Janus Electric has appointed Ben Hutt as CEO and Managing Director, aiming to fast-track its innovative exchangeable battery systems for heavy transport. Hutt’s extensive energy transition and capital markets experience positions the company for its next growth phase.
- Ben Hutt appointed CEO and Managing Director effective January 12, 2026
- Hutt’s leadership includes scaling Evergen and leading Search Party Group to ASX listing
- Focus on commercialising Janus’s exchangeable battery technology for heavy transport
- Employment package includes AUD 325,000 salary plus equity incentives
- Appointment signals strategic push into zero-emission heavy vehicle electrification
Leadership Change at a Pivotal Moment
Janus Electric Holdings Limited (ASX – JNS), an Australian innovator in heavy vehicle electrification, has announced the appointment of Ben Hutt as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective immediately. This leadership change comes as Janus seeks to accelerate the commercial rollout of its patented exchangeable battery systems designed to decarbonise the heavy transport sector.
Hutt arrives with a strong pedigree in the energy transition space, having most recently led Evergen, a global energy software platform, through a successful growth phase culminating in its acquisition by Intellihub. His experience in scaling technology businesses and navigating capital markets is expected to be instrumental as Janus moves from development to commercialisation.
A Track Record of Growth and Market Savvy
Before Evergen, Hutt served as CEO of Search Party Group, guiding the HR technology company through its IPO and international expansion into key markets including the UK, Canada, and the US. His background also includes senior consulting roles at Macquarie Group, where he was involved in strategic initiatives during the Global Financial Crisis, underscoring his capability to steer companies through complex environments.
Janus Chairman Dennis Lin highlighted Hutt’s proven ability to commercialise technology and create shareholder value as a perfect fit for the company’s ambitions. “Ben’s hands-on experience with capital markets and strategic exits aligns perfectly with our mission to decarbonise heavy transport,” Lin said.
Terms Reflect Confidence and Incentive Alignment
Hutt’s employment terms include a fixed annual remuneration of AUD 325,000, complemented by a sign-on equity grant valued at AUD 50,000, subject to shareholder approval. The package also features performance-based short- and long-term incentives tied to financial and operational KPIs, including total shareholder return and strategic milestones. This structure aims to align Hutt’s interests closely with Janus’s growth and market success.
Janus Electric’s unique battery swap platform, combined with truck conversion kits and integrated fleet management software, positions it as a turnkey provider for zero-emission freight solutions across multiple Australian states. The company’s Central Coast production facility supports its national deployment strategy, underscoring its commitment to scaling operations.
Looking Ahead
Hutt expressed enthusiasm about joining Janus at a critical juncture. “The decarbonisation of heavy transport is one of the most critical challenges of our time,” he said. “Janus’s exchangeable battery technology offers a practical, scalable solution that the market urgently needs.” His leadership will be closely watched as Janus seeks to deepen partnerships with logistics operators and deliver shareholder value through commercial success.
Bottom Line?
Ben Hutt’s appointment marks a strategic inflection point for Janus Electric as it gears up to lead heavy transport’s zero-emission future.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can Janus scale commercial deployment under Hutt’s leadership?
- What are the key operational milestones tied to Hutt’s incentive plan?
- Will shareholder approval for equity grants proceed smoothly to secure alignment?