AMERICAN BATTERY TECHNOLOGY Co 8-K

What Happened
American Battery Technology Company (ABAT) filed an 8‑K reporting several executive changes. On January 25, 2026 the board appointed Alejandro Flores Arteaga as Chief Financial Officer, effective February 9, 2026. Interim CFO Jesse Deutsch will retire effective February 9, 2026. Chief Mineral Resource Officer Scott Jolcover notified the company of his retirement effective January 31, 2026 and will remain as a paid consultant after his resignation.

Key Details

• Alejandro Flores Arteaga (age 50) brings 20+ years of finance experience; most recently CFO for a Stellantis–Samsung SDI joint venture (Jul 2022–Oct 2025) where he helped secure a $7.5 billion U.S. DOE loan and managed multi‑billion dollar capex. Employment effective Feb 9, 2026.
• Flores compensation: $280,000 base salary; annual cash bonus target = 75% of base; eligible for RSUs valued at $500,000 and $1,000,000 in five‑year warrants (Black‑Scholes priced), all conditioned on performance milestones. Equity awards vest 1/16th quarterly from the employment date; first‑year awards prorated.
• Jesse Deutsch will retire Feb 9, 2026 and will receive a $50,000 cash payment in connection with a General Release Agreement dated Jan 29, 2026.
• Scott Jolcover will step down Jan 31, 2026 and enter a Consulting Agreement (dated Jan 26, 2026) to provide services at up to $6,500/month; his unvested equity will continue to vest and the agreement includes one‑year non‑compete and non‑solicit covenants after separation.
• The company amended CEO Ryan Melsert’s and COO Steven Wu’s offer letters (Jan 27, 2026) to set performance‑based milestone criteria for FY2026 bonus equity; bonuses will be prorated based on milestone weights.

Why It Matters
ABAT replaced its interim finance leader with a seasoned finance executive who has direct experience securing large government financing and managing large capital programs—skills that could be important for ABAT’s growth and capital plans. Compensation includes significant performance‑conditioned equity and warrant awards, which align pay with milestones but may affect future share dilution. The retirements and consulting arrangement aim to preserve continuity in mineral resources and finance during the transition. Investors should note the timing (effective Feb 2026), the performance‑tied nature of new awards, and the company’s steps to retain institutional knowledge through consulting and release agreements.