
December 8, 2009
PHILIPS NAMES ZIA EFTEKHAR
CEO OF PROFESSIONAL LUMINAIRES BUSINESS FOR NORTH AMERICA
BURLINGTON, MA – Royal Philips Electronics announced today that Zia Eftekhar has been
appointed Chief Executive Officer of Philips Professional Luminaires North
America, effective January 1, 2010. Eftekhar will succeed Kaj den Daas, a 33
year veteran of Philips Lighting, who will continue as Chairman of Philips
Lighting North America and concentrate particularly on supporting the company’s
legislative activities and participation in industry associations such as the
National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the National Association of
Electrical Distributors.
Eftekhar
is a highly respected 40 year veteran of the lighting industry and currently
CEO of the Philips Lightolier Group, the single largest business within Philips
Professional Luminaires. Since 1992 he has been the president of Lightolier and
a Director of The Genlyte Group, the publicly traded parent of Lightolier
acquired by Philips in 2008. Eftekhar played a crucial role in the integration
of the Genlyte businesses into Philips, and in his new role he will lead the
drive to further grow Philips’ leadership position in professional lighting
systems and solutions in North America.
Under
Eftekhar’s leadership, Philips Lightolier has evolved to reflect the needs of
its customers. By introducing new business services such as the Energy Services
Group, and meaningful technological innovations that reflect the demand for
energy efficient lighting, Eftekhar has continued to keep Lightolier at the
forefront of professional lighting solutions. It is a challenge he now welcomes
on a larger scale.
“I am honored to lead the Professional Luminaires business in North America, as we redefine what is possible in our
industry. With our talented team and our steadfast commitment to enhance
people’s lives through light, we will continue to innovate around our
customers’ needs and grow our leadership position.” said Eftekhar.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI)
is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s
lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle
and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric
solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of
“sense and simplicity”. Headquartered
in the Netherlands,
Philips employs more than 118,000 employees in more than 60 countries
worldwide. With sales of $38 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in
cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting
solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for
personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV,
male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News
from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.