Biz News: Costa Mesa’s Karma to introduce new electric car this summer

Karma Automotive, a Costa Mesa-based electric-car maker, plans to introduce a new model this summer.

The Revero, a luxury sedan, is being made at Karma’s Moreno Valley production facility. Pricing and a launch date were not disclosed.

Karma was formerly known as Fisker Automotive and Technology Group, also based in Costa Mesa. The company is owned by Wanxiang Group, an international automotive component conglomerate.

Karma recently hired Dennis Dougherty as its president and chief operations officer.

“Dennis brings with him extensive operations experience in the U.S., China and Mexico, which will be invaluable as we launch the Revero and expand our global footprint,” Chief Executive Tom Corcoran said in a statement.

Cannabis medicine company moving to Irvine

Cannabis Science Inc., which develops cannabis-based medicines, announced that it is moving its headquarters from Colorado to Irvine.

The company said the move to 19800 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 300, is temporary and that it is looking at Washington, D.C., as its next headquarters.

Being in California puts Cannabis Science “in closer proximity to its vital laboratory resources, key distributors and many patients,” according to a news release.

The company said it sees potential in California because the state is looking to legalize recreational use of marijuana with a vote in November.

Photo-shoot store opens at Fashion Island

Blink Inc., a photo-shoot store, has opened at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

The business offers shoots starting at $25. Walk-ins and reservations are accepted.

“Whether you’re an aspiring blogger who wants editorial-quality photos to [a] corporate executive looking for head shots or an engaged or expecting couple who want stylish portraits, Blink Inc. is perfect for anyone looking for sleek, professional images,” Easther Liu, chief marketing officer for Irvine Co. Retail Properties, said in a statement.

Blink Inc. is in Atrium Court, next to Restoration Hardware.

Irvine’s Park Place honored with industry award

Park Place in Irvine was recently honored during the Building Owners and Managers Assn.’s conference and expo in Washington, D.C.

The mixed-use campus off Michelson Drive received the Outstanding Building of the Year award in the renovated-building category.

Park Place is owned and managed by LBA Realty. It was built in the 1970s and later underwent an extensive renovation, with enhancements to building entries, landscaping, common areas and amenities.

Ultra Mobile names chief operations officer

Ultra Mobile, based in Costa Mesa, recently named Sherrie Simmons as its chief operations officer.

Simmons will be “responsible for streamlining product release cycles and improving overall efficiency with new launches, overseeing innovation and development initiatives,” according to a news release.

Simmons, a graduate of Cal State Fullerton with a master’s from Cal Poly Pomona, has worked for Toyota, Nissan and other companies.

“Sherrie’s background and skill set in both technology and operational management will be instrumental in driving Ultra Mobile’s continued growth at this stage of our development,” Ultra Mobile President Tyler Leshney said in a statement. “At this pivotal moment in Ultra’s growth, we were looking for talent that complemented the company’s scrappy development mentality with a thorough understanding of global operations.”

Irvine company promotes language-learning

Neuroscientists Kaveh Azartash and Dhonam Pemba, who earned their Ph.D.s from UC Irvine, have developed language-learning products designed to help young children.

Their Irvine-based company, Kadho, distributes electronic games and e-books that teach children how to learn sounds associated with 12 major languages.

For more information, visit www.kadho.com.