By Michael Elkins
Blink Charging Co (NASDAQ:BLNK) announced Tuesday that the company’s board of directors has approved three significant additions to Blink’s executive leadership. The board has appointed Michael Battaglia as Chief Revenue Officer, Mark Pastrone as Chief Operating Officer and Aviv Hillo, Esq. as Executive Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions. These appointments mark an elevated focus towards Blink’s accelerated growth and meeting the industry’s demand for reliable charging solutions as EV sales continue to climb.
“I am excited about the growth and viability of Blink Charging and with these additions to the senior executive team, I am confident we will meet the challenges ahead and thrive, having the right people in the right place,” said Michael D. Farkas, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blink Charging. “We have identified our needs in order to meet the growing demands of the EV charging industry and with this accomplished and unparalleled group of industry experts, Blink will continue to be a leader in providing EV charging solutions.”
Mike Battaglia has served as Sr. Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Blink since December 2020. As Chief Revenue Officer, Mr. Battaglia will oversee Blink’s global sales organization, develop go-to-market strategies, and identify new overseas expansion opportunities.
“I am tremendously excited to lead our talented group of global business development and sales professionals as we pursue our aggressive company revenue targets. Our goal is to create an efficient, customer-focused sales organization that effectively capitalizes on EV charging market opportunities in every region we serve,” says Battaglia.
Mark Pastrone has served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Company’s subsidiary SemaConnect, acquired in June 2022, where he played a key role in building the company’s sales, service, technology, and production capabilities. Mr. Pastrone will now serve as COO for Blink as the two companies align all operational activities.
Pastrone commented, “Blink is a growing U.S. and Global company that now operates in 25 countries. Our goal is to create best in class process and procedures that will continue to support Blink’s position as a dominate global player for all different types EV Chargers, Services and Business Models.”
The Board also approved the appointment of Aviv Hillo, Esq. as Executive Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions, in addition to his role as Blink’s General Counsel. Mr. Hillo has served as General Counsel since June 2018, and in addition to those duties will focus on the company’s M&A strategies as Blink continues to expand its leading position in the market.
“While we continue our amazing growth, both organic and via acquisitions, I am excited to contribute to the company’s actions and strategies for M&A. Blink has a deep and successful history in acquiring other EV Charging companies. We will continue to be inquisitive towards the industry while focusing on the company’s growth and expansion the company,” said Hillo.
“As the EV industry continues to grow at an amazing rate, the Board recognized the need to enhance and expand on Blink’s leadership at the highest level,” said Cedric Richmond, former Congressman and Blink Charging Board Member. “The Board has full confidence with the assembled leadership team and the industry as a whole will benefit from the amassed talent and experience, they offer.”
Shares of BLNK are down 6.57% in mid-day trading on Tuesday.