Tech Board
The LIA Tech Board is a dynamic team of industry experts and visionary leaders dedicated to steering the strategic direction of The LIA technical approach. By leveraging their diverse expertise the board aims to enhance The LIA technical impact in the UK, drive technological advancements, and deliver value to members and key stakeholders.
The Tech Board Chair
Neil McLean
Neil McLean is responsible for Industry Relations in Europe and Asia for Lutron Electronics where he supports regulatory development relevant to lighting controls and automated solar-shading systems. Neil graduated from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh in 1994 with an honours degree in Environmental Services Engineering and has since occupied a number of senior UK and international roles in the Lighting industry including with Philips Lighting, Sylvania and Recolight before moving to Lutron. Neil is an active contributor and chair at various groups in lighting and shades trade and professional associations including Lighting Europe, The Lighting Industry Association, The European Solar-Shading Organisation, The British Blind and Shutter Association and CIBSE.
Tech Board Members
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:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayca-donaghy/
Caroline Johnson
Caroline is an enthusiastic technical manager with 35 years of experience within the lighting industry. She has led laboratory, compliance and quality teams and has been emersed in lighting legislation and regulatory practices. She brings a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise. Committed to -and enthused about- the development of the industry and an increased diversity within the field.
Dan Griffiths
Dan Griffiths is a dedicated member of the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) in the role of Technical Operations Manager. He is bringing his expertise and enthusiasm for the lighting industry to the organisation. Committed to collaboration and progress, Dan actively participates in LIA initiatives that promote best practices, innovation, and the positive impact of lighting on people and the environment.
With over 14 years of lighting industry experience, Dan is a creative professional with a unique blend of product design and lighting design expertise. With a background in lighting controls and commissioning, he leverages his understanding of user experience, aesthetics, and technical knowledge to help members provide the best lighting solutions. Dan is passionate about optical design and photometry and looks to bring a greater focus to the industry on the importance of photometry.
Leveraging his in-depth knowledge of lighting technologies and applications to support the organisation's mission. He plays a key role in developing industry standards, educational resources, and advocacy efforts related to photometry, dark skies, smart lighting systems and sustainability. Dan's commitment to advancing the technical landscape of the lighting industry ensures that LIA members have access to the latest information and best practices.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-griffiths1987/
Jack Adams
Jack Adams, the Laboratory Manager at LIA Laboratory, boasts a decade of experience with the team. He attended the University in Sheffield, earning a degree in Electronic Engineering, and is also a qualified electrician, providing a solid background in installation. Jack’s tenure at the LIA has been defined by his dedication to advancing laboratory standards and ensuring top-quality testing & services, contributing to the lab’s status as one of only four NCBs in the UK. Beyond work, Jack enjoys watching movies, spending time with his wife, and caring for their fluffy cats.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-adams-9a80a4150/
Martin Afford
Martin Afford is Technical Manager for Emergency Lighting Products Ltd and Jordan Reflectors Ltd based in the United Kingdom. Both companies are part of the Jordan Reflektoren GmbH group which has its headquarters in Langenfeld, Germany.
Martin has worked in lighting for the past thirty years and has extensive knowledge of emergency lighting. He is chair of the Emergency Lighting Technical Committee and a member of the LIA Technical Board. He is also sits on the BSI Committees EL/1/1 Emergency Lighting and PH/8/1 Graphical Symbols - Safety Signs and is a member of the DALI Alliance and the Bluetooth special interest group.
Martin lives in Potters Bar and on most Sundays in the summer is found playing cricket for a local side who feel obliged to select him as he is the chairman of the club.
Peter Thorns
Peter has worked in Thorn Lighting and Zumtobel Group since 1985 where he has had a number of roles including electronics research and development, manufacturing, software development, photometry, optical design and lighting applications. He is the current Vice-President Standards for the CIE, chair of ISO/TC 274, and is involved in a large number of ISO, CEN and BSI committees. He is the chair of the LIA Building Regulations Technical Committee and of the LightingEurope working group on Value of Light. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of CIBSE and the SLL.
Roger Heyworth
Experienced Application Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the lighting industry for nearly 35 years. Skilled in Lighting, Lighting Control, Solid State Lighting, Lighting Design, Architectural Lighting and horticultural lighting. Proud to be a member of the LIA Technical Board and Vice Chair of the Connected Lighting Technical Committee.
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.
Stuart Burns
Stuart has over 27 years’ experience in the lighting and electro-technical industries, having worked in product quality, compliance, laboratory, standardisation and regulatory roles for many companies including the Lighting Association and The LIA. Stuart has exceptional, proven leadership skills within the quality, compliance and technical fields and has developed technical processes and documentation, including technical files, for a several large multinational organisations.
Stuart represents The LIA and its members on many UK (BSI), EU (CENELEC) and International (IEC) committees for lighting related subjects. He is Chair of the BSI Lamps and related equipment committee (CPL/34) which is a mirror committee for IEC TC34, and is Convenor of the IEC Working Groups for Luminaires, Emergency Lighting and Lightsources.
Stuart is also actively involved with the EU trade association for lighting, LightingEurope, and represents LIA on many LightingEurope committees including Group Emergency Lighting, Group Digital and Working Group Value of Light.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-burns-29006b34/