WGBI Member Spotlight Series – Ellen Maxey
The Women in the Global Battery Industry (WGBI) is thrilled to highlight Ellen Maxey, a leader and lifelong learner who has dedicated over 30 years to the battery industry—bringing strategic vision, resilience, and mentorship to every step of her journey.
🚀 Career Journey: A Serendipitous Start, a Lasting Impact
Ellen Maxey’s path to the battery industry wasn’t part of a long-term plan, but became a meaningful career. “I started in the grocery wholesale business out of college and stayed there for 3 years until my job was eliminated. I got into the battery industry as a contractor, never expecting to spend 30+ years in the industry, but looking back, I wouldn’t change much about that journey,” she shares.
Throughout her career, Ellen has worn many hats—finance, operations, commercial, product management, and now strategy. Today, as Director of Strategy for Components at Clarios, she helps shape long-term direction and growth across the company’s global battery business. Each role, she says, has strengthened her commitment to seeing the industry thrive.
💡 Perspective and Progress: Standing Out by Delivering Excellence
Being one of the few women in the room has long been part of Ellen’s story—but never her focus. “Although I’ve spent a lot of my career as the only woman in the room, I didn’t care. I’ve never wanted to be known for something because I’m a woman. I wanted people to know who I am because I am good at what I do.”
She acknowledges that the industry has evolved significantly: “It’s a lot easier than it was 30 years ago.” But that evolution only came through persistence, resilience, and a mindset of constant growth. “Are there situations I wish hadn’t happened? For sure. Do I wish I knew everything I know now back when I first started? Yep, but then I wouldn’t have grown, learned and challenged myself.”
🤝 WGBI Involvement: Lifting Others as a Legacy
Ellen was among the charter members of WGBI and helped shape the foundation of the organization we know today. “When the idea of a WGBI was created, I was asked to be a charter member and jumped at the opportunity. I have been involved with BCI since 1997 and loved the idea of being able to engage women in the industry in a grander way.”
Today, she chairs the Member Education Subcommittee and played a key role in launching WGBI’s mentorship program. “The whole idea of a Mentor program was one I brought to WGBI and I couldn’t be happier with its success!” “I’m a problem solver and absolutely love when I can provide some different ways of thinking about a situation.”
Clarios has supported WGBI from the beginning and currently holds the largest company membership. “We have been a sponsor of WGBI from the beginning and three of us hold leadership roles in WGBI. We also have the largest membership from one company.”
🌟 Advice and Inspiration
Ellen’s advice to women entering the battery industry or joining WGBI is both pragmatic and empowering: “Every industry has its challenges.. use every tool in your toolbox to overcome those challenges – WGBI can be a big tool. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, seek out people that can be a sounding board or advocate.”
🌞 Outside the Office: Recharge and Reset
When Ellen’s not problem-solving at work, you’ll find her embracing her love for sports, reading in the sunshine, or relaxing at her second home in northern Wisconsin. “It’s so peaceful and a blessing to be able to throw some drinks in a cooler and take the boat out after a day of working.”
WGBI is proud to spotlight Ellen Maxey—an industry veteran, strategic thinker, and passionate mentor. Stay tuned for more stories from the women powering progress across the global battery industry.