March 11, 2026

5 Big Questions: As Tempelman, Signify CEO

As Tempelman shares insights on Signify’s global strategy, the U.S. market and his long-term vision for the company

At Light + Building 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany, As Tempelman, CEO of Signify, reflected on his first several months leading the world’s largest lighting company after arriving from the energy sector.

Tempelman discusses the ongoing transformation of the lighting industry, the shift from a traditional product-driven business toward more complex project-based solutions, and the operational challenges of managing Signify’s vast global manufacturing and supply chain network. He also explains how the company is evaluating its portfolio, refining its go-to-market strategies in North America, and balancing the growth of connected lighting systems with continued demand for more traditional lighting products.

Hear it straight from As Tempelman, CEO of Signify:

After more than six months leading Signify, what initial impressions has Tempelman formed about the lighting industry? (0:41)
Which assumptions about the lighting business has Tempelman had to reconsider since taking the role? (1:23)
With Signify operating a complex global network of factories, joint ventures, and outsourced partners, how does Tempelman approach optimizing manufacturing and supply chain models across different global regions? (2:18)
When reviewing Signify’s global portfolio for divestiture or harvesting, how does Tempelman evaluate the business priorities for the future of Signify? (3:10)
Given Signify’s multiple professional go-to-market channels in North America — including Cooper Lighting and Genlyte Solutions — how does Tempelman assess the effectiveness of the company’s current strategy in the U.S. and Canada? (4:32)

BONUS QUESTIONS:

As the industry continues moving toward digitization and connected lighting systems, how does Tempelman see the balance evolving between advanced connected solutions and more traditional or economical lighting products within Signify’s portfolio? (5:33)
Conventional lighting sources such as fluorescent, HID and specialty lamps remain a declining but profitable segment for Signify. What factors will ultimately determine when it makes sense for the company to exit that business? (6:40)
Looking years ahead, what is Tempelman’s long-term vision for Signify and where does he ultimately want to take the company? (8:10)

Learn More: Signify »

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