In an interview at LEDucation 2024, Randy Reid, the editor of the EdisonReport, sat down with Jim Young, the recently appointed president of Pinnacle Lighting, as part of the C-Suite series. The discussion offered a peek into Pinnacle’s new directions and broader industry perspectives under Jim’s leadership.
Here’s a snapshot of the key points from their conversation:
- Leadership Transition:
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- Jim Young has recently taken the helm as president of Pinnacle Lighting, starting in June.
- He enjoys the shift from a strategic role for Legrand to managing the company’s daily operations, bringing his experience from previous business leadership roles.
- Company Strategy:
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- Legrand, Pinnacle’s parent company, maintains brand independence post-acquisition to preserve industry relationships.
- The strategy has resulted in six independent rep networks within Legrand’s lighting and controls businesses, addressing various market segments.
- Global and North American Markets:
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- The global lighting market varies by region, with Europe recovering and Asia facing unique challenges.
- In North America, the market is gradually rebounding from the past challenging years, with opportunities emerging in different sectors.
- Industry Relationships Post-COVID:
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- The shift to hybrid work models has changed how salespeople and reps engage with lighting designers.
- Pinnacle’s approach focuses on individual relationships and opportunities rather than broad marketing tactics.