Daniel Kim
Founder / President / CTO
A native of Portland, Oregon, Dan’s foundation in transportation began at Reed College, where he studied Physics and Biology. His creative drive was nurtured while studying Architecture at UC Berkeley, finishing at the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Industrial Design and Sustainable Transportation. While studying at RISD, he also led several vehicle research teams at the MIT Media Lab.
Dan’s eight years of experience in vehicle architecture, prototype development, and team building encompasses all forms of transportation, ranging from electric scooters to titanium bicycles.
Mark Thorogood
Chief Production Officer
Mark has over 25 years experience in Automotive Development in both the UK and Germany. He has experience managing a wide variety of functions in the development process, specializing in Forward Concept Definition, Product Development, and Supply Chain Management. A mechanical engineer by training – B.Sc. (Honours) from the University of Birmingham – he spent 18 years with BMW, following 7 years with the Rover Group. Mark’s extensive background in Automotive Development will be essential to bringing the C-1 to production.
Gerard van Laar
Test Engineer
Gerard brings over a decade of automotive and motorcycle experience to the team. In addition to holding Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in automotive engineering, Gerard has worked with Ten Kate Racing, Suter Racing Technology, and Mission Motors. His comprehensive automotive engineering skills are invaluable to making the C-1 a reality.
Ryan James
Chief Marketing Officer
Ryan’s varied background makes him a marketing jack-of-all-trades. He has a strong scientific and writing background, with a BS in Environmental Studies from Emory University. Ryan comes from a family of marketing professionals, and has a decade of experience in sales/marketing, branding, customer service, and management. Additionally, his experience in fabrication and media production – ranging from welding and woodwork to print, photo, and video – allow him to build, shoot, and edit everything needed for Lit’s media output. With a DJ’s ear for music and a working photographer’s eye, Ryan ensures that Lit stays fresh and ahead of the curve while responding to consumer needs as we define a new vehicle category.
Simona Khersonsky
Director of Operations
Simona has an extensive business background, holding an MBA (Marketing + Finance concentrations) from University of San Francisco, and a BA in Economics from Boston University. She has also studied entrepreneurship and innovation in developing countries, focusing on Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay, as well as managing a portfolio of microloans in emerging markets. Prior to joining the Lit team, Simona worked in business strategy, marketing, analytics, and research for 3Degrees, Fisher Investments, and State Street Corporation.
Eric Miller
Creative Officer
Eric is our resident digital design wizard. He studied Transportation Design at Art Center College of Design, earning a BS as well an exclusive graduation show at the Honda Advanced R+D Gallery. His exceptional digital and analog design, modeling, prototyping, and fabrication skills were further developed through his work with Dassault Systèmes and Eleven. Eric is invaluable in bringing the C-1 concept to reality.
Christina Hsiang
IP / Contracts Manager
Christina has a deep background in Corporate and IP Law, earning her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law, following a dual degree in Economics and Russian from Georgetown University. She speaks several languages, and has additional experience with energy policy and government relations. Christina’s background makes her quite valuable in managing our contracts and intellectual property.