White to head Somerset-based Philips Lighting Americas

Somerset-based Philips Lighting, a lighting company, announced Wednesday it has named Chris White its new president of the Americas.

White will be responsible for heading Philips Lighting business in the Americas, expanding on its growth and innovation globally. He will also manage all commercial and operational activities of the company’s consumer and professional products.

“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 Eric Rondolat, CEO of Philips Lighting. “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 Philips Lighting, White was at Cisco for 20 years holding a variety of leadership roles including senior vice president global sales, strategy and go-to-market, internet of things.

“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,” White said. “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.”