In a decisive move to accelerate its commercial ambitions, Australian battery technology innovator Altech Batteries has undertaken a complete board overhaul. The shake-up, instigated by its largest shareholder, aims to transform the company's two flagship technologies from technical successes into market-ready products.
New Leadership for a Commercial Push
The boardroom reset was requested by Altech's major shareholder, Altech Advanced Materials AG (AMA), which in concert with the Deutsche Balaton Group controls approximately 28 per cent of the company. The newly installed leadership team is now tasked with steering the commercialisation of Altech's CERENERGY sodium solid-state batteries and Silumina Anodes technology.
Taking the helm as chief executive and managing director is Daniel Raihani, a figure known for his rapid involvement in ASX micro-cap companies over the past year and a half. Raihani brings over two decades of experience in finance, mining, and real estate to the role, backed by qualifications including a Bachelor of Business from Swinburne University and memberships with the Australian Institute of Public Accountants and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
"Altech possesses two genuinely world-class technologies in CERENERGY and Silumina Anodes, and it is imperative that we now take the actions required to ensure these assets reach their full commercial potential," stated Raihani.
A Focused Agenda for Growth
The new board, which also includes non-executive chair Joe Graziano and non-executive director Hansjoerg Plaggemars, has immediately set a sharply focused agenda. Their strategy revolves around several key pillars:
- Pursuing Strategic Partnerships: The company will aggressively seek partners among battery manufacturers, chemical giants, and government programs to advance both the CERENERGY and Silumina Anodes technologies.
- Unlocking German Grant Funding: A top priority is securing a €46.7 million (A$82.8M) German STARK grant for Altech's planned 120MWh CERENERGY plant in Saxony. This grant is contingent on confirming full project financing.
- Rationalising Non-Core Assets: To conserve cash and recycle capital, the board will review ancillary holdings. This includes the Meckering kaolin deposit in Western Australia, industrial land in Johor, Malaysia, and other non-core assets.
- Reviewing the UPS Side Business: The capital-intensive AMPower uninterruptible power supply (UPS) division will be scrutinised. The aim is to potentially distribute its industrial UPS units to generate near-term cash, freeing up management time and capital for the core battery technology projects.
Raihani's Track Record of Activism
Daniel Raihani's appointment follows a period of intense activity across the ASX resources and technology sectors. His recent track record includes:
- Becoming non-executive chairman of ASX-listed First Au and Voltaic Strategic Resources in mid-2024.
- Elevation to managing director of Aurumin Resources in November 2024, where he increased his stake to around 20% and facilitated a takeover offer by Brightstar Resources.
- Joining Forrestania Resources as a non-executive director in February 2025, supporting a pivot towards gold exploration.
- Assuming the role of non-executive chairman at Middle Island Resources in October 2025, overseeing a $3.4-million capital raising and asset acquisition.
- Taking substantial shareholder positions and board roles in BSA Limited and Terra Uranium throughout 2025, adding activist weight to their respective strategic directions.
This appointment signals a clear shift for Altech Batteries. After years of foundational technical work and feasibility studies under the outgoing management, the company is now entering a phase of hard-edged commercial execution. With a tightened portfolio, a chase for strategic alliances, and every project being judged on its ability to deliver value swiftly, Altech is aiming to spark serious funding interest and turn its innovative battery technologies into a commercial reality.
