JB Straubel, born on March 19, 1975, is a renowned figure in the cleantech and battery industries. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Tesla, Inc., where he previously held the position of Chief Technology Officer. Straubel is not an independent board member, given his long history with the company. He co-founded Tesla and played a pivotal role in the development of the company's battery technology and overall technological advancements. Under his leadership as CTO, Tesla made significant strides in electric vehicle production and energy storage solutions.

In addition to his work at Tesla, Straubel is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Redwood Materials Inc., a company focused on recycling and remanufacturing batteries. His experience in the cleantech sector extends beyond Tesla, as he also served on the board of SolarCity, a solar energy services company that was later acquired by Tesla. Straubel's educational background includes a B.S. in Energy Systems Engineering and an M.S. in Engineering from Stanford University, which provided him with a strong foundation for his work in sustainable energy solutions.

Straubel's contributions to the field of sustainable energy have been widely recognized. He has been instrumental in advancing battery technology, which is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. His work at Redwood Materials aims to create a closed-loop supply chain for batteries, further enhancing the sustainability of the industry. As a member of Tesla's Board of Directors, Straubel continues to provide valuable insights and guidance, drawing on his extensive experience and deep understanding of the company's mission and technological challenges.