Carbon Revolution Names Auto Industry Veteran as Acting CEO
Carbon Revolution (Nasdaq: CREV), the leading manufacturer of lightweight carbon fiber wheels, has appointed Donnie Hampton, Jr. as Acting Chief Executive Officer and Board member. Hampton brings over 30 years of experience in Tier 1 automotive supply, including leadership roles at Maxion Wheels, Pace Industries, and Faurecia.
Hampton, who will relocate to Australia, succeeds Jake Dingle in leading the company's operations at its Geelong plant. His appointment comes at a important time as Carbon Revolution focuses on full industrialization and global expansion. Board Chairman Bob Lutz emphasized Hampton's extensive experience in global manufacturing operations, particularly in the wheels sector.
The leadership transition marks Carbon Revolution's evolution from an R&D-focused startup to a premier global supplier of carbon fiber wheels to the automotive industry. The company aims to leverage Hampton's expertise to enhance operational excellence, pursue new opportunities with existing customers, and expand its customer base.
Carbon Revolution (Nasdaq: CREV), il principale produttore di cerchi in fibra di carbonio leggeri, ha nominato Donnie Hampton, Jr. come Amministratore Delegato ad interim e membro del Consiglio. Hampton porta con sé oltre 30 anni di esperienza nella fornitura automobilistica di livello 1, inclusi ruoli dirigenziali presso Maxion Wheels, Pace Industries e Faurecia.
Hampton, che si trasferirà in Australia, succede a Jake Dingle nella guida delle operazioni dell'azienda presso lo stabilimento di Geelong. La sua nomina avviene in un momento importante poiché Carbon Revolution si concentra sulla piena industrializzazione e sull'espansione globale. Il Presidente del Consiglio Bob Lutz ha sottolineato l'ampia esperienza di Hampton nelle operazioni di produzione globale, in particolare nel settore dei cerchi.
Il passaggio di leadership segna l'evoluzione di Carbon Revolution da una startup focalizzata sulla R&D a un fornitore globale di cerchi in fibra di carbonio di primo piano per l'industria automobilistica. L'azienda mira a sfruttare l'expertise di Hampton per migliorare l'eccellenza operativa, perseguire nuove opportunità con i clienti esistenti e ampliare la propria base clienti.
Carbon Revolution (Nasdaq: CREV), el principal fabricante de ruedas de fibra de carbono ligeras, ha nombrado a Donnie Hampton, Jr. como Director Ejecutivo Interino y miembro de la Junta. Hampton aporta más de 30 años de experiencia en el suministro automotriz de Nivel 1, incluidos roles de liderazgo en Maxion Wheels, Pace Industries y Faurecia.
Hampton, quien se trasladará a Australia, sucede a Jake Dingle en la dirección de las operaciones de la empresa en su planta de Geelong. Su nombramiento se produce en un momento importante, ya que Carbon Revolution se centra en la industrialización completa y la expansión global. El presidente de la Junta, Bob Lutz, enfatizó la amplia experiencia de Hampton en operaciones de fabricación global, particularmente en el sector de las ruedas.
La transición de liderazgo marca la evolución de Carbon Revolution de una startup enfocada en I+D a un proveedor global de primer nivel de ruedas de fibra de carbono para la industria automotriz. La empresa busca aprovechar la experiencia de Hampton para mejorar la excelencia operativa, buscar nuevas oportunidades con los clientes existentes y expandir su base de clientes.
Carbon Revolution (Nasdaq: CREV), 경량 탄소 섬유 휠의 선두 제조업체,가 Donnie Hampton, Jr.를 임시 CEO 및 이사로 임명했습니다. Hampton은 Maxion Wheels, Pace Industries 및 Faurecia에서의 리더십 역할을 포함하여 30년 이상의 1차 자동차 공급 경험을 보유하고 있습니다.
호주로 이주할 Hampton은 Geelong 공장에서 회사 운영을 이끌며 Jake Dingle을 잇게 됩니다. 그의 임명은 Carbon Revolution이 완전한 산업화 및 글로벌 확장에 집중하고 있는 중요한 시점에 이루어졌습니다. 이사회 의장 Bob Lutz는 휠 부문에서의 글로벌 제조 운영에 대한 Hampton의 광범위한 경험을 강조했습니다.
리더십 전환은 Carbon Revolution이 R&D 중심의 스타트업에서 자동차 산업을 위한 탄소 섬유 휠의 주요 글로벌 공급업체로 발전하는 것을 나타냅니다. 회사는 Hampton의 전문성을 활용하여 운영 우수성을 향상하고 기존 고객과의 새로운 기회를 추구하며 고객 기반을 확장할 계획입니다.
