GREENWICH, Conn., May 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stardust Power Inc. ("Stardust Power" or the "Company"), a development stage American manufacturer of battery-grade lithium products, today announced the appointment of Adam Johnson as Acting Chief Commercial Officer. In his new role, Mr. Johnson will oversee business and corporate development with a focus on offtake. Additionally, Amit Taleja will join Stardust Power as Director of Accounting, where he will lead the company's financial reporting, budgeting, and financial planning. These key appointments bolster Stardust Power's highly seasoned management team.
"We are confident that Adam's strategic vision and expertise in commercialization will be instrumental in Stardust Power's continued growth," stated Roshan Pujari, Founder and CEO of Stardust Power. "Adam's proven track record of commercializing large-scale mining projects cohesively aligns with our goals for market leadership in battery-grade lithium production."
Mr. Johnson brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Stardust Power, with an extensive history in operating, scaling, and advising high-growth companies in both the technology and metals sectors. He most recently served as Operating Partner at Ara Partners, where he was responsible for developing the firm's rare earth investment strategy. Prior to Ara Partners, he served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy for MP Materials Corp, leading commercial negotiations, business development, and ESG disclosures for the NYSE-listed company. Mr. Johnson was essential in securing a long-term definitive supply agreement with GM.
Additionally, Stardust Power welcomes Amit Taleja as Director of Accounting. "We are pleased to welcome Amit to the Stardust Power team. His extensive background in accounting and financial reporting will be integral to streamlining the growth of our operations," said Uday Devasper, CFO of Stardust Power. "Amit is a talented Accounting Director, who has worked across multiple industries, leading world-class accounting teams for several multi-billion dollar publicly traded companies. He brings a unique ability to guide cross-functional teams to implement strategic enhancements and internal controls that foster operational efficiency."
Mr. Taleja brings over two decades of experience in finance leadership roles, specializing in process improvement and technology implementation. Mr. Taleja most recently served as Senior Director, Accounting Operations with Upwork Inc., building and growing their accounting team. Prior to Upwork, Mr. Taleja served as Director, Corporate Accounting & External Reporting for Core-Mark International Inc., where he drove transformative financial reporting, digital automation, and companywide Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") integration.
Adam Johnson and Amit Taleja
About Stardust Power:
Stardust Power is a development stage manufacturer and refiner of battery-grade lithium products designed to supply the electric vehicle industry and help secure America's leadership in the energy transition. Stardust Power is developing a strategically central lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma with the anticipated capacity of producing up to 50,000 tonnes per annum of battery-grade lithium. Committed to sustainability at each point in the process, the Company expects to enjoy a diversified supply of lithium from American brine sources. Stardust Power is expected to become a publicly traded company on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "SDST" via a planned business combination with Global Partner Acquisition Corp II ("GPAC II") (NASDAQ:GPAC), a special purpose acquisition company.
For more information, visit www.stardust-power.com
Stardust Power Contacts:
For Investors:
William Tates
william@stardust-power.com
For Media:
Michael Thompson
media@stardust-power.com
Forward-Looking Statements
The information included herein and in any oral statements made in connection herewith include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the proposed business combination, GPAC II's and Stardust Power's ability to consummate the transaction, ...