April 3, 2024
Signify Appoints Interim CFO Amid Executive Changes
Željko Kosanović takes the helm as interim CFO, as Signify undergoes executive realignment
In the dynamic realm of corporate leadership, few events are as significant as the changing of the guard in the executive suite. For Signify the latest executive transition is following a methodical path. The departure of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Javier van Engelen, was announced in December an occurred days ago on April 1. Alongside Chief Commercial Officer Maria Letizia Mariani's expected exit at the end of May 2024, this marks a period of strategic executive realignment for the company.
These transitions were announced in December and coincide with Signify's proposal to re-appoint CEO Eric Rondolat for another 4-year term, a move anticipated to receive approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of Shareholders next month. Such executive exits often hint at the non-renewal of expiring contracts, a common practice in the corporate world that allows for seamless leadership transitions.
However, the search for a permanent successor to van Engelen has seemingly extended beyond the anticipated timeframe, leading Signify to appoint Željko Kosanović as the interim CFO, effective from April 1, 2024. Kosanović joined Signify in 2017 as the CFO of Signify’s Digital Solutions division and has been the group controller since 2021.
Source: LinkedIn
Eric Rondolat, CEO of Signify, expressed his confidence in Kosanović, noting his "comprehensive knowledge of Signify’s business and a proven track record in financial leadership positions."
Kosanović's career trajectory is notable, with a foundation built on significant roles at Schneider Electric across diverse geographies including China, Brazil, and Europe. His educational background, with credentials from Nottingham Trent University, Grenoble University, and an Executive MBA from the Kellogg-Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, complements his extensive experience in the field.
Arthur van der Poel, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Signify, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Kosanović's three-decade-long experience and expressing "full confidence in his leadership."
As Signify continues to identify a permanent CFO and as Mariani's tenure draws to a close, the Inside Lighting I-Team will stand by to bring you the next notable updates.
