Powering What’s Next

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Danies Lee

Chief Executive Officer

Danies Lee was appointed Chief Executive Officer of NextStar Energy Inc. in May 2022 and has served on the joint venture Board of Directors since that time. He is responsible for setting the company’s strategic vision, driving growth, and empowering the NextStar team to achieve ambitious goals in a dynamic environment.<br> <br>Prior to this role, Lee served as Vice President of Sales Operations for LG Energy Solution, overseeing the sales and program management of key electric vehicle (EV) battery programs for the North American market.<br> <br>Under his leadership, NextStar Energy has been progressing as Canada’s first large-scale EV battery manufacturing facility. Module production began as of Fall 2024 and cell production is scheduled to begin in 2025.<br> <br>From Seoul, South Korea, Lee began his professional journey with LG in 2001, accumulating global operational experience across the organization.<br><br>His background includes:<br>2022, current, Chief Executive Officer – NextStar Energy Inc.<br>2022, Vice President of Sales Operations & Program Management – LG Energy Solution<br>2019 – 2021, Account Manager – LG Chem <br>2015 – 2018, Regional Account Manager, LG Chem America – San Jose, California, USA<br>2009 – 2012, Regional Account Manager,  LG Chem Europe – Frankfurt, Germany<br>2001 – 2008, Sales Marketing Manager – LG Chem<br><br>Lee holds a master’s degree in International Studies from Korea University and an MBA from Duke University. He resides in Windsor, Ontario and enjoys traveling with his family and playing golf. 

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Brett Hillock

Chief Operating Officer

Brett Hillock was appointed Chief Operating Officer for NextStar Energy in October 2025. He is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, executing company strategy, and industrialization. With an extensive background in global manufacturing and quality control, he specializes in<br>strengthening cross-functional teams to achieve proven quality and performance.<br><br>Prior to this role, Hillock served as Director of Quality for NextStar Energy, and held several positions at Stellantis over 25 years, including Vice President of Manufacturing Quality. <br><br>Hillock holds an MBA graduate degree from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree from Thompson Rivers University. He resides in Essex, Ontario with his family and volunteers as a youth hockey coach.

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Jerome Choi

Chief Technology Officer

Jerome Choi was appointed Chief Technology Officer for NextStar Energy Inc. in December 2023. He is responsible for overseeing the technology strategy, innovation, and equipment planning and installation at the facility. <br> <br>Prior to this role, Choi was the Cell Director at the LG Energy Solution battery plant in Wroclaw, Poland. He was tasked with the set-up and launch of the EV cell process line at the plant, which supplied product to several European customers. <br>  <br>Choi holds a bachelor degree from Hanyang University in Korea and currently resides in Windsor, Ontario with his family.

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Brent Hartz

Chief Financial Officer

Brent Hartz was appointed Chief Financial Officer for NextStar Energy Inc. in June 2022. He is responsible for overseeing the financial strategy, planning and operations of the entire organization.<br><br>Prior to this role, Hartz held several positions at Stellantis over 28 years, including Head of North America Financial Planning and Analysis, where he oversaw budgeting, forecasting and strategy for long-term business growth. He has also led Finance operations as head of U.S. Fleet, Corporate Staffs and Purchasing in North America.<br><br>Hartz holds an MBA graduate degree in Finance from Wayne State University and an undergraduate business management degree from Saginaw Valley State University. He resides in Macomb, Michigan where he enjoys sports and spending time with his family.