Tice, who has been driving innovation in consumer products for over 30 years, will focus on expanding distribution, driving global marketing, and developing d.lights international team to best serve the needs of its growing customer base. Tice has been an advisor to d.light since March 2008 and has served on the companys Board of Directors since November 2008.
d.light is poised for rapid growth, and Im excited to be part of it, said Tice. Our products have changed the lives of three million people to date, and this is just the beginning. The companys customer-centered approach to product design and its commitment to making reliable energy affordable will propel us to our goal of improving quality of life for 100 million people around the world.
d.lights product offering currently includes three solar lighting products: the S250 solar lantern and mobile charger, the highly affordable S10 lantern, and the Solata S380 study light. Cumulatively, d.light products have saved customers USD90 million, increased productivity by another USD97 million and reduced global carbon emissions of CO2 by over 120,000 tons.
Donn brings a notable track record in consumer products, clean technology, and global marketing and distribution to d.light. He has built $100+ million global businesses and raised $100 million in capital. His passion for BOP consumers began as a United Nations Fellow; Donn was mentored by the late C.K. Prahalad.
As Founder of Sustainable Solutions (2006-2010), Donn accelerated the growth of venture capital-backed consumer companies. As CEO of startup Nanotex (2003-2006), his team expanded distribution to 90 brands in 30 countries, through100 distribution partners, creating a 25x valuation increase. As CEO of Winterland (19972002), sales grew 3.5x, from $30 million to $110 million.
Donn's leadership, experience, and energy will bring tremendous value to d.light's continued growth and social impact, said Jayant Sinha, managing director of Omidyar Network India Advisors and a d.light director.
Tice succeeds founding CEO Sam Goldman, who has been named chief customer officer and will be responsible for ensuring that customer priorities, values, and experiences continue to be at the center of the companys product development. Ned Tozun continues as president, maintaining global leadership responsibility for developing new markets. Goldman and Tozun will both continue to serve on d.lights Board of Directors.
Donn has been a great friend and advisor to d.light from the beginning, said Goldman. Given his passion for our mission and his proven leadership, we could think of no better person to lead us into our next stage of growth.
