car manufacturer Byton.
Mark Duchesne took over in July 2023.