Visionary Technology Executive

Are you ready to build a successful company?

Start with the right Board of Director choice

Resume

JOHN ROBERT WALLACE

Rancho Santa Fe, CA • [email protected]
Global Energy & Technology Executive | CEO | Board Director | Advanced Powertrain & Clean Energy Innovator

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Visionary technology and energy executive with a multi‑decade record leading breakthrough innovation in electric and hybrid vehicles, fuel cell systems, lithium batteries, power electronics, and microprocessor development. Former CEO of multiple global companies, including a $300M renewable‑energy technology business acquired for ~$500M. Deep experience building and scaling organizations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and China, including joint ventures and government‑backed clean‑energy programs. Trusted adviser to CEOs, boards, and national ministries on strategy, technology development, and organizational transformation.

CORE EXPERTISE

  • Executive Leadership & Board Governance
  • Clean Energy & Electrification
  • Advanced Powertrains (EV, HEV, Fuel Cell)
  • Power Electronics & Energy Storage
  • Global Operations & Joint Ventures
  • Technology Commercialization
  • Organizational Transformation
  • Strategic Partnerships (U.S., China, EU)
  • Large‑Scale Program Leadership

LEADERSHIP & ADVISORY EXPERIENCE

Adviser & Mentor to the CEO — Borrego Solar

2015–2024
Advise CEO of one of the largest U.S. commercial solar providers on organizational design, product strategy, process improvement, and executive decision‑making. Support scaling initiatives across engineering, operations, and human capital.

Board Director — SBE, Inc.

2012–2020
Guided strategy for a leading developer of high‑power, low‑impedance capacitors used in renewable energy, EV drivetrains, UPS systems, and industrial power electronics.

Board Director — ICRTec

2011–2022 Advise on commercialization of 350kW gas‑turbine powertrains for Class 8 trucks and stationary power. Support engineering and go‑to‑market strategy for high‑efficiency, emissions‑compliant turbine systems.

Chief Technical Adviser — China Fuel Cell Bus Program (Phases 1–3)

2003–2022  
Directed strategy, technical development, and execution for China’s first fuel‑cell bus deployments in Beijing and Shanghai. Oversaw vehicle development, fueling infrastructure, fuel specifications, supplier negotiations, and program management capability. Currently advising Phase 3, focused on building a complete fuel‑cell transportation ecosystem in Rugao.

EXECUTIVE ROLES

Chairman — Enova Systems

2008–2013
Led board of publicly traded developer of electric and hybrid‑electric drive systems for heavy‑duty vehicles. Director since 2002.

CEO — Xantrex Technology Inc.

2005–2008
Global renewable‑energy and power‑electronics company.

  • Grew revenue from $135M to $310M and delivered $25M EBITDA turnaround.
  • Expanded global footprint across North America, Europe, and China (JV with Shanghai Electric).
  • Led successful sale to Schneider Electric for ~$500M.

Interim CEO — Avestor, Inc.

2004–2005
Lithium‑polymer battery manufacturer (Kerr‑McGee & Hydro‑Québec JV).

  • Improved yields from <40% to 85% and reduced unit cost by $350.
  • Secured major order from SBC for 60,000 units at positive margins.
  • Rebuilt business processes across engineering, operations, and quality.

Technology Development Consultant

2002–Present
Clients include Avestor, United Technologies, LG (Compact Power), Johnson Controls Battery Group, California Fuel Cell Partnership, and China’s Ministry of Science & Technology.
Provided strategic and technical consulting in batteries, power electronics, advanced powertrains, and alternative energy. Served on boards of Enova Systems, Xantrex, Millennium Cell, and the Electric Drive Transportation Association.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY — 1982 to 2002

Executive Director, TH!NK Group

1999–2002
Led all electric‑drive activities across Ford brands, including fuel cell, hybrid, and battery‑electric programs. CEO of TH!NK Mobility; Chairman of TH!NK Nordic and Ecostar. Managed $190M budget and ~650 employees. First Chairman of the California Fuel Cell Partnership.

Director, Environmental Vehicles

1996–1999
Oversaw engineering and development of electric, hybrid, fuel‑cell, natural‑gas, propane, and ethanol vehicles. Helped Ford become the largest producer of alternative‑fuel vehicles in the U.S.

Earlier Ford Roles (1982–1996)

President, Ford Microelectronics • Director, Electronics Research • Director, Electric Vehicles • Director, Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Chairman, World Electric Vehicle Association (twice) • Chairman, U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium (twice) • Chairman, SAE Cooperative Research Council

EARLY CAREER

Intel — Program Manager, Custom Integrated Circuits (1981–1982)
Perkin Elmer — Director, Western Development Center (1979–1981)
Precision Micro Design — Founder & President (1974–1979)
Western Digital — Project Manager, PDP‑11 Microprocessor (1973–1974)
Garrett Comtronics — Microprocessor Design Manager (1972–1973)
Texas Instruments — Integrated Circuit Design Engineer (1970–1972)

EDUCATION

RiceUniversity — Houston, TX
BSEE, 1969
MSEE (Computer Science), 1970