Ballard has a new CEO: it’s former Verdagy’s head Marty Neese

Marty Neese has taken over as President and CEO of Ballard Power Systems effective July 7th 2025. He joins Ballard from electrolysis system manufacturer, Verdagy, “with an extensive background in operations, and wide-ranging experience in product standardization, product cost reduction, volume production, and gross margin optimization”, as stated by Ballard.

Today, Ballard supplies the majority of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell engines driving the zero-emission bus fleets run by Europe’s biggest transport operators – including vehicles manufactured by Solaris, Karsan, Wrightbus, New Flyer, Van Hool and Otokar.

It should be noted that in late 2024 former president and CEO, Randy MacEwen, had announced business restructuring due to slowdown in the hydrogen-based mobility sector.

Marty Neese is the new CEO of Ballard

Canada-based Ballard is among the primary companies on a global scale in fuel cell development and manufacturing. Ballard has been working also in the road transport sector.

In April 2024 Ballard Power Systems announced the signing of a Long Term Supply Agreement with bus manufacturer Solaris Bus & Coach, for the supply of 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell engines through 2027 for the European transit bus market. Over 1,700 fuel cell buses powered by Ballard are in operation worldwide as of today. The company is planning a new “Gigafactory” in Texas for the production of fuel cell components and systems, that will be the result of an investment of 160 million dollars. The factory will be named Ballard Rockwall Giga 1 in Rockwall, Texas. It is to be built by 2027.

Ballard, that has now +1,700 fuel cell buses in operation worldwide, has secured a grant of 40 million dollars from the US Department of Energy (DOE) for the first phase of the factory.

Earlier this year, Ballard announced it has landed a multi-year supply agreement from Egypt-based bus bodybuilder MCV, for fuel cell engines totaling approximately 5 MW. Deliveries of the 50 engines are expected between 2025 and 2026 and “will initially support projects in the EU“. The Canadian company is also the fuel cell module provider of North American’s Gillig and New Flyer.

When looking at the goods transportation market, the Canadian company made an agreement with Ford Trucks on the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. In addition, Ballard was among the investors of Quantron before the trouble occurring to the German player.

“The fuel cell industry is entering a new phase, and Ballard is taking decisive steps to position itself for long-term sustainable success. I am honored to step into this role at a company with such a strong brand, and a leading track record for safety, technology, and proven field performance in our target markets. Working alongside our talented team, I look forward to building on this solid foundation, optimizing our operations, accelerating innovation, and unlocking long-term value for our stakeholders”, commented Marty Neese.