Below is the press release from Philips Lighting confirming a story that EdisonReport first broke on 22 JAN.
SOMERSET, N.J. – Philips Lighting (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, today announced it has named Chris White as President of the Americas, overseeing the continued acceleration of Philips Lighting’s leadership position in the region focused on the company’s complete offering from conventional and LED products to connected lighting systems and services.
With extensive experience managing industries and market transformations, White will head the Philips Lighting business in the Americas, expanding the role of the region as a critical hub of economic growth and innovation for the company globally, while amplifying the organization’s strategic efforts to unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world.
Reporting to Eric Rondolat, CEO of Philips Lighting, White manages all commercial and operational activities to advance the success of Philips Lighting’s consumer and professional products, systems and services throughout North, South and Central America.
“We are very pleased that Chris White has joined our organization. He brings a wealth of experience, exceptional business acumen, and proven leadership across consumer and professional markets,” said Rondolat. “Chris is also a recognized thought leader on the positive disruptive effects of an increasingly digital and connected world, and brings a unique perspective on IoT, which will help us to further expand our connected lighting offering, while continuing to strengthen all of our businesses in the Americas.”
Prior to joining Philips Lighting, White was a 20-year veteran of Cisco. There, he held various leadership roles including Senior Vice President Global Sales, Strategy and Go-to-Market, Internet of Things where he spearheaded Cisco’s market influence and leadership in the IoT. Before that, he was the General Manager, Sports and Entertainment Group, Vice President of Home Networking and a number of transformational executive roles.
“Philips Lighting has a long history of innovation and an undisputed lighting portfolio to meet the needs of all its customers. There’s significant upside today as we leverage our existing offering while leading the opportunity to drive the digital transformation and the proliferation of connected lighting that is generating new insights and benefits into how people, places and devices interact,” said White. “The tangible benefits of lighting today and the immense value of connected lighting are accelerating dramatically to have an ever more positive impact across homes, businesses and communities. I’m excited to strengthen our leadership role in changing how people see and experience their world through light.”