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Austin Linh is the CEO of Ascend Elements, a company revolutionizing the lithium-ion battery industry through innovative recycling technologies. A highly accomplished senior-level executive with 30+ years of progressive experience in energy businesses, batteries, and critical minerals, Linh brings deep expertise in P&L management, mergers and acquisitions, strategy, and EPC to the role. Under his leadership, Ascend Elements continues to advance its mission of building a sustainable and clean supply chain for battery materials.
Who is the CEO of Ascend Elements?
Austin Linh is a highly accomplished and innovative senior-level executive with 30+ years of progressive experience directing US and international energy businesses, batteries, and critical minerals companies. He has demonstrated the ability to combine visionary, strategic, tactical, financial, and business turnaround expertise to more than triple bottom-line results, having led significant cost reductions, raised over $1 billion, and successfully executed business turnarounds, re-engineering initiatives, and AI implementation across challenging economic environments.
Linh has served in leadership roles for both national and international oil companies, led start-ups, managed large crisis management teams, and overseen mega EPC projects. His notable career highlights include serving as Regional CEO for McDermott's successful turnaround of the Middle East and North Africa business and acting as a key leader in BP's Macondo Spill Response, for which he received the CEO Award for Leadership. His talent for strategy and innovation development has consistently supported organizational transformation at scale.
Work History
Austin Linh's extensive work history showcases his diverse experience and leadership in various roles across multiple companies. Here is a detailed list of his previous positions:
- Ascend Elements - CEO (March 2025 - Present)
- Ascend Elements - Board Member (September 2024 - Present)
- PriceEasy AI - Member Board Of Advisors (March 2019 - April 2025)
- Atlantic Richfield / BP - Chief of Staff / Project and Operations Management (January 1993 - January 2004)
Education History
Austin Linh holds an MBA with a focus in Strategy and Finance from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business, equipping him with the financial acumen and strategic perspective that have defined his career as a global energy executive. He also holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California Irvine, providing the technical foundation that underpins his expertise in EPC, operations, and large-scale project management.
When did Austin Linh join Ascend Elements?
Austin Linh assumed the role of President and CEO of Ascend Elements in March 2025, bringing more than three decades of executive experience in energy, batteries, and critical minerals to the company's leadership. His appointment marks a continued commitment by Ascend Elements to advancing its innovative recycling technologies and sustainable battery material production.
