Alexia Gkika
Alexia is personally and professionally invested in putting sustainability objectives in the foreground of Buro Happold’s work, transcending from broad thinking to practical implementation and recording of workfows.
She has experience in working directly with end clients in providing consultancy services and design expertise to enable their sustainability and ESG targets. She is also engaged with leading manufacturers in providing the specifier’s view on sustainability evidence and R&D.
Ayca Donaghy
Ayça Donaghy is a dynamic and unconventional leader who is poised to make a significant impact on the lighting industry as the new CEO of the Lighting Industry Association. A proven leader with an impressive commercial background, she brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to learning and growth.
Ayça has an extensive background in sales, having previously held senior positions within the wider electro-technical industry for almost 15 years. She was drawn back to the lighting industry after a brief departure because of its potential for innovation and its impact on sustainability. Her recent completion of an Executive MBA at London Business School, combined with her experience in business and sales, has equipped her with a range of skills that she believes will be valuable in her new role, including strategic thinking, team management, and leadership.
In addition to her business experience, Ayça is a qualified primary school teacher and has a background in acting, leading to her strong communication and presentation skills. She is a creative, confident, and adaptable individual who is high in emotional intelligence.
Ayça has a proven track record of success in the electro-technical industry, having led several successful product launches and increased sales. She is known for her strategic thinking and her ability to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
As CEO of the Lighting Industry Association, Ayça is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry. She recognises that the industry has historically been male-dominated and wants to work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse industry. She plans to form a DEI committee to develop initiatives and programs that promote diversity and inclusion. Additionally, she is focused on sustainability and wants to promote sustainable lighting solutions and practices in the industry. She believes that the industry has a crucial role to play in the transition toward a more sustainable future.
Ayça is eager to learn and is committed to building strong relationships with industry leaders and stakeholders to add to her already solid and loyal network in the wider industry. Within her limited time in the role, she has already reached out to members, affiliates and partners of the association to gain a deeper understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities. She is also focused on further developing the dedicated team that can support her in driving the Association's mission forward.
Cy K Eaton
Mr. Eaton is a professional optimist, analyst, and enabler with over two decades of experience in lighting design, research, and technology applications. He holds degrees in Theater and Psychology from Whitman College and studied Lighting Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is the current chairman of IES Conference and serves on the LIRC policy and procedures committee. As the Global Development Director for Traxon e:cue, Cy collaborates with an international network of colleagues and partners to implement advanced technology and ambitious design on a wide array of large and complex projects. He also leads Traxon e:cue’s initiatives to establish new markets and improve lighting sustainability.
Jelena Lazarevic
Jelena, the illuminating force behind Foundry Light Design Studio in Dubai, brings over 9 years of invaluable experience working at leading International Lighting Design Firms in the Middle East and the United States.
Throughout her career, she has been noted as a highly creative and passionate lighting designer with an eye for aesthetics and details. She can see the larger picture, synchronizing design trends, technological knowledge, and experience to create high-end unique Landscape, Facade, and Interior Lighting Design.
Her artistic spark, combined with her mastery of Photoshop create exceptional, top-tier designs.
Jelena's credentials shine bright with a Master's Degree in Architectural Lighting Design from Hochschule Wismar, Germany.
Affiliate of The Lighting Institute and an active member dedicated to spreading the awareness and importance of the lighting design profession in the MENA region.
Malak Adel
Malak Adel Holds bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering and over 14 years of experience in the lighting industry
He’s also a Certified Dialux Evo trainer and part of the Dial GmbH worldwide trainer network.
he was involved in several international award-winning and iconic projects in the Middle East and Europe.
Malak's passion for lighting has been a constant driving force throughout his career.
He recognizes the profound impact lighting can have on any project, transforming spaces and environments.
Before joining Fagerhults Belysning as a Technical Sales Manager, Malak was a part of the Light Alliance Dubai team.
Currently, Malak manages Huda Lighting Group Central Support team, based in Cairo.
In addition to his managerial role, he also dedicates time to mentorship and knowledge-sharing as a Mentor-Lighting Specialist at the Lighting Institute,
further contributing to the development of professionals in the field.
