PHILADELPHIA, Oct 6 — Datavault AI Inc. (“Datavault AI” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DVLT), an Artificial Intelligence Platform (“AIP”) company providing data monetization, credentialing, digital engagement, real-world asset (“RWA”) tokenization and spatial audio technologies, today announced the appointment of Christopher R. Hardt to its board of directors as an independent director, effective as of October 3, 2026. Hardt was designated by NYIAX, Inc. (“NYIAX”) in connection with Datavault AI’s recently completed acquisition and previously served on NYIAX’s board of directors. Mr. Hardt brings extensive experience in public-company financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance and international business operations. He will also serve on the Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Company’s board of directors.
Hardt’s global financial and executive leadership career includes senior positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PwC”), serving as Chief Financial Officer of Abri Capital, and holding board positions at NYIAX and Collective Audience. Throughout his career, he has advised Fortune 100 companies, private equity-backed businesses and multinational organizations on financial reporting, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance and international expansion. His appointment follows Datavault AI’s August 2026 acquisition of NYIAX, which added patented exchange technology and contract management capabilities to the Company’s platform.
“We’re excited to welcome Chris to the Datavault AI Board as an independent director,” said Nathaniel Bradley, Chief Executive Officer of Datavault AI. “His more than 30 years of global financial leadership and deep understanding of public-company governance will be an invaluable addition to our Audit and Corporate Governance Committees. Chris already knows the NYIAX business and understands the opportunity ahead of us. We’re thrilled to have him on our Board and look forward to working together as we execute on our commercial strategy.”
During his career at PwC, Hardt held senior leadership positions across the United States, Europe and Asia. As a partner in PwC’s National Office in New York, he led Consumer Markets SEC Services, advising companies on SEC filings and regulatory matters. He also served as a partner in PwC’s Japanese member firm in Tokyo, where he led global client relationships across media, technology, banking and insurance and served on the firm’s leadership team. Hardt has advised multinational corporations on cross-border transactions and financial transformation, overseen financial due diligence, and advised boards, audit committees, CEOs and CFOs on enterprise risk management, financial reporting, IPO readiness and corporate governance.
“I’m honored to join the Datavault AI Board at such an important time in the Company’s development,” said Christopher R. Hardt. “Having served on the NYIAX Board, I’ve seen first-hand the potential of its technology and the opportunities that combining it with Datavault AI’s broader platform can create. I look forward to working alongside Nathaniel and the entire team, bringing my financial, governance and international business experience to support the Company’s continued growth and help realize its long-term vision.”
Hardt is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University. He has completed executive education programs at INSEAD, IMD and Duke University, and has also served on the Furman University President’s Advisory Board and the Georgia Institute of Technology Parents Board.
