CEO Insights Magazine

The lithium-ion battery market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. Jian Guo Ren, CEO of BTR NEW MATERIAL GROUP and an alumni leader from Tsinghua University has played a crucial role in pushing the industry towards growth. Under his leadership, BTR has become the global leader in Anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, maintaining this position for 10 consecutive years.

Additionally, the company has adopted sustainable practices to reduce its carbon footprint and is committed to becoming a global leader in new energy materials. Ren's focus on innovation cost advantage, and zero carbon emission in the manufacturing process, combined with his dedication to learning and change, has positioned BTR for continued success & growth in the lithium-ion battery market.

Could you provide a summary of your professional background and experiences?

From 1996 to 2000, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Tsinghua University. Then, from 2000 to 2005, I pursued a Master's and a Ph.D. degree from the Institute of Nuclear Energy and New Energy Technology at Tsinghua University. After that, from 2005 to 2010, I worked as an Assistant Researcher at the same institute. In 2010 and 2011, I was a Visiting Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago, US. Later I served for BTR Group from 2012 and became its CEO in 2020.

Could you tell us about the unique experiences Tsinghua University offers and what did you learn from the campus beyond academics?

Tsinghua University is known for its rich history of famous individuals and offers unique experiences beyond academics. The campus includes an artistic and academic library, art museums, auditoriums, and former residences of notable figures. Students can explore these places during weekends for relaxation. The university boasts a strong faculty, including renowned individuals who may only be known through books or television to the general public, but who can serve as teachers to Tsinghua University students.

How would you describe BTR NEW MATERIAL GROUP and its position in the market?

BTR NEW MATERIAL GROUP is an organization that values innovation, embraces change, has a global outlook, and is committed to continuous learning. In the market, BTR is the top global supplier of Anode materials for lithium-ion batteries in terms of shipments, maintaining its position since 2013. BTR aims to lead the industry in technology, quality, cost, and service.

What sustainable practices has BTR adopted, and what is its vision for a sustainable future?

BTR is actively working to meet the national double carbon target by adopting various carbon reduction measures. It plans to build new plants in regions rich in hydropower, develop photovoltaic power generation, reduce carbon emissions through process innovation and coal-to-gas conversion, and purchase green power. BTR's vision for the future is to lead the new energy industry, create a greener world, minimize production energy consumption, use green energy, and achieve zero pollutant emissions.

What is BTR's future goal?

BTR aims to become a global leader in new energy materials by focusing on material system innovation, achieving ultimate product performance, optimizing the manufacturing process, pursuing the ultimate cost advantage, achieving zero carbon emission, and becoming a globally operating company.

What advice would you give to emerging industry leaders?

Innovation is critical in the emerging industry, and it should be encouraged throughout the company's system design, operation management, and corporate culture. To foster innovation, the organizational atmosphere should be open and inclusive, and the company should have the ability to learn continuously, quickly, and actively.

Jian Guo Ren, CEO, BTR New Material Group

Jian Guo Ren earned his Ph.D. from Tsinghua University and is committed to the development of the new energy sector and maintaining BTR's position as a leading global provider of Anode materials. Ren served for BTR Group from 2012 and became its CEO in 2020. As CEO, he has overseen the company's consistent ranking as the top supplier of Anode materials for a decade.

Quick Facts:

• Hobbies: Read books & Watch films

• Favorite Cuisine: Szechuan

• Favorite Book: Cultural Perplexity in Agonized Travel

• Favorite Travel Destination: Japan