Surbhi Jindal
Surbhi Jindal is the Founder & CEO of the multi-faceted lighting design practice -
“Da Light Hub” and luxury bespoke lighting brand “Da Light Hub Bespoke”, based out of Mumbai, India with presence in Europe and U.S.A.
She is a trained Architect and a Celebrity Designer working on the homes of who’s who of the Country with 15 years of qualitative experience in design application, project execution, environment sustainability, best design practices as well as training. Thought Leader for various hazards of Light pollution that are most overlooked and drastic form of climate change.
- Da Light Hub, established in the year 2018 turned into a global Award Winning consultancy (awarded by Times of India, KPMG & Lighting Magazine, London) in lighting design and bespoke lighting products, working on various National and International projects in areas like office spaces, hospitality, premiere residential and facade lighting spread across the globe.
- In her previous stints, Surbhi Jindal has worked with Philips Lighting India Ltd. as Lead — Lighting Design Applications Segment, International best practices like Studio Lumen and John Cullen on numerous National and International projects across India, Middle East, Srilanka, South Africa and the US, has designed many Celebrity Homes, hospitality projects, private office spaces and public buildings
- She is currently serving as Ambassador for Women in lighting in India (London based Project represented by 78 ambassadors in 78 Countries), with 71 members from India part of the project. She is an Associate Member at IALD — International Association of Lighting Designers
- She also serves as the Board of Governors of The Positive Thinkers Trust with eminent Government officials, Bureaucrats and Civil Services Officials
- Author of The International Best Seller - The Growth Hacking Book 2, Retail Lighting in the National Lighting Code by BIS, Government. of India 2019 and co- author of The Power of Stories by Women in lighting India
- Recipient of the Times of India She UnLTD Entrepreneur Award 2020 amongst 7000 participants
Recognised as 40Under40 by the Lighting Magazine, London in Year 2020 — Most prestigious Award in the Lighting Industry globally
- Recognised as top 24 Women to Watch in 2021 by America’s best Business Magazine, Entrepreneur India alongside eminent personalities from Business, Politics, Sports and Bollywood viz., Ekta Kapoor, Divya Gokulnath (Byjus), Devita Saraf, Ghazal Alagh, Vineeta Singh and many more renowned names from India
Paul Drosihn
Paul is a highly qualified and experienced management professional with more than 30 years’ experience in the electronics and LED lighting industries. He has held a number of senior roles at companies involved in high-tech electronics and Lighting. He is a Member of IEEE and AMBA, and a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management. As DALI Alliance General Manager, Paul is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day running of the organization.
Randy Reid
Randy Reid served as the President of the Illuminating Engineering Society from 2002 to 2003 and has held various leadership roles including RVP Director, Treasurer, and Senior Vice President. He was also part of the LIGHTFAIR Management Committee between 2001 and 2003 and was a member of the LIGHTFAIR Advisory Committee in 2006. In 2010, he chaired the IES Annaul Conference
Reid's term as Executive Director for the National Lighting Bureau ended in December 2023 after nearly five years.
Since 1999, Reid has been at the helm of EdisonReport, a lighting industry news site. He launched designing lighting (dl) magazine in 2020, focusing on lighting design business, and also publishes the international magazine, designing lighting global (dlg). Additionally, he hosts the daily podcast, “Today in Lighting,” and in 2024, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Nuckolls Fund.
Outside of his professional achievements in lighting, Reid is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee.
Siddharth Mathur
Siddharth Mathur is an Equity Director with extensive experience in Design Studio Management and Business Development. Proficient in overseeing overall design, project management, and ensuring projects adhere to budgets, schedules, and client needs. He exhibits a keen eye for monitoring progress and quality to achieve successful project completion. His role involves recommending adjustments related to scope, schedule, cost, or resources while aligning short-term demands with long-term implications. With a career spanning various high-profile projects across the UAE, India, South Africa, Qatar, and Mozambique, they held pivotal roles as a Design Director for prominent establishments like Madinat Jumeirah, One & Only The Palm, Fairmont Hotel, Oberoi Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Nakheel Mall, and numerous others. His extensive tenure showcases expertise in design direction and leadership, ensuring the successful execution of diverse projects, including ongoing responsibilities in notable developments such as Bharatiya City, Deira Mall, and Embassy One Four Seasons.