Government and Public Affairs Committee
The LIA Government and Public Affairs Committee (GPAC) advises and informs the LIA Policy team, both with the message the LIA wishes to get across, and the strategy and plan as to how that communication and outreach should happen.
Some of the topics that GPAC is currently working on are:
- Minimum Energy Performance Standards – the communication strategy.
- UK - European Union relationship – now 8 years since the Brexit vote, we need to take new choices whether to continue our pursuit of full regulatory alignment with the EU, or a nuanced, low friction compatibility.
- Gov. UK. – How to communicate with Government, whether via a reinvigorated All Party Parliamentary Lighting Group (APPLG), allegiance with other APPGs in the net zero, electrotechnical, building performance and manufacturing spaces or other routes.
- The LIA’s Lighting Manifesto – final approvals and communication strategy including pre and post elections plans.
- Better together – inputting and advising on our outreach and working with the multiple other organisations in the net zero, electrotechnical, building performance and manufacturing spaces.
- LightingEurope – Guiding our strategy with our trusted friends and colleagues in Brussels.
Meet the committee
Committee Chair:
Ayça Donaghy
Ayça Donaghy is a dynamic leader in the lighting industry, currently serving as the CEO of the Lighting Industry Association. With over 15 years of experience in the broader electro-technical sector, coupled with a recent Executive MBA from London Business School, Ayça combines strategic thinking, team management, and a dedication to sustainability, diversity, and innovation. Her diverse background in sales leadership, teaching, and acting contributes to her strong communication and presentation skills, making her an ideal spokesperson for the industry.
Since assuming her role over a year ago, Ayça has spearheaded a series of groundbreaking initiatives, including university competitions aimed at bridging the skills gap and launching events and webinars to enhance awareness of critical issues like sustainability, compliance, and competence. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in advocating for comprehensive and enforceable regulations. Through direct engagement with industry stakeholders and the UK government, Ayça has played a crucial role in propelling the industry's mission and amplifying its voice on a national level.
Her impact and foresight have recently been acknowledged by her selection for the '40under40' competition.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayca-donaghy/
Group Secretary:
Lawrence Barling
As Senior Technical Manager for The LIA, Lawrence is responsible for the technical activities of the association including supporting members in all aspects of EU Directives, Regulations and Standards.
Lawrence has over 40 years’ experience in the lighting industry having worked in product development, standardisation and regulatory roles for Thorn, GE, the Lighting Association and the LIA. He represents the LIA and its members on many UK, EU and International (IEC) committees for lighting related subjects. He is Chair of the BSI Lamp committee and Convenor of the IEC Working Group for caps and holders. He was Chair of the IEC Lamp committee SC34A for 12 years and has received two IEC 1906 awards for his work at IEC. Lawrence also received the LIA Presidents award in 2024.
Lawrence is also actively involved with the EU trade association for lighting, LightingEurope, and represents LIA on many LightingEurope committees working with the EU Commission on subjects like future ERP and Energy Labelling Regulations.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-barling-6887255/
John Gorse
John’s career in lighting has spanned over 30 years including Product Management, Commercial & Technical Marketing, Sales & General Manager roles, in posts both in the UK, Germany and assignments across Europe and Asia.
John joined Philips Lighting in 2008, originally as Head of Product Management, before taking up the role of Technical Solutions Manager which majors on leadership of the Customised Solutions (Specials) Team as well as a management role in the Customer Satisfaction Team. The roles also engaged with technical, legislative and conformity issues, whilst supporting the marketing and sales teams with relevant interpretation of these subjects.
Since January ‘22 John has taken advantage of these experiences to move to the post of Manager for Public and Government affairs as well as supporting in the UK / I Business Excellence and Continuous Improvement programmes and leading the UK/I Standards and Regulations team.
John’s work also majors in Sustainability, Circular Economy and Net Zero in Lighting.
Additionally, John chairs the LIA Light Source Technical Committee, is a member of the LIA Technical Board, Government Affairs, Building Regulations Sustainability committees.
John is a Fellow of the Society of Light and Lighting (FSLL), and a Lightmonger, where he is also chair of the Lightmongers Education Committee.
He is also a member of the Editorial focus group for The ILP’s Journal ‘Lighting’.
John has had numerous articles published in the trade & professional media and is a frequent contributor and speaker at industry events. He was also previously a member of the Editorial Group for the ILP’s Journal ‘Lighting’.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gorse-2680226/
Catherine Connolly
Andy Hughes
Andy Hughes started his career with Thorn Lighting Ltd. in 1978 and since 2010 has been Standards and Regulations Manager to the Zumtobel Group, the parent company of Thorn Lighting since 2000. In IEC, Andy has been a UK nominated expert to many of the committees and working groups of TC34 (Lighting) since 1990, alongside his work in the mirroring committees of BSI and CENELEC. From 2010 to 2019 Andy was the Chair of SC34D (Luminaires) and was Convenor of the SC34D Working Group LUMEX (WG1) from 2008 to 2024. Outside of IEC, Andy has been Chair of the Lighting Industry Association Technical Board since 2012 and also represents his company within the European trade association LightingEurope.
Stewart Langdown
Stewart Langdown is a seasoned professional in the lighting industry, renowned for his exceptional contributions and expertise in lighting control. With more than 30 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading figure in this field.
Stewart's journey in the industry began with a foundation in Electronics and Construction before venturing into the lighting industry. Stewart's career has been heavily focused on Business Development, where he has been instrumental in introducing innovative Lighting technologies to new markets. Additionally, Stewart has a great passion for sustainable lighting which is evident in his advocacy efforts, as he continuously works to raise awareness about the benefits of smart technology and the importance of selecting appropriate technology to enhance building longevity.
Stewart is a Fellow of CIBSE the Society of Light and Lighting FSLL, and active member of their committees as well as Chair of the Lighting Industry Association Marketing TC.
Neil McLean
Neil McLean is responsible for Industry Relations in Europe and Asia for Lutron Electronics where he supports regulatory development relevant to lighting controls and automated solar-shading systems. Neil graduated from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh in 1994 with an honours degree in Environmental Services Engineering and has since occupied a number of senior UK and international roles in the Lighting industry including with Philips Lighting, Sylvania and Recolight before moving to Lutron. Neil is an active contributor and chair at various groups in lighting and shades trade and professional associations including Lighting Europe, The Lighting Industry Association, The European Solar-Shading Organisation, The British Blind and Shutter Association and CIBSE.
