LIiTE Group
The Lighting Innovation in Talent Evolution (LIiTE) Group is at the heart of our commitment to increase the visibility and accessibility of the sector to a wider, more diverse group of new entrants, building a sustainable talent pipeline to serve the needs of the industry for many years to come.
A growing group of dynamic, dedicated, and forward-thinking lighting professionals, working together on a suite of pioneering initiatives designed to meet the key themes of the 2024-2027 Talent Supply and Development Strategy:
- Accessible Learning
- Integrated Technology
- Competency Frameworks
- Talent Pipeline
- Engagement and Retention
- Strategic Partnerships.
From mentorship opportunities and university design briefs, through to knowledge sharing and skills mobility programmes; they’re here to engage and nurture the next generation of lighting experts, providing a clear route to the right skills, at the right time.
Join us on our journey to light the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.
Adam Wims
Adam Wims is the B2B Product Director at Sylvania Lighting, a global lighting solutions Manufacturer. With over a decade of industry experience, he is responsible for developing and delivering the EMEA & UK professional product portfolio, targeting distribution and project customers. Adam has led the release of flagship products including Equinox, winner of the Red Dot Award 2023 in the Lighting design category.
Education includes a BA degree in Business Management and certifications in Operational Leadership & Programme Management.
Adam is passionate about Product design, Innovation, new technologies and positioning product as a smart enabled solution for customers. An active member of the Sylvania Environmental & Sustainability committee, he is instrumental in the release of products, following the principles of sustainable materials and the circular economy of a solution.
Outside of work, Adam is kept busy by two young daughters, enjoys hiking, playing squash, and is overall a keen sportsman; unfortunately, his golf clubs are collecting dust since the arrival of his daughters.
Chloe Leatherland
Chloe is the Membership Engagement Executive for the LIA, she is enthusiastic and dedicated to building and nurturing strong member relationships, with a passion for community engagement and a knack for creative solutions. Chloe is the first point of contact for new members and a continuous support pillar for the duration of LIA Membership. In this role Chloe is also involved with assisting with the administration of events and dabbling in the accounts department as this is where her career started with the LIA.
Outside of work Chloe enjoys going for long family walks with her 2 dogs Elsie and Hogan whether this be taking a drive to the beach for a walk or just nipping around the corner for a long wood walk. She also has an interest in makeup and will quite often design a face to remove only an hour later!
Emilton Sahana Banduge
Sahana is the Southern OEM Area Sales Manager for ELP with 8 years’ of experience in the lighting industry. He is an ambitious professional with a passion for emerging technologies. Sahana has a unique education/professional background since attaining a degree in Financial Mathematics from The University of Kent in 2014.
Professionally Sahana transitioned from a Secondary School Mathematics Teacher to a Lighting Designer and has been specializing in the Emergency Lighting Industry for the past 4 years.
Outside of work, Sahana enjoys spending time with family and friends. He enjoys watching Anime and watching tv shows, some other hobbies include Crypto and keeping up to date with emerging technologies. His favourite anime is Naruto whilst his favourite film is The Dark Knight.
Irene Mazzei
Irene received her PhD in Chemistry in 2022, after completing her BSc and MSc in Materials Science. The projects she’s worked on were always motivated by sustainability, particularly focusing on finding sustainable alternatives to conventional industrial processes through the principles of Green Chemistry.
In 2022 she became Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate with Edinburgh Napier University and Stoane Lighting on a project funded by Innovate UK and focused on the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the lighting industry. To do so, she has been working in direct contact with lighting designers and manufacturers on the quantification of the environmental impacts of lighting products using LCA and other methodologies.
In 2023, she was Technical Lead in the working group focused on the creation of a lighting-dedicated version of CIBSE TM65 embodied carbon assessment methodology – TM65.2 and in 2024 she was appointed Sustainability Lead at Stoane Lighting.
She is strongly motivated by the need to have real initiatives to promote sustainability and recognises the importance of sharing knowledge within the industry to facilitate the transition to more sustainable practices.
