WOODRIDGE, Ill., Sept. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navitas Systems LLC ( www.navitassys.com ), a leading provider of energy-enabled system solutions, energy storage products, and power electronics for commercial, industrial and government agency customers, has named Mil Ovan as Chief Marketing Officer, and JJ Livingstone as Corporate Vice President of Sales, effective immediately. Ovan has over thirty years of experience in bringing innovative new-to-the-world products to global markets, with the most recent ten years as a founder and CEO of energy storage and renewable energy companies. Livingstone has over fifteen years of experience in sales leadership, with the last eight being specifically in the energy storage industry.
"I'm honored and proud to bring two such seasoned and innovative executives as Mil and JJ aboard the Navitas leadership team," Navitas Systems' Chairman and Founder Alan ElShafei said. "With Mil and JJ's skills and character, Navitas is truly well-positioned to execute on our growth strategy of delivering the most robust energy storage and power electronics solutions to discerning customers worldwide," ElShafei said.
Ovan is responsible for the overall marketing programs of the company. Ovan has built and run start-up companies, and has created new divisions at Fortune 500 companies. Prior to Navitas, Ovan was a Principal of Nova Associates, providing marketing and business development consulting to renewable energy and advanced materials companies. Ovan previously served as senior vice president & co-founder of Firefly Energy, a $50 million startup company which developed a next generation battery technology originally incubated at Caterpillar. Ovan received an MBA in Marketing from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from Elmhurst College.
"Having known Alan ElShafei for many years, it was an easy decision to join Navitas Systems," said Ovan. "Navitas has a terrific focus on the customer and a deep understanding of their specific needs, while at the same time pushing the boundaries on cost, performance and quality with the work of our world-class scientists and engineers. That is a unique combination, where the customer gets the most distinctive and enduring solution for their demanding application," Ovan concluded.
Livingstone is responsible for Navitas Systems' overall sales performance, growth and customer satisfaction. Prior to joining Navitas Systems, Livingstone was the Director of Sales for A123 Systems' Automotive Solutions group with primary responsibility for account management in the automotive passenger car, light and heavy duty truck, transit bus, and off-road vehicle markets. Livingstone previously served as the Global Sales Director for AeroVironment, a world leader in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and electric vehicle testing and charging systems. During his time there, he led the growth of the electric vehicle test system products to become the industry standard for battery testing and simulation equipment used by companies and universities around the globe. In addition to over fifteen successful years of working in high technology businesses, Livingstone holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Logistics from Michigan State University.
"I am very enthusiastic about joining Navitas because I feel it is the best company in the power electronics and energy storage marketplace to provide real value and solutions to a diverse range of customers," said Livingstone. "Navitas' winning formula is very unique in that we are able to control our total system costs as we design, build and test our own power electronics, battery modules, and cabling systems. This vertically-integrated supply chain combined with our world class team of experienced and dedicated scientists, engineers and technicians are the driving forces behind our ability to provide the best overall value to our customers," Livingstone said.
Navitas Systems' new website www.navitassys.com focuses on enabling the visitor to quickly find the information of most interest, be it a mission critical battery system for communications systems back-up, to a new generation lithium-iron phosphate battery for military and commercial vehicles, or an off-grid, all-in-one renewable energy system.
"A lot of effort went into showcasing the impressive landscape of solutions we offer to our varied set of commercial, industrial and government/military customers. And what you see is just the start, as there are some exciting new product announcements in the queue to be announced yet this year," Ovan said. "Just as importantly, we hope the visitor comes away with a solid appreciation of the brainpower which stands behind our solutions; that is, the R &D, engineering, and delivery teams of Navitas Systems," Ovan concluded.
About Navitas Systems, LLC
Navitas Systems is a leader in integrated design, technology development and manufacturing, providing energy-enabled system solutions, energy storage products, and power electronics for commercial, industrial and government agency customers. Navitas products range from customized energy storage solutions for motive, idle-reduction and defense related applications, along with custom renewable energy integrated power systems to standard products like lithium based lead-acid replacement batteries. Navitas is driven by a passion for bridging the gap between customer challenges and environmentally and financially sustainable solutions.
Navitas Systems is a woman-owned small business founded in 2010 and previously known as MicroSun Innovative Energy Storage Solutions. Navitas is headquartered in a state-of-the-art 100,000 square foot facility in Woodridge, Illinois. Earlier this year, the company acquired the Government Solutions Group of lithium battery manufacturer A123 Systems. With this acquired major research facility located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, along with strong local and offshore partners and solid financial stability, Navitas is well positioned to continue serving the energy products and power electronics needs of major worldwide customers.
From advanced R &D, safe/high energy cell design, in-house electronics manufacturing and cable assemblies, to sophisticated battery pack assembly, Navitas Systems is your one-stop shop for comprehensive energy and power electronics solutions. For more information visit www.navitassys.com and follow @Navitas_Systems on Twitter.
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Mil Ovan Cell phone 847-687-0901 Katelyn Ciaccio (734) 205-1427
