J. Christopher York
About J. Christopher York
J. Christopher York serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of ADVANO, bringing extensive experience in the silicones and automotive industries. He has held various leadership roles, including positions at Elkem ASA and Henkel Corp., and holds an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.
Work at Advano
J. Christopher York currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Advano, a position he has held since 2023. His leadership role involves overseeing the company's strategic direction and operational management. Advano focuses on innovative solutions in the materials sector, particularly in the development of advanced materials for electric vehicle batteries. York's experience in managing global businesses and leading multi-functional teams contributes to Advano's mission of driving business success through creativity and calculated risk-taking.
Previous Experience at Elkem ASA
Before joining Advano, J. Christopher York held several key positions at Elkem ASA. He served as the President of Americas Elkem Silicones from 2019 to 2020 and as the Global Vice President and Strategic Advisor to the Vianode Board of Directors from 2020 to 2022. During his tenure, he focused on expanding Elkem's presence in North America and steering significant business initiatives in the silicones sector. His leadership was instrumental in establishing a subsidiary dedicated to developing active synthetic graphite and silicon for electric vehicle applications.
Education and Expertise
J. Christopher York holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, where he studied Marketing and General Management from 1994 to 1996. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, completing his studies from 1984 to 1989. His educational background provides a solid foundation for his extensive experience in business management and strategic development across various industries.
Leadership Philosophy
York's leadership philosophy is centered around the pillars of trust, which include clarity, character, commitment, compassion, consistency, contribution, competency, and connection. He advocates for building genuine connections as a foundation for trust in business relationships. York emphasizes the importance of delivering on promises consistently and creatively engaging teams to think big and bold, which he believes are essential for driving business success and exploring broader market opportunities.
Career Background
J. Christopher York has a diverse career spanning several industries and roles. He began his career at Henkel Corp., where he worked in various marketing and sales positions from 1994 to 1999. He later joined Rhodia, serving as Business Director and General Manager in different divisions from 2002 to 2007. Afterward, he continued to build his expertise at Elkem ASA and NOVONIX, where he focused on strategy and business development. His extensive experience includes managing global businesses and leading multi-functional teams across North America and beyond.