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.