Simon Hackett has stepped down as CEO and MD of Australian battery and energy storage company Redflow. Still Redflow’s biggest shareholder, he will continue as a non-executive director with “special oversight for technology-related matters” according to an ASX announcement.

Hackett will be replaced as CEO by the current COO Richard Aird, Redflow said, noting that Aird has 20 years’ experience in commercial development and operations, and a “thorough understanding of Redflow and its technology”.

The moves come as Redflow starts having its batteries manufactured in Thailand.

In a related move, Brett Johns, a former Qantas counsel, will replace Hackett as non-executive chairman.

Redflow said Hackett’s new technology oversight role will involve handling external communications, public advocacy and “guiding its continuing technical development and direction”.