TECHNOLOGY
Albuquerque hydrogen company Pajarito Powder names new CEO
Christian Mohrdieck is a former Mercedes-Benz executive
Albuquerque-based hydrogen company Pajarito Powder has named a former Mercedes-Benz executive as its new CEO.
Christian Mohrdieck, who started in the role this month, previously served as the chief technology officer for Hyzon Motors, which develops hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty trucks, and as the CEO of Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell GmbH. He has a Ph.D. in physics and studied in Germany and France.
Mohrdieck is also a board member of Pajarito Powder, a materials science company that makes catalysts for electrolyzers and fuel cells. He will replace John Rice, who has been interim CEO since early 2025.
鈥淐hristian brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in both the fuel cell and electrolyzer businesses as well as 35 years in the transportation industry, all of which will help further advance Pajarito Powder as an essential building block in the future of hydrogen,鈥� Tom Stephenson, Pajarito鈥檚 board chair, said in a news release.
Mohrdieck said that after 30 years in the industry, one truth has emerged: 鈥淪ystems succeed or fail at their foundations.
鈥淚n a fuel cell, that foundation is the catalyst; it is where electrochemistry meets engineering reality, where performance is either unlocked or permanently constrained,鈥� Mohrdieck said.
Justin Horwath covers tech and energy for the Journal. You can reach him at jhorwath@abqjournal.com.