Carbon Revolution (Nasdaq: CREV), le principal fabricant de roues légères en fibre de carbone, a nommé Donnie Hampton, Jr. en tant que Directeur Général par intérim et membre du Conseil. Hampton apporte plus de 30 ans d'expérience dans la fourniture automobile de niveau 1, y compris des postes de direction chez Maxion Wheels, Pace Industries et Faurecia.
Hampton, qui déménagera en Australie, succède à Jake Dingle à la tête des opérations de l'entreprise dans son usine de Geelong. Sa nomination intervient à un moment important alors que Carbon Revolution se concentre sur l'industrialisation complète et l'expansion mondiale. Le Président du Conseil, Bob Lutz, a souligné l'expérience étendue de Hampton dans les opérations de fabrication mondiales, en particulier dans le secteur des roues.
La transition de leadership marque l'évolution de Carbon Revolution d'une start-up axée sur la R&D à un fournisseur mondial de premier plan de roues en fibre de carbone pour l'industrie automobile. L'entreprise vise à tirer parti de l'expertise de Hampton pour améliorer l'excellence opérationnelle, rechercher de nouvelles opportunités avec les clients existants et élargir sa base de clients.
Carbon Revolution (Nasdaq: CREV), der führende Hersteller von leichten Carbonfaser-Rädern, hat Donnie Hampton, Jr. zum Interims-CEO und Vorstandsmitglied ernannt. Hampton bringt über 30 Jahre Erfahrung in der Tier-1-Automobilzulieferindustrie mit, einschließlich Führungspositionen bei Maxion Wheels, Pace Industries und Faurecia.
Hampton, der nach Australien umziehen wird, folgt Jake Dingle in der Leitung der Unternehmensoperationen in der Fabrik in Geelong. Seine Ernennung erfolgt zu einem wichtigen Zeitpunkt, da sich Carbon Revolution auf die vollständige Industrialisierung und globale Expansion konzentriert. Der Vorsitzende des Vorstands, Bob Lutz, betonte Hamptons umfangreiche Erfahrung in globalen Fertigungsoperationen, insbesondere im Rädersektor.
Der Führungswechsel markiert die Entwicklung von Carbon Revolution von einem F&E-orientierten Start-up zu einem führenden globalen Anbieter von Carbonfaser-Rädern für die Automobilindustrie. Das Unternehmen strebt an, Hamptons Expertise zu nutzen, um die betriebliche Exzellenz zu verbessern, neue Chancen mit bestehenden Kunden zu verfolgen und die Kundenbasis zu erweitern.
- Appointment of seasoned automotive industry executive with 30+ years of relevant experience
- Strategic leadership addition to drive global expansion and operational excellence
- Expertise in managing international production facilities aligns with growth objectives
- Successful transition from R&D startup to established Tier 1 automotive supplier
- None.
Insights
This leadership transition at Carbon Revolution appears to be a planned succession strategy rather than a reactive change. Donnie Hampton, Jr. brings significant relevant expertise as a 30-year veteran of Tier 1 automotive suppliers with specific experience in wheels manufacturing at Maxion Wheels. His appointment as Acting CEO suggests a transitional arrangement, potentially indicating an evaluation period before a permanent appointment.
The qualitative endorsement from Bob Lutz, the company's Chairman and respected auto industry figure, signals board alignment with this decision. Hampton's operational background is particularly relevant as the company focuses on "full industrialization" of its Australian plant—indicating a strategic shift from innovation to scaled production efficiency.
The departure of Jake Dingle is framed positively, characterizing his tenure as successfully transitioning the company from R&D to commercial production. The board commentary suggests Carbon Revolution is entering an execution-focused phase requiring different leadership skills than its startup period.
This leadership change signals a strategic inflection point focused on operational excellence and global market expansion rather than an unexpected disruption. Hampton's global manufacturing operations experience aligns with the stated objectives of pursuing "new opportunities with existing customers" and expanding the customer base, suggesting the board is positioning for the company's next growth phase.
Leading Tier 1 Automotive Supply Executive Donnie Hampton, Jr. Joins Company
GEELONG, Australia, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carbon Revolution plc (Nasdaq: CREV) (the “Company”), a Tier 1 automotive supplier and the world’s leading manufacturer of innovative, lightweight carbon fiber wheels, announced today that industry veteran Donnie Hampton, Jr. has joined the Company as Acting Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors.
