The future of energy-efficient transportation is here, and we are on the verge of seeing the first commercially sold solar-powered cars. The possibilities for a viable solar car will offer the ability to drive without burning environmentally damaging fuels and without the need to plug in for a charge. It could offer the perfect solution for anyone hoping to see us reduce humanity’s carbon footprint.
Julian Field ’84, chairman at Solar Transport Systems, is at the forefront of this disruptive technology that will help us avoid the depletion of our limited global oil reserves.
Bio:
Field has always loved technology, which is why he was involved in creating FITV, the student-run and -operated TV station at Florida Tech. These days, he is a senior advisor working with start-up businesses on their e-commerce strategy and implementation. Currently, Field is founding chairman of a start-up that is developing solar-powered vehicles and director of an education services business.
Field was born in Argentina, raised in Venezuela and studied in the United States, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Florida Tech. In 1989, he went on to earn an MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. He currently lives in the United Kingdom.
Field was CEO at Furniture123.co.uk, Europe’s first online furniture retailer, which he founded in 1999 and built into a multimillion-dollar operation. He sold it to Buy It Direct Ltd. in 2012.
Previously, Field was managing director at Tomlinson Furniture Ltd., a manufacturer and wholesaler of furniture, supplying an international network of retailers and distributors. He was also European marketing director from 1989 to 1995 at Courtaulds, where he was responsible for marketing and export sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for the company’s $230 million aerospace paints and sealants business. He began his diverse career as a senior field engineer with Schlumberger, a leader in oil and gas, with international assignments in Algeria, Nigeria and Gabon from 1985 through 1988.
Field is a member of Florida Tech’s International Advisory Board, helping to mentor and tutor future alumni around the world.