Highlights

  • Tantech appointed Yao L Xu as board chairman and Class III director effective October 1, 2026.
  • The appointment followed Yefang Zhang’s departure as director and chairman on the same effective date.
  • The company disclosed Xu’s Business experience across technology enterprises and Asia-Pacific operations.
  • Tantech also completed a reverse share split during September as its corporate structure evolved.

A boardroom change has put fresh attention on Tantech Holdings (NASDAQ:TANH) as the company reorganizes its leadership. Yao L Xu became chairman and a director effective October 1, 2026, following Yefang Zhang’s departure, giving the business a new board leader after a September share-structure adjustment.

New Chairman Takes Office

Tantech announced that Yao L Xu was elected chairman of the board and a director effective October 1. He was designated a Class III director, with a term expiring at the 2027 annual meeting unless a successor is elected and qualified earlier under the company’s governance arrangements. The appointment was made by the remaining board members. The change establishes who now leads board oversight; it does not by itself establish an operating turnaround or a new commercial contract.

Previous Chairman Steps Down

Yefang Zhang resigned as chairman and director on the same effective date. In its October 2 regulatory filing, Tantech stated the resignation did not result from a disagreement over the company’s operations, policies or practices. These details establish the nature and timing of the governance transition. The board’s composition is a corporate matter with a different reporting basis from revenue, orders or Manufacturing activity. Both the departure and appointment should therefore be described as Leadership actions.

Experience Across Technology and Regional Markets

Tantech said Xu founded Hong Kong Anxue International and Zhuhai Anxue Technology in 2015. His disclosed background also includes an Asia-Pacific general manager role at Chatham International Group dating from 2005 and earlier China Investment advisory experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Jinan University. These background details explain the experience the new chairman brings to the position. They do not imply that any past business relationship has become a Tantech contract.

Share Structure and Governance Remain Distinct

The company separately announced reverse-share-split arrangements in September. Such an adjustment changes the trading share count and price presentation under the relevant split ratio, not the operating Assets of the business. With the chairman appointment now effective, subsequent company disclosures will indicate whether the board makes further changes to business priorities. The October filing did not provide new financial guidance tied to the appointment.

Tantech Holdings shares traded at USD 40.00 on November 11, 2026, advancing 30.89% during the session.