May 31, 2025
5 Things to Know: May 31
Former Signify CEO lands a Board role. Plus, a $4830 shortcut to disappointment.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1 . Rondolat Joins Company Board Weeks After Exiting Signify
After more than a decade at the helm of Philips Lighting and later Signify, some expected Eric Rondolat to pause, exhale and temporarily vanish into the calm of post-CEO life. But in less than a month since his April 25 departure from Signify, Rondolat is already back in the boardroom.
On May 20, Groupe SEB — best known for brands like Tefal and Krups — announced Rondolat’s appointment to its Board of Directors. The French manufacturer, which (like Signify) spans both consumer and professional markets globally, sees clear strategic alignment with Rondolat’s leadership experience in industrial innovation and operational scale.
In addition to his new directorship, Rondolat will serve on Groupe SEB’s Audit and Compliance, and Strategic and CSR Committees.
2. ams OSRAM Sues U.S. Firm Over LED Patents
ams OSRAM has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Nature Fresh Farms USA Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, asserting unauthorized use of its proprietary LED technology in certain horticulture lighting products, including the Agrolux Wega Plus. The suit centers on seven U.S. patents related to ams OSRAM’s hyper-red (660nm) LED architecture, which plays a key role in high-efficiency lighting solutions for controlled environment agriculture.
The Austria- and Germany-based company is pursuing comprehensive enforcement of its intellectual property rights, citing its significant investment in research and development. CEO Aldo Kamper emphasized that the legal action aims to preserve fair market conditions and protect customer trust. The company is evaluating further legal options and reaffirmed its commitment to active market monitoring and intellectual property protection.
3. Designers Rethink Office Architecture to Harness Natural Light
Architects are turning to innovative design strategies to address the persistent challenge of poorly lit office interiors, according to a recent Fast Company report. With many buildings hindered by limited window access or obstructed sun paths, firms like Boston-based CBT Architects are using passive techniques — such as reflective surfaces, curved walls, and facade adjustments — to guide and amplify natural light deeper into interior spaces. These methods aim to reduce energy consumption while improving occupant well-being and visual comfort.
Somewhere in Boston, architects are waging war on gloom https://t.co/pV1JaqGNuq
— Inside Lighting (@InsLighting) May 20, 2025
The report also highlights how subtle interior modifications can contribute meaningfully to these goals. Tyler Lombardi, associate principal at CBT, noted that even harsh shadows from furniture can impact lighting quality. On some projects, he and lighting designers have focused on details like smoothing or beveling shelving unit edges to create softer, less intrusive shadow lines — highlighting how incremental changes can support broader daylighting efforts.
4. Thinking of Starting a Solar Lighting Factory?
(Opinion commentary) For $4,830, India-based IMARC Group will sell you a “comprehensive” roadmap to launch a solar light manufacturing plant. Never mind that the promo image appears to be a low-effort AI rendering, and the press release includes a leftover reference to starting a paper plate factory — a clear sign the content may have been recycled without proper editing.
In fact, don’t mind that this same firm claims simultaneous expertise in Vietnamese bottled water, Saudi diapers, camel dairies and the Mexican food delivery market. That’s just synergy.
Reminder: real research comes with citations ... not recycled buzzwords, illogical A.I. images and a $4,830 paywall. https://t.co/ivE6ACKO8g
— Inside Lighting (@InsLighting) May 31, 2025
Some might wonder if the report even exists, given the vague marketing and recycled text. Reports like these could, conveniently, be written after enough people prepay. A possible speculative fiction project masquerading as market intelligence.
Lighting people should be deeply skeptical of any research report commanding several thousand dollars when the author is unknown, unverifiable, or unaligned with a credible think tank or trade organization. If a firm can’t demonstrate real research credentials, business legitimacy, and transparent alignment with your specific needs, walk away. In an industry where stakes are high, credible intelligence doesn’t come from PR-promoted marketplaces — it comes from trusted sources who know the difference between a lighting retrofit and a camel dairy.
5. ALA’s new President & CEO
The American Lighting Association (ALA) has appointed Jon Melchi as its new President and CEO, concluding a months-long executive search initiated after the retirement of former CEO Larry Lauck earlier this year. Laurie Gross, who served as interim CEO during the transition, will assist in onboarding Melchi in the coming months. Melchi most recently served as executive director of the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Central Ohio, a tax-exempt, incorporated trade association representing single- and multifamily housing builders, developers, and remodelers in the region.
According to the announcement, Melchi brings more than 20 years of experience in association leadership and public policy, including roles at national and regional trade organizations. The ALA Executive Search Committee, chaired by Bulbrite President Cathy Choi, sought a candidate with strong association management skills and a proven ability to guide organizations through industry change. Melchi officially begins his role on June 16 and will be introduced to ALA members during the June Lightovation event in Dallas.
