Biography
Kurt Solland is a strategic design visionary. He is known for creating iconic cutting-edge products within organizations where great ideas usually get “lost in translation”. Using his vast expertise in business, design, engineering, manufacturing, and production, he is the mastermind of quality iconic products that consumers desire before they know it.
Among the few change agents in consumer electronics industry, he pioneered the first iconic iPod speaker dock category with JBL and Harman/Kardon brands. In the automotive world, Kurt created seamless product integration between automotive brands and Harman’s Infotainment/Rear Seat Entertainment systems. He collaborated directly with leaders of BMW, Mercedes and Lexus from brainstorming to production.
Adding to his breadth of experience, he worked abroad as an expatriate in Asia. Kurt rose above language and cultural obstacles to be viewed as Lenovo’s Global Mentor. Under his guidance, he empowered five separate locations around the world to align “as one” unified design team. Being among Lenovo’s key players, Kurt’s role as Vice President of Visionary Design Studio influenced Lenovo’s growth and brand recognition in the PC-Plus Laptops / Mobile space of Smartphones and Tablets.
With over 100 Patents and countless International Awards to his name, Kurt has established himself as being a design leader in consumer electronics.
Accomplishments
- Led the paradigm shift in the audio industry by creating the first Iconic iPod portable speaker dock category
- Over 100 Patents issued both utility and design 100’s of International Awards granted
- Successful expatriate leader that inspired different cultures and background to come together as one team
“Kurt is an exceptionally talented designer and strategist. He’s one of those people that you know from the first time you meet him and hear his ideas will be an indispensable component of what you do going forward. Our collaborations with Kurt for our Microsoft Zune products and campaigns were always trendsetting and focused on creative. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Kurt in the past and hope we will do some kick-ass projects together in the future.”
Thomas Markert, Creative Director, Amazon Digital Design Group
Background
Kurt Solland has been surrounded by innovation and creativity his entire life. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, with a family heritage steeped in “Viking Ingenuity” and the exotic rhythms of “French Polynesian Music,” inspired a life filled with unlimited possibilities.
In his early years, he remembers hearing stories about the importance of Norse Seafarer skills. Traits of superior design, navigation, boat building and engineering.
These accomplishments combined with ingenuity, courage and persistence instilled the character needed to face perceived unsolvable problems with a fresh perspective.
Kurt’s father, Merle, was an innovator of design and construction of hydroplanes. Considered one of the pioneers who built “Hot Rods on Water” out of nothing more than wood, aluminum and pure horsepower. His record holding hydroplanes were the ultimate form-follows-function creation. Aerodynamically technical, structurally sound and beautifully sculpted.
Kurt’s mother, Betty, was fortunate enough to have the gift of music on her side of the family. Many weekends would be spent with all members of the extended family cutting records of Polynesian and Swedish Folk music. The strongest influence came from Eddie Lund, known as the Irving Berlin of Island music and the father of modern Tahitian Folk music. Among his 400 arrangements, some have been featured in legendary films such as: Mutiny on the Bounty, South Pacific and Mister Rogers.
Saturated in this diverse environment, Kurt realized at a young age he had a natural ability to create and problem solve in an innovative manner. He became skilled in aero dynamics, fabrication, design, sculpting, engine building, machining and manufacturing all with the rhythm of music sounding him.