Joanna Ganita
Joanna Ganita is a compliance and sustainability co-ordinator at Poole Lighting Ltd., with almost a decade of experience working in the lighting industry in departments, such as, Quality Control, Compliance and Sustainability as well as ISO audits. Joanna works closely with test labs, suppliers and clients and is responsible for running various sustainability projects in her organisation. When she is not chasing for test reports and FSC certification, she enjoys walks along the beautiful Dorset coast, trips to the New Forest and catching up on her favourite tv shows. Joanna is currently pursuing a degree in Business and Management - watch this space. While her education journey is still ongoing, she is excited to apply the knowledge she has already gained to her current role.
Jodie Sims
Jodie Sims is a dedicated purchasing assistant and has been a member of the EESG team since 2023, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for sustainability. Jodie plays a pivotal role in sourcing high-quality and ethical products that drives the company’s mission to provide industry leading energy efficient products.
Her knowledge in product purchasing, supply chain management and compliance ensure that EESG maintains its competitive edge in the renewable energy market.
Jodie’s passion for sustainability and ethical practice is reflected in her work as she is committed to developing her knowledge further in the LED sourcing and wider EESG portfolio.
Outside of work Jodie loves to travel, attend live music events, and walk her dogs.
Matt Burton
A proud lighting industry professional, with almost 20 years’ experience across various roles. Currently Managing Director at Aurora Lighting, I am now a highly driven, experienced and modern leader, with my purpose to improve the lives of others and support people and businesses to unlock their true potential. A proven track record of working collaboratively across teams to deliver positive results and a strong passion for working with people who strive to be the best they can be!
Matt Healey
Matt has been working in the lighting industry since 2007 having completed a Product Design degree at the University of Portsmouth.
Matt started his career at FUTURE Designs, the UK based Luminaire Manufacturer who operate in the commercial lighting sector. Matt worked on prestigious projects around the world, including large-scale bespoke installations.
In 2014 Matt joined John Cullen Lighting where he now heads up the Product Development and Technical Teams, designing products that are innovative and industry leading in both design and light quality, whilst ensuring they meet the requirements of a Circular Economy. Matt is also responsible for Product Quality, achieving independent accreditation via the LIAQA scheme. Matt is a member of various LIA Technical sub-committees.
Matt is an advocate for dyslexia and hopes to inspire others in the power of 'Dyslexic Thinking'. After all, everything from the light bulb to the iPhone, was invented by a dyslexic mind. In his spare time, which with a young son is limited, Matt still enjoys playing Rugby and the occasional round of golf.
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattphealey/
Matthew Higgins
Matthew Higgins is the Product Manager for Mackwell Emergency Lighting and has worked within the Mackwell group for over 10 years. His roots in the Mackwell group and emergency lighting are in product & control system testing which has led to direct site experience across the UK, Europe and Middle East.
Recently working with Mackwell’s project division EL&C, Matthew worked as technical manager during a country wide roll out of the N-light AIR wireless system across multiples schools, academies and housing associations.
Through his peers at Mackwell and the wider lighting community Matthew has developed a strong will that projects he is involved with are of the highest compliance and only uses products he can trust. This is mirrored in the emergency lighting training, advice and support he gives to colleagues and customers.
Outside of work Matthew has a young daughter and when time allows enjoys hiking in Snowdonia, skateboarding, weightlifting and snowboarding.
Meg Henshaw
Meg is an accomplished Marketing Manager with a proven track record in diverse industries, including B2C and B2B sectors. She holds a Certificate in Professional Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a degree in Graphic Design and Multimedia. Meg has been the driving force behind our effective PR, marketing, and communications strategy, driving sustained change in the way we engage with our members, key stakeholders, and the wider industry.
Her expertise spans Content Marketing, Social Media, Digital Marketing, Adobe Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), HTML, CRM, CMS, and Event Planning. Having held notable positions in various manufacturing industries, she has been with The LIA since March 2023, earning the nickname 'Marketing Magician' among her peers.
