President

Navitas Systems

As President of Navitas, an East Penn Company, John Sapp is responsible for all areas of the Lithium-Ion Battery division, bringing over 30 years of global high-tech Engineering, Operations, and Business Development experience to this role.

John’s visionary approach drives his ability to implement transformative strategies within the lithium-ion battery sector. His most relevant experience stems from over a decade at A123 Systems, a mid-sized Tier 1 automotive supplier that engineered and manufactured lithium-ion battery cells, modules, and both low and high voltage packs for numerous global OEMs. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in growing the automotive division from a 12-person U.S.-based start-up to a global company with 2,500 employees generating $500 million annually. The company operated facilities in the US, Europe, China, and Korea, producing tens of millions of battery cells and hundreds of thousands of battery packs.

John’s key leadership roles in Operations, Engineering, Program Management, Supplier Quality, and Business Development, along with his 2 years of experience as President of the China Division, where he oversaw over 1,000 employees across 1 million square feet of facilities in two cities, highlight his commitment to continuous improvement and high standards, which have been instrumental in driving operational excellence.

To complement his experience at A123, John also worked at Vertiv, a U.S.-based provider of critical infrastructure and services for data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments. As the Executive Director of Global Product Development Process and Governance, he was responsible for the Global Program/Product Management team, integrating battery backup products into the company’s portfolio. His analytical mindset enables him to identify patterns and trends, ensuring that product development aligns with market needs.

John began his career at TRW Automotive, one of the world’s largest Tier 1 automotive suppliers, where he help lead product development for vehicle stability control and anti-lock brake systems. As Chief Engineer of the North American Brake Systems group, he led a team of approximately 50 engineers. His involvement in industry firsts, such as the launch of Rear Wheel Anti-Lock brakes and Stability Control Systems, showcases his effectiveness in translating strategic objectives into tangible outcomes.

John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialty in Systems Design/Optimization, both from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. John resides in Ann Arbor with his wife.