Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE Announces Hire of Senior Director Eric Cahill

PLAYA VISTA, June 1 The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a multimillion dollar competition to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles, today announced the hire of Eric Cahill as senior director. Cahill will report to Cristin Lindsay, vice president of Prize Operations.

In this role, Cahill will provide leadership and managerial direction to the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE team and will interface with X PRIZE sponsors, donors, partners, consultants, vendors, contractors and participants. He will be based at the X PRIZE Foundation headquarters in Playa Vista, Calif.

"Eric has dedicated his career to the commercialization of cleaner alternatives in the automotive and energy sectors," said Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, president and CEO of The X PRIZE Foundation. "His experience in project management in the cleantech and automotive industries adds immense value to this Prize and to those participating in the competition."

"The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE is a groundbreaking opportunity for designers and developers of all levels to compete on a neutral and equitable field," said Cahill. "I am thrilled to be able to work with talented teams across the nation and the world, from high school students to established car companies, creating clean, super-efficient vehicles that are ready to meet the demands of the market today."

Cahill, a U.S. Navy veteran and practiced project manager, spent the early portion of his career at Boeing's program management office and later at a Tier One automotive supplier where he led the team that developed the electric drive train technology for the forthcoming Fisker Karma luxury plug-in hybrid. Prior to joining The X PRIZE Foundation, Cahill served as COO and founding member of Internet start-up AboutTime.com and most recently as principal at Adaptiv Strategic Technology Advisors where he consulted on alternative energy, project management, and renewable technologies & policies.