Outside of work, Meg enjoys time with her family and two cats (Gandalf and Luther), supports Everton FC, loves rock music, and proudly sports numerous tattoos.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-h-b5104a163
Melissa Duckett
Mel Duckett is the Finance & HR Manager and Company Secretary at The LIA, where she has worked for the past nine years. Since November 2021, she has overseen the organisation’s financial operations, managed HR responsibilities, and handled Health and Safety duties. Her thorough approach keeps essential functions running smoothly, enhancing efficiency and compliance within The LIA.
With great attention to detail and a strategic mindset, Mel has significantly contributed to the organisation’s financial growth and operational excellence. Her commitment to a safe and supportive work environment highlights her multifaceted contributions to The LIA.
Outside of work, Mel is an avid gardener. She enjoys spending her free time tending to her allotment, where she grows a variety of plants and vegetables. Gardening provides her with a peaceful retreat and a creative outlet, balancing the analytical demands of her career.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-duckett-191905192/
Mitchel Waite
Mitch is a Senior Product Manager with over 15 years of experience in the lighting industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Kent, Product Leadership training from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and Advanced Certificates from the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) which laid the foundation for his career in lighting technology.
Currently a Product Manager at Collingwood Lighting, Mitch has led cross-functional teams to launch numerous high-impact products, including smart lighting control solutions ranging from the consumer level to professional NaaS and SaaS platforms.
A strong advocate for DarkSky and human-centric lighting, Mitch is passionate about lighting for people and how it can transform the look and feel of a space. Similarly on sustainability, he has championed initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of lighting products and is acknowledged for his contribution in CIBSE's TM65.2 publication on embodied carbon in lighting.
Outside of work, Mitch enjoys following the latest trends in the technology sector and keeping up keen interests in film, music and Formula 1.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchel-waite/
Osman Özgür Rakibet
Osman is the Product R&D Manager at Liteplan Ltd and has over five years of experience in the Emergency Lighting, Lighting and Consumer Electronics industries. He holds a PhD in Electronic Engineering from the University of Kent and is passionate about IoT, building automation, and wireless communications.
In his current role, Osman is responsible for product design, development, improvements, and ensuring product compliance across the company's portfolio.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as watching football and various other sports- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/osmanrakibet
Rachel Berner
Rachel joined the John Cullen Lighting marketing team in 2020. As Senior Brand Manager, she is involved in shaping and executing their global experience brand. With a background in marketing and events, she enjoys bringing the impact of light to life through immersive exhibitions and live events. Passionate about interiors, since joining John Cullen, her perspective on lighting was transformed and she is committed to sharing and communicating about the power of light.
Rene Joppi
Rene Joppi is a veteran in the emergency lighting and lighting controls world. As the Managing Director for Mackwell, Rene is passionate about emergency lighting, its technologies and applications he is striving for the best solutions in the market. Rene has worked for various companies and in locations ranging from Austria, Switzerland, Dubai, the wider Middle east up to his current role at Mackwell in the UK. “ICEL is on of the most important bodies for the UK emergency lighting industry and I am proud that Mackwell and myself are part of this important institution”, Rene explains.
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/renejoppi/
Surej Solanki
Surej Solanki is the Product Design Manager at Ovia Lighting, part of the Scolmore Group. He is passionate about driving sustainable lighting practices and is committed to creating a positive change in the lighting ecosystem. Leading a team of talented individuals, Surej focuses on supporting their growth and development, helping them reach their full potential.
Teresa Beazley
With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Teresa specialises in talent management lifecycles and organisational development, with expertise gained from both public and private sectors. Her extensive background spans industries such as rail, automotive, manufacturing, engineering, and business services. A recognised thought leader, Teresa is a Top Talent Management Voice on LinkedIn and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Professional Development (CIPD).
Throughout her career, Teresa has successfully implemented strategic initiatives that enhance workforce capabilities to drive sustainable success, with a keen focus on the digitisation of accessible capacity building programmes and competency frameworks. She is passionate about bridging existing and emerging skills gaps through innovative, proactive approaches, ensuring that both employees and businesses are well-equipped for the future.
A positive disrupter, Teresa is dedicated to aligning human capital strategies and challenging the status quo around where, why, and what defines an effective talent pipeline, and her commitment to excellence in this space has consistently delivered measurable improvements to employee engagement, performance, and retention.
