The LIA Government and Public Affairs Committee (GPAC) advises and informs The LIA Policy team, both with the message The LIA wishes to get across, and the strategy and plan as to how that communication and outreach should happen.
Some of the topics that GPAC is currently working on are:
- Minimum Energy Performance Standards – the communication strategy.
- UK - European Union relationship – now 8 years since the Brexit vote, we need to take new choices whether to continue our pursuit of full regulatory alignment with the EU, or a nuanced, low friction compatibility.
- Gov. UK. – How to communicate with Government, whether via a reinvigorated All Party Parliamentary Lighting Group (APPLG), allegiance with other APPGs in the net zero, electrotechnical, building performance and manufacturing spaces or other routes.
- The LIA’s Lighting Manifesto – final approvals and communication strategy including pre and post elections plans.
- Better together – inputting and advising on our outreach and working with the multiple other organisations in the net zero, electrotechnical, building performance and manufacturing spaces.
- LightingEurope – Guiding our strategy with our trusted friends and colleagues in Brussels.
Meet the committee
Committee Chair:
Ayça Donaghy
Ayça Donaghy is a dynamic leader in the lighting industry, currently serving as the CEO of the Lighting Industry Association. With over 15 years of experience in the broader electro-technical sector, coupled with a recent Executive MBA from London Business School, Ayça combines strategic thinking, team management, and a dedication to sustainability, diversity, and innovation. Her diverse background in sales leadership, teaching, and acting contributes to her strong communication and presentation skills, making her an ideal spokesperson for the industry.
Since assuming her role nearly three years' ago, Ayça has spearheaded a series of groundbreaking initiatives, including university competitions aimed at bridging the skills gap and launching events and webinars to enhance awareness of critical issues like sustainability, compliance, and competence. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in advocating for comprehensive and enforceable regulations. Through direct engagement with industry stakeholders and the UK government, Ayça has played a crucial role in propelling the industry's mission and amplifying its voice on a national level.
Her impact and foresight have recently been acknowledged by her selection for the '40under40' competition in 2023 and 2024.
- Email:
- aycad@thelia.org.uk
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayca-donaghy/
Group Secretary:
Catherine Connolly
Andy Hughes
Andy Hughes started his career with Thorn Lighting Ltd. in 1978 and since 2010 has been Standards and Regulations Manager to the Zumtobel Group, the parent company of Thorn Lighting since 2000. In IEC, Andy has been a UK nominated expert to many of the committees and working groups of TC34 (Lighting) since 1990, alongside his work in the mirroring committees of BSI and CENELEC. From 2010 to 2019 Andy was the Chair of SC34D (Luminaires) and was Convenor of the SC34D Working Group LUMEX (WG1) from 2008 to 2024. Outside of IEC, Andy has been Chair of the Lighting Industry Association Technical Board since 2012 and also represents his company within the European trade association LightingEurope.
Stewart Langdown
Stewart Langdown is a seasoned professional in the lighting industry, renowned for his exceptional contributions and expertise in lighting control. With more than 30 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading figure in this field.
Stewart's journey in the industry began with a foundation in Electronics and Construction before venturing into the lighting industry. Stewart's career has been heavily focused on Business Development, where he has been instrumental in introducing innovative Lighting technologies to new markets. Additionally, Stewart has a great passion for sustainable lighting which is evident in his advocacy efforts, as he continuously works to raise awareness about the benefits of smart technology and the importance of selecting appropriate technology to enhance building longevity.
Stewart is a Fellow of CIBSE the Society of Light and Lighting FSLL, and active member of their committees as well as Chair of the Lighting Industry Association Marketing TC.
Neil McLean
Neil McLean leads industry and government relations for Europe and Asia at Lutron Electronics, working across electric as well as daylighting, solar-shading and building automation.
He holds senior roles across the lighting and building technologies sector, including with the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), LightingEurope, ELCOMA in India and the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), and also contributes to key European initiatives through his engagement with the EU Building Automation and Controls Association (EU.BAC) and the European Solar-Shading Organisation (ES-SO).
Neil is a strong advocate for moving beyond merely product-focused regulation towards system-level approaches that combine energy performance, lighting quality, and human wellbeing.