Top 10: Leaders in EV Charging

EV Magazine has ranked the top CEOs shaping the future of EV charging, recognising the executives driving innovation, infrastructure growth and global adoption of electric mobility.

From scaling nationwide networks and advancing financial strategies to launching industry-defining ventures, these leaders are steering companies at the forefront of the transition to clean energy.

Their collective expertise spans technology, energy, mobility and finance, with their leadership enabling the development of robust charging ecosystems worldwide.

Here, we spotlight the most influential CEOs powering progress in the EV charging sector.

Delvin Lane is a proven leader in EV charging, bringing 26 years of senior management experience in energy services and efficiency. 

He joined InstaVolt as CEO after a successful seven years at eEnergy, where he grew Utility Team from a small operator into the UK’s fifth largest, leading two major buyouts, including its 2024 sale to DCC plc. 

With a track record of scaling businesses through innovation and strategic growth, Delvin said upon appointment: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the market leader at this exciting time.”

9. Daniel Kunkel

Daniel Kunkel is a proven leader in the EV charging sector with decades of experience in scaling customer-focused infrastructure. 

As CEO of GRIDSERVE, he takes charge as the company expands its High Power charging network across the UK, now spanning 190 locations and 1,400 bays delivering 250,000 sessions monthly. 

Daniel previously led ubitricity to 13,500 charge points and spent 20 years at Shell. 

On his appointment, he said: “I am both honoured and excited to lead with vision, integrity and collaboration.”

8. Steven Salo

Steven Salo is a recognised leader in EV charging, bringing deep expertise in financial leadership, strategic planning and corporate development. 

Since joining Allego as Chief Financial Officer in July 2024, he has played a pivotal role in steering the company’s financial and operational strategy. 

His career includes senior leadership positions at Depa plc, Accsys Technologies plc and Arabtec Holding PJSC, alongside extensive experience in investment banking, M&A advisory and strategic planning with Citigroup, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and PwC.

7. Mike Battaglia

Mike is a proven leader in EV charging, bringing nearly 30 years of industry experience and a record of driving growth at Blink. 

Since joining in 2020, he has advanced from VP of Sales to CEO, overseeing revenue growth from US$3m in 2019 to US$140.6m in 2023 and achieving the sector’s highest gross margin. 

“I am honoured to take on this role and continue driving Blink’s growth as a leader in the EV charging sector,” Mike said when he became CEO in February 2025.

6. Robert Barrosa

Robert Barrosa is a well-regarded leader in EV charging, serving as President and CEO of Electrify America, where he oversees growth across Electrify Canada and Electrify Commercial. 

Since joining in 2018, he has held senior roles in technology, energy management, business development and infrastructure deployment. 

With more than 18 years of experience in EV infrastructure and a background in new ventures, strategy and product development, Robert continues to drive innovation and accessibility in electric mobility, positioning Electrify America as a global charging leader.

5. Badar Khan

Badar Khan is a highly experienced leader in EV charging, serving as CEO of EVgo since November 2023 and bringing more than 25 years in the energy sector. 

Previously President of National Grid USA, he oversaw electricity, gas and clean energy for 20 million people, spearheading one of the largest EV infrastructure programmes in the US. 

He also led Direct Energy to US$15bn revenue as CEO. 

Holding an engineering degree from Brunel University and an MBA from Wharton, Badar is driving EVgo’s mission to accelerate electric mobility.

4. Sujay Sharma

Sujay is a recognised leader in EV charging with more than 20 years of global experience across e-mobility, fuels and trading. 

As CEO of bp pulse Americas, he is driving the scale-up of bp’s US EV charging network, building coast-to-coast infrastructure. 

Previously, he led bp pulse Asia Pacific with a 300-strong team across China, India, Australia and New Zealand and as Chief Development Officer of Jio-bp, launched low-carbon mobility solutions. 

Sujay also serves on the Board of CharIN North America, shaping industry standards.

3. Rick Wilmer

Rick Wilmer serves as President and CEO of ChargePoint and a member of its Board of Directors. 

He was previously its COO, overseeing product management, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and customer experience. 

With more than 30 years of leadership, Rick has held CEO roles at Pliant Technology, Leyden Energy, Mojo Networks and Chowbotics, successfully scaling businesses across diverse technology sectors.

At ChargePoint, he drives strategy, operations and growth in EV infrastructure. 

Rick holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and is known for inspiring teams, delivering impact and fostering innovation.

2. Wael Sawan

Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell since 2023, is a transformative leader in the global energy and EV charging sector.

With more than 25 years at Shell, he has held senior roles across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, leading ventures in upstream, integrated gas, renewables and energy solutions.

Wael began his career as an engineer in Oman, later becoming Chairman of Shell Qatar and EVP of Deep Water.

He holds an MEng from McGill University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Under his leadership, Shell is scaling Shell Recharge, which now operates more than 70,000 charge points in 30 markets worldwide, including through its acquisition of ubitricity.

Wael is also driving investment in mobility hubs and strategic partnerships to enhance charging convenience and customer experience.

With a commitment to ensuring Shell’s EV network runs on 100% renewable electricity, he is positioning the company to play a central role in the energy transition.

1. Elon Musk

Elon Musk, "Technoking" of Tesla and CEO since 2008, is a defining leader in EV innovation and the global transition to sustainable transport.

A member of Tesla’s Board since 2004, Elon has overseen the company’s rise as the world’s most influential EV manufacturer, driving advancements in battery technology, software and charging infrastructure.

Beyond Tesla, he is CEO and CTO of SpaceX, founder of The Boring Company and Neuralink and former Chairman of SolarCity, integrating clean energy with mobility.

He also co-founded PayPal and Zip2, shaping digital finance and software. Elon holds degrees in physics and business from the University of Pennsylvania, grounding his leadership in both technical and commercial expertise.

Under his guidance, Tesla continues to expand its Supercharger network globally, enabling mass EV adoption and reshaping mobility.

His vision for electrification, energy independence and innovation cements his status as one of the most influential leaders in EV charging.