Dr Yan Zhao
PhD, MEng Hons
CEO & Co-founder
Yan moved from China to the UK for secondary education where he saw the urgent need to transition from engines to battery powered vehicles. He began research focusing on lithium-ion battery design, thermal management, and simulation at Imperial College London, where he graduated in 2019 with a PhD in battery engineering. He has over 10 published papers and has created software for cell design that is now used internationally. Observing pollution and emissions while waiting for London buses with his now 6-year-old daughter, Hannah, Yan was motivated to co-found Breathe that same year.
In his role as CEO, Yan sets the company’s strategic direction and oversees R&D, product development, revenue and financial stewardship, ensuring Breathe stays focused, innovative and commercially strong.