Luminar (Nasdaq: LAZR) has announced the addition of two prominent executives to its team, marking a significant step forward in the company’s growth trajectory. Dr. David Foster, renowned for his leadership roles at Lyft, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, among others, has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of Engineering. With a track record of spearheading the development and launch of revolutionary products like the iMac, MacBook, and Kindle, Dr. Foster brings a wealth of experience to Luminar. He holds advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Vision from the University of Oxford.
Joining Luminar as the Senior Vice President of Communications is John Pinette, former head of global communications at Meta and communications lead at Vulcan, the organization founded by Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen. Pinette’s expertise extends to navigating high-profile IPOs and managing executive communications for prominent figures like Bill Gates. His diverse background includes roles at Pershing Square Capital Management, Google, and Microsoft, complemented by degrees in philosophy, history, and theology.
Austin Russell, Founder and CEO of Luminar, expressed enthusiasm for the new additions, highlighting the critical juncture the company faces as it prepares to integrate LiDAR technology into mainstream passenger vehicles. Russell emphasized Foster’s proven ability to navigate the complex landscape of automotive technology, while Pinette’s extensive experience in global communications positions Luminar to effectively convey the benefits of its technology to consumers.
Both Foster and Pinette expressed their excitement about joining Luminar and contributing to its mission of enhancing driver safety through innovative technology. Foster underscored the profound impact Luminar’s products will have on motorists worldwide, while Pinette emphasized the compelling narrative of how LiDAR technology will advance safety on the roads.
As Luminar gears up for the next phase of growth and innovation, the addition of these seasoned executives signals a strategic move towards solidifying its position as a leader in automotive technology.
