In Memoriam - Keven Verdun MBE

The LIA are sad to announce the passing of Keven Verdun a Past President and former CEO of the Lighting Association.

Keven was Managing Director of member company British Crystal Lighting in the early 1980s and joined the Lighting Association Council of Management in 1984. By 1990 he became President and during his tenure the then CEO, John Tengwall passed away suddenly. Keven stepped into the breach and was soon appointed as CEO himself where he remained until his retirement in 2008.

During his time at the LA, the headquarters were moved from Bryn in Wales to a purpose-built office in Telford and the test laboratory was established. The LA Code of Practice was strengthened to improve the safety of luminaires entering the UK market and many retailers insisted on compliance with the Code.

Keven’s work with Government and major retailers resulted in a voluntary ban on incandescent lamps during the transition to compact fluorescents. This ultimately led to the inclusion of lighting in the Energy Efficiency Commitment scheme which resulted in around 300 million cfl’s being either subsidised or provided free of charge by the energy companies. For his services to the industry, he was awarded the MBE.

His work extended beyond our shores and Keven was instrumental in helping to establish CELMA, the Association of European Associations, one of two organisations which later merged to form the existing Lighting Europe.

Keven will be remembered for his tireless work on behalf of the industry, his sense of humour and his exceptional golfing talent.