NanoXplore Inc. (TSX: GRA, OTCQX: NNXPF) has promoted Ilia Chliapnikov to chief operating officer, effective July 6, 2026, according to a press release from the Montreal-based graphene manufacturer.

In his new role, Chliapnikov will oversee the company's global manufacturing operations and report directly to president and CEO Rocco Marinaccio.

Chliapnikov joined NanoXplore in March 2022 as global director of operations and subsequently served as vice-president of operations before his promotion to COO. During his tenure, he led the launch of a greenfield manufacturing facility in North Carolina and oversaw a capacity expansion of the company's dry process graphene module.

Prior to NanoXplore, Chliapnikov held operations roles in the automotive, food manufacturing, and steel industries. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from an institute in Moscow, Russia, and a mechanical engineering diploma from Centennial College. He is also a Six Sigma Green Belt and trained Lean Manufacturing practitioner.

Marinaccio said in a statement: "As we scale production and pursue new markets, Ilia's leadership on the operating side gives us the execution capability to match our growth ambitions."

NanoXplore is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, with manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe.