Tech Board
The LIA Tech Board is a dynamic team of industry experts and visionary leaders dedicated to steering the strategic direction of The LIA technical approach. By leveraging their diverse expertise the board aims to enhance The LIA technical impact in the UK, drive technological advancements, and deliver value to members and key stakeholders.
The Tech Board Chair
Andy Hughes
Tech Board Members
Jack Adams
Jack Adams, the Laboratory Manager at LIA Laboratory, boasts a decade of experience with the team. He attended the University in Sheffield, earning a degree in Electronic Engineering, and is also a qualified electrician, providing a solid background in installation. Jack’s tenure at the LIA has been defined by his dedication to advancing laboratory standards and ensuring top-quality testing & services, contributing to the lab’s status as one of only four NCBs in the UK. Beyond work, Jack enjoys watching movies, spending time with his wife, and caring for their fluffy cats.
- Email:
- jack@thelia.org.uk
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-adams-9a80a4150/
Martin Afford
Martin Afford is Technical Manager for Emergency Lighting Products Ltd and Jordan Reflectors Ltd based in the United Kingdom. Both companies are part of the Jordan Reflektoren GmbH group which has its headquarters in Langenfeld, Germany.
Martin has worked in lighting for the past thirty years and has extensive knowledge of emergency lighting. He is chair of the Emergency Lighting Technical Committee and a member of the LIA Technical Board. He is also sits on the BSI Committees EL/1/1 Emergency Lighting and PH/8/1 Graphical Symbols - Safety Signs and is a member of the DALI Alliance and the Bluetooth special interest group.
Martin lives in Potters Bar and on most Sundays in the summer is found playing cricket for a local side who feel obliged to select him as he is the chairman of the club.
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:
- john.gorse@signify.com
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gorse-2680226/
Roger Heyworth
Experienced Application Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the lighting industry for nearly 35 years. Skilled in Lighting, Lighting Control, Solid State Lighting, Lighting Design, Architectural Lighting and horticultural lighting. Proud to be a member of the LIA Technical Board and Vice Chair of the Connected Lighting Technical Committee.
Ali Kay
Ali is a product designer and engineer with a passion for problem solving, technical topics and driving the sustainability agenda. On top of his day job as Development Director at Stoane Lighting, he is Vice Chair of the LIA Technical Committee Sustainability, and a member of LightingEurope Working Group Sustainability and a couple of its task forces. The motivation of his committee work and work at Stoane lighting has been to advance the use of metrics to quantify impact and circular performance of products, to push towards harmonised approaches and to use learning to make informed product design and process improvements.
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.
Peter Thorns
Peter has worked in Thorn Lighting and Zumtobel Group since 1985 where he has had a number of roles including electronics research and development, manufacturing, software development, photometry, optical design and lighting applications. He is the current Vice-President Standards for the CIE, chair of ISO/TC 274, and is involved in a large number of ISO, CEN and BSI committees. He is the chair of the LIA Building Regulations Technical Committee and of the LightingEurope working group on Value of Light. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of CIBSE and the SLL.
Ian Watts
Ian Watts is highly positive in line with his LIA membership. The exciting uplift to ICEL council and ICEL technical board enables his positive views due to Convenor process for CEN 169 WG3 uplifting EN 1838 Emergency light levels in Europe and aligned with EN 50172 Application standard. Ian is also the FIA member of BS 5266-1 in line with his father Chris Watts who is the Chair of this standard. Excitingly this standard is being revised and higher emergency light levels are now suitably applied in the revised meetings.
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.
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:
- aycad@thelia.org.uk
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayca-donaghy/
Stuart Burns
Stuart has over 27 years’ experience in the lighting and electro-technical industries, having worked in product quality, compliance, laboratory, standardisation and regulatory roles for many companies including the Lighting Association and the LIA. Stuart has exceptional, proven leadership skills within the quality, compliance and technical fields and has developed technical processes and documentation, including technical files, for a several large multinational organisations.
Stuart represents the LIA and its members on many UK (BSI), EU (CENELEC) and International (IEC) committees for lighting related subjects. He is Chair of the BSI Lamps and related equipment committee (CPL/34) which is a mirror committee for IEC TC34, and is Convenor of the IEC Working Groups for Luminaires, Emergency Lighting and Lightsources.
Stuart is also actively involved with the EU trade association for lighting, LightingEurope, and represents LIA on many LightingEurope committees including Group Emergency Lighting, Group Digital and Working Group Value of Light.
- Email:
- stuartb@thelia.org.uk
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-burns-29006b34/
Dan Griffiths
Dan Griffiths is a dedicated member of the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) in the role of Technical Operations Manager. He is bringing his expertise and enthusiasm for the lighting industry to the organisation. Committed to collaboration and progress, Dan actively participates in LIA initiatives that promote best practices, innovation, and the positive impact of lighting on people and the environment.
With over 14 years of lighting industry experience, Dan is a creative professional with a unique blend of product design and lighting design expertise. With a background in lighting controls and commissioning, he leverages his understanding of user experience, aesthetics, and technical knowledge to help members provide the best lighting solutions. Dan is passionate about optical design and photometry and looks to bring a greater focus to the industry on the importance of photometry.
Leveraging his in-depth knowledge of lighting technologies and applications to support the organisation's mission. He plays a key role in developing industry standards, educational resources, and advocacy efforts related to photometry, dark skies, smart lighting systems and sustainability. Dan's commitment to advancing the technical landscape of the lighting industry ensures that LIA members have access to the latest information and best practices.
- Email:
- dang@thelia.org.uk
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-griffiths1987/