About Lightyear
We develop scalable cutting-edge solar charging systems to create grid-independent solar electric vehicles
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Our strategy is following our mission
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Lightyear on Board
Our innovative Lightyear Solar Charging System powers the world's first solar car, the Lightyear 0. Now, we're bringing this cutting-edge technology to the global vehicle industry. Starting with solar charging roofs and other body parts, we transform car exteriors into energy sources. This technology enhances vehicle range, reduces charging needs, increases driving freedom, and alleviates grid congestion.
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Contribute Positively
We are committed to developing Lightyear technologies that make electric vehicles (EVs) more efficient. Combined with Lightyear Solar Charging Systems, more green energy is available to use for other purposes. By rethinking our personal transportation decisions, we can make a real difference and contribute positively to the energy transition.
Organisation
Supervisory Board (SB)
Next to the approval of major decisions the SB plays a steering role in defining the company's strategic direction. It monitors the execution of the strategy by the Management Board and provides advice.
Bernard van Bunnik
Chairman
Nolan Browne
Roeland Doornbosch
Management Board (MB)
The execution of the company's strategy is the MB's key point of focus next to operational-, financial, risk- and people management.
Dr. Bonna Newman
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Bonna brings exceptional experience in the solar and vehicle-integrated PV sector. As Lightyear now aims to offer its innovative on-board solar charging system technology to the entire passenger car market, her network, knowledge, and expertise will be valuable for maximizing impact. Bonna has a PhD in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and she has worked throughout the PV sector for almost two decades. She is a founding board member of the Alliance for Solar Mobility and a member of the executive committee of the European Technology and Innovation Platform for PV. She is recognized globally as a thought leader in the emerging solar mobility industry.
Herman van Barneveld
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Herman van Barneveld is a seasoned CFO with over 20 years of experience across accounting, auditing, and financial management. After a successful career in large corporates, he spent the past eight years driving growth in high-performing startups and scale-ups. Known for his pragmatic and enabling leadership style, Herman combines financial rigor with a strong business mindset. He thrives in multicultural environments, leads through clarity and collaboration, and is a catalyst for change and innovation. With a sharp eye for interdependencies and team dynamics, he brings creative, people-focused solutions that align with long-term business goals.Management Team (MT)
Together with the MB, the MT is responsible for the day to day management of all elements of the company (operations, finance, people, etc) and performance management.
Jessica Szepsy
Operations Director
Jessica is an experienced operations leader with a background in Design & Visual Arts and a strong focus on execution and scalability. Prior to joining Lightyear, she played a key role at Shapeways, a fast-growing 3D printing scale-up, where she built high-performing teams and oversaw complex daily operations in a dynamic tech environment. Jessica brings a structured yet agile approach to operational leadership, ensuring that strategy translates into results. She is passionate about optimizing processes, enabling cross-functional collaboration, and creating the foundation for sustainable growth.
Hessel van der Valk
HR & Talent Acquisition
Hessel van der Valk brings over a decade of experience building scalable people operations in high-tech and automotive scaleups. As VP Human Resources at Lightyear, he plays a key role in shaping the organizational foundation for long-term growth, from talent strategy and leadership hiring to culture design, compliance, and international expansion. He combines a strategic mindset with a hands-on approach, aligning people, processes, and purpose. With a deep understanding of the dynamics of scaleups and the demands of the automotive industry, he is a trusted partner to founders and leadership.
Jose Jaime Cruzado
Sales & Marketing Director
Jose Jaime brings over 30 years of experience in automotive Tier 1 supplier experience. He has held senior sales positions at Saint Gobain Sekurit, AGP e-Glass, and Guardian Automotive. Jose combines strategic business development skills with strong engineering and technological understanding, driving commercial growth and building strong OEM relationships on a global scale. His experience spans complex technology integrations and onboarding, international key account management, and scaling commercial teams to support rapid business expansion.Invest in Lightyear
Invest in a clean future
Interest in backing Lightyear? You'll be writing a new story for generations to come; and it starts with your contact details. Leave them with us, we'll be in touch.
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About Lightyear
We design for independence and convenience. We create solar charging systems for electric vehicles that can drive off-grid and into all of life's adventures.