ESS Tech names Drew Buckley as CEO, effective January 2026

ESS Tech Inc. (NYSE: GWH) appointed Drew Buckley as chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026, the energy storage company announced. Buckley will succeed interim CEO Kelly Goodman.

Buckley joined ESS in August 2025 as head of capital markets strategy after spending 17 years at William Blair as a partner focused on technology investments. He brings experience investing in publicly traded small- and mid-cap technology companies.

The board also appointed Goodman as chief strategy officer and general counsel, transitioning from her interim CEO role. Kate Suhadolnik was named permanent chief financial officer, moving from her interim CFO position.

"Drew brings an incredible track record of success, with the experience and industry relationships necessary to lead ESS to its next stage," said Harry Quarls, chairman of the board of directors.

During Goodman's tenure as interim CEO, the company signed an agreement for a 50 MWh Energy Base pilot project with Salt River Project. Suhadolnik guided the company through a $40 million financing transaction while serving as interim CFO.

ESS manufactures long-duration energy storage systems for commercial and utility-scale applications using iron flow technology. The Wilsonville, Oregon-based company was established in 2011.

Buckley stated his focus will be on execution, including strategy alignment, capital allocation, manufacturing scale-up, and organizational design. The company plans to provide a business update and host an investor day at its headquarters in 2026.

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