PHILADELPHIA, PA — Datavault AI Inc. (Nasdaq: DVLT) has appointed former PricewaterhouseCoopers partner Christopher R. Hardt to its board of directors following its acquisition of NYIAX, bringing a former director of the acquired company into a governance role overseeing financial reporting and corporate strategy.
The appointment took effect October 3, 2026, according to the company. Hardt, who was designated by NYIAX in connection with the transaction, will serve as an independent director and join Datavault AI’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The board change follows Datavault AI’s August acquisition of NYIAX, which added patented exchange technology and contract management capabilities to the company’s platform.
Hardt’s appointment provides continuity between the two businesses as Datavault AI integrates the acquired technology into its operations.
He brings more than 30 years of experience in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and international business operations.
Hardt previously served as chief financial officer of Abri Capital and held board positions at NYIAX and Collective Audience. His career also includes senior leadership roles at PwC in the United States, Europe and Asia.
As a partner in PwC’s National Office in New York, Hardt led Consumer Markets SEC Services, advising companies on Securities and Exchange Commission filings and regulatory matters.
He also served as a partner in PwC’s Japanese member firm in Tokyo, where he managed global client relationships across the media, technology, banking and insurance sectors and served on the firm’s leadership team.
His advisory work has included financial due diligence, cross-border transactions, initial public offering preparation, enterprise risk management and corporate governance for multinational companies and private equity-backed businesses.
Datavault AI Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel Bradley cited Hardt’s familiarity with NYIAX and experience in public-company oversight as factors supporting the appointment.
“Chris already knows the NYIAX business and understands the opportunity ahead of us,” Bradley said.
Hardt said his previous service on NYIAX’s board gave him direct experience with the acquired company’s technology and its potential applications within Datavault AI.
“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,” Hardt said.
Datavault AI develops technology for data monetization, digital credentialing, digital engagement, real-world asset tokenization and spatial audio.
The NYIAX acquisition expanded those operations into exchange technology and contract management, making integration and financial oversight relevant responsibilities for the company’s board.
Hardt is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree from Furman University. He has completed executive education programs at INSEAD, IMD and Duke University.
He has also served on the Furman University President’s Advisory Board and the Georgia Institute of Technology Parents Board.
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