JB Straubel

Co-founder & Former Chief Technical Officer of Tesla Motors, President of the Straubel Foundation & Founder & CEO of Redwood Materials

JB Straubel’s Biography:

JB Straubel is best known as one of the original Co-Founders and former Chief Technical Officer of Tesla Motors, where he helped redefine modern transportation. A visionary engineer and influential clean-energy advocate, JB shaped Tesla’s technology roadmap, product architecture and battery innovation strategy from the very beginning. As a speaker, he is renowned for translating complex engineering challenges into inspiring, accessible insights on sustainable technology, future mobility, and circular-economy solutions. His thought-provoking, practical approach continues to influence the global conversation around renewable energy and environmental responsibility.

JB’s passion for engineering innovation began early in his life, later sharpened by his formal education at Stanford University, where he studied energy systems and engineering. His academic background equipped him with the technical foundation and entrepreneurial mindset that would later help shape one of the most transformative companies of the 21st century. Before Tesla, he gained hands-on experience working on breakthrough energy systems, sharpening his ability to merge theoretical science with real-world applications—a skill that would define much of his career.

Throughout his tenure at Tesla, JB was instrumental in guiding the company from an ambitious startup into a global leader in electric mobility. Under his technical leadership, the Tesla Model S became the 2012 MotorTrend Car of the Year, symbolising the leap forward in EV performance and luxury design. That same year, Tesla was recognised as the Fastest Growing Company in America, reflecting the industry-wide impact of JB’s vision. Since stepping down from the CTO role in 2019, he has continued to influence Tesla’s direction as a member of its advisory board. Today, his work is shaping the next frontier of clean-energy systems, focusing on resource circularity and environmental stewardship.

Beyond Tesla, JB is the CEO and Founder of Redwood Materials, a pioneering company using advanced technologies to recycle and reclaim critical battery materials for reuse. His mission is to close the loop on lithium-ion production by creating a fully sustainable supply chain. Additionally, he leads the Straubel Foundation as its President, supporting environmental causes, educational initiatives and programs aimed at accelerating global sustainability efforts. Straubel has delivered influential talks at prominent events, including the Misk Global Forum, the World Energy Engineering Congress, and the International Innovation Forum, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s most forward-thinking energy innovators.

Why Hire JB Straubel?

JB Straubel is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled expertise at the intersection of energy, engineering, sustainability and disruptive innovation. He offers audiences rare insights from inside Tesla’s rise, combined with cutting-edge knowledge of renewable materials, advanced battery systems and the future of global electrification. Straubel delivers practical, visionary strategies that inspire leaders, businesses and policymakers to accelerate sustainable transformation.

JB Straubel’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases JB Straubel’s inspirational career throughout the clean-energy and technology industry:

• 2025 – Established MOU Between Redwood Materials and General Motors
• 2019 – Speaker at Misk Global Forum, World Energy Engineering Congress & International Innovation Forum
• 2019 – Board Member, QuantumScape
• 2017 – Founder & CEO of Redwood Materials
• 2015 – President of the Straubel Foundation
• 2012 – Tesla Model S wins MotorTrend Car of the Year
• 2012 – Tesla named Fastest Growing Company in America
• 2004 – Co-Founder & CTO, Tesla
• 2002 – Co-Founder & CTO, Volacom
• 1997 – Propulsion Engineer, Rosen Motors