July 2, 2025
Legrand Taps Rising Executives for Key Lighting Roles
Leadership shuffle spans multiple brands as seasoned executives exit and new talent steps in
In a cluster of announcements hitting this week, Legrand’s North American lighting group is enacting a series of leadership changes that swap out trusted veterans for a new generation across two brands and corporate strategy. Pinnacle Architectural Lighting, Kenall Manufacturing, and Legrand’s broader sales team will all see fresh faces step up as two well-known industry names head into retirement.
Kenall Announces New President
At Kenall, David Michals is handing off the president’s role after leading the Kenosha-based manufacturer for the past 2 ½ years. Michals, who first joined Kenall in the 1990s as a regional sales manager, will now lead Legrand North America’s Sales Strategy for its LBS sector — covering all six lighting brands plus Wattstopper.
Above: Jared Morello; Image credit: Jared Morello via LinkedIn
Taking over as Kenall president is Jared Morello, whose fast climb within Legrand has spanned operations, marketing, and sales. His career arc — from running manufacturing teams to shaping product roadmaps — gives off what might be described as a “40 under 40” vibe: a next-generation leader ready to steer an established brand known for durable, specialty lighting in tough environments.
Pinnacle: Jen Ruckel Succeeds Jim Young
Meanwhile, Jim Young, President of Pinnacle Architectural Lighting, is stepping down after 35 years in the lighting business. In his LinkedIn farewell, Young nods to the “Wild West days” of Wattstopper, a prior stop at Peerless Lighting and Acuity, and the past few years guiding Pinnacle under the Legrand umbrella. “I feel blessed to have fallen into this fun, quirky, and always interesting industry,” he wrote. “See you at the beach.”
Above: Jen Ruckel; Image Credit: Jen Ruckel via LinkedIn
Taking the President role at Pinnacle is Jennifer Ruckel, who joined the company last year as VP of Sales in what now appears to have been a thoughtful leadership transition. Ruckel brings deep architectural products experience, including more than a decade with 3form, where she most recently served in senior sales leadership. Pinnacle, founded in Denver 20 years ago, still maintains a presence there, though its manufacturing shifted to Kenall’s Wisconsin facilities a couple of years back — a behind-the-scenes sign of how Legrand’s brands increasingly share operational muscle.
Dellorto Caps Off Decades With Focal Point
Rounding out this week’s shuffle is John Dellorto’s retirement from his Legrand strategy post. Dellorto spent more than 20 years with Chicago-based Focal Point Lighting before moving into a wider strategic role with Legrand.
These transitions — all announced and taking effect this week — show how Legrand’s leadership bench is balancing continuity with fresh ambition. While the company’s North American lighting and controls brands — Kenall, Pinnacle, Focal Point, Finelite, OCL, and Wattstopper — share operational ties behind the scenes, each is known for running mostly autonomously to protect its niche and sharpen its own strategy.
The new generation now faces the task of honoring that independence while adapting to an industry that never quite stops evolving. And if Jim Young’s sign-off is any clue, there’s always time to toast it from the beach.
