FreePower technology maker Aira hires Apple and Tesla veteran Jeff Risher

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What you need to know

  • Charging tech company Aira has a brand new face on its team.
  • They've hired Jeff Risher, formerly of Apple and Tesla.
  • Aira is the developer of FreePower technology, a free-position wireless charging technology.

Charging tech company Aira has hired former Apple and Tesla veteran Jeff Risher to be its Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel.

In a press release today they said:

Chandler, Arizona — March 17, 2020 — Aira Inc., makers of FreePower™ free-position wireless charging technology is excited to announce it has added Apple and Tesla veteran Jeff Risher to its executive team as Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel. In this role, Jeff will lead the company's business development and corporate strategy, as well as oversee Aira's legal matters, IP strategy and technology partnerships. The hire, Aira's most senior to date, adds important expertise as the company aims to transform wireless charging and expand its reach into key verticals including consumer electronics, automotive, furniture, and hospitality.

Risher has worked for both Apple and Tesla, as well as Faraday Future and has previously been recognized as one of the "Top IP Strategists in the World" by Intellectual Asset Management Magazine.

Aira has developed a new wireless charging technology called FreePower, which means you can charge a device wirelessly by 'free-charging' it, essentially it can be placed anywhere on a mat and still work. Nomad's Base Station Pro is the first charging mat to use Aira' FreePower technology.

Aira CEO and co-founder Jake Slatnick said of the move:

"Jeff is a seasoned technology strategist, IP expert and deal maker, and has experience at some of the most innovative and well-known brands in the world. He will be instrumental towards our mission to evolve wireless charging forever."

On his own move Risher said:

"From the time I met Jake and Eric, and saw the technology working, I knew I had to be a part of this... It's rare to come across an opportunity like Aira where the present needs, future direction and its transformative technology are so well matched with my strengths and background. FreePower has the potential to re-energize the wireless charging industry and deliver on the promise of convenience. It can ignite entirely new ecosystems providing business opportunities and stronger charging experiences across so many different industries."

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9