With more than three decades of experience leading and working with a range of Tier 1 automotive suppliers, Mr. Hampton brings his deep executive and operational expertise to Carbon Revolution as the Company realizes the full industrialization of its plant in Geelong, Australia.
“Donnie knows wheels,” Bob Lutz, Chairman of the Carbon Revolution Board of Directors, said. “His broad experience leading global manufacturing operations at Maxion Wheels, and serving in CEO and leadership positions at other Tier 1 suppliers – coupled with having started his career on the factory floor – makes him exactly the right leader for Carbon Revolution in 2025 and beyond.”
Mr. Hampton, who will relocate to Australia, said: “I am indeed thankful for the opportunity to bring the culmination of my experience to bear at Carbon Revolution and help lead this truly innovative company into its next phase of growth. The transformative potential of Carbon Revolution’s breakthrough product is unlike anything I’ve seen in 30 years in the industry.”
Mr. Hampton’s experience managing production facilities across multiple geographies opens the door for Carbon Revolution’s broader expansion in the global automobile market, especially as the Company continues to strive for operational excellence, pursue new opportunities with existing customers, and expand its customer base.
In addition to having served as Vice President of Global Operations at Maxion Wheels, Mr. Hampton previously was President and Chief Executive Officer of Michigan-based Pace Industries; led the North America Interiors division at Tier 1 supplier Faurecia as President of the group; and held a series of increasingly senior roles at Rea Magnet Wire and Honeywell International / Allied Signal.
The Company is grateful to Jake Dingle for his years of visionary leadership as CEO. Under his watch, Carbon Revolution grew from an R&D-oriented, disruptive startup into the premier global supplier of carbon fiber wheels to the automotive industry.
“Today, Carbon Revolution is poised at the starting line for its next chapter – one that I know Donnie, the entire team, and our customers are eager to embrace,” Chris Leary, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, said. “Thanks to the incredibly hard work that Jake Dingle and the entire team have put in over many years to bring our product to market, grow our customer base, and industrialize our operations, our acceleration is just beginning,” he added.
About Carbon Revolution plc
Carbon Revolution plc (Nasdaq: CREV) (the “Company” or “Carbon Revolution”) is the parent of Carbon Revolution Pty Ltd, an early-stage growth company which has successfully innovated, commercialized and industrialized the advanced manufacture of carbon fiber wheels for the global automotive industry. The Company has progressed from single prototypes to designing and manufacturing lightweight wheels for cars and SUVs in the high performance, premium and luxury segments, for the world’s most prestigious automotive brands. Carbon Revolution is creating a significant and sustainable advanced technology business that supplies its lightweight wheel technology to automotive manufacturers around the world.
For more information, visit carbonrev.com
Forward Looking Statements
All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this communication are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “target” or other similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectation of continued listing of Carbon Revolution’s ordinary shares and warrants on Nasdaq, the Company’s ability to file its Annual Report and promptly regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), the future financial performance, business strategies, financings and expectations for the Company’s business. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of Carbon Revolution’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and may differ from such assumptions, and such differences may be material. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Carbon Revolution.
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including (i) the ability to maintain the listing of Carbon Revolution’s securities on Nasdaq or any other exchange on which such securities may be listed in the future; (ii) the failure to realize the benefits of being listed on a U.S. securities exchange and publicly-traded in the United States; (iii) Carbon Revolution's liquidity, including its ability to pay its obligations and to issue equity, refinance its indebtedness or otherwise obtain financing at all or on acceptable terms, (iv) risks related to its ability to meet financial covenants and other key covenants under existing financing arrangements or to obtain waivers or forbearance from compliance with such covenants, which could result in the acceleration of outstanding indebtedness, (v) changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; (vi) risks related to the rollout of Carbon Revolution’s business strategy and the timing of expected business milestones; (vii) the effects of competition on Carbon Revolution’s future business and the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth, establish and maintain relationships with customers and retain its management and key employees; (viii) risks related to domestic and international political and macroeconomic uncertainty, including the Russia-Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East; (ix) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Carbon Revolution; (x) the impact of pandemic and governmental responses on any of the foregoing risks; (xi) risks related to Carbon Revolution’s industry; (xii) changes in laws and regulations; and (xiii) those factors discussed in the documents Carbon Revolution filed with the SEC, including the Shell Company Report on Form 20-F.
If any of these risks materialize or Carbon Revolution’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Carbon Revolution does not presently know or that Carbon Revolution currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Carbon Revolution’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Carbon Revolution anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Carbon Revolution’s assessments to change. However, while Carbon Revolution may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Carbon Revolution specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, unless required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Carbon Revolution’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
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FAQ
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