The American Lighting Assn. (ALA) announced this week that Tony Davidson of Kichler Lighting is the 2018 Lighting Hall of Fame inductee.
In recognition of his many contributions to the ALA and the lighting industry over the years, Davidson will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame during ALA’s Annual Conference in Asheville, NC, Sept. 24-26.
Eric Jacobson, CAE, President and Chief Executive Officer of ALA, said, “I am very pleased to see Tony Davidson inducted into the ALA Hall of Fame. He has always given back to the lighting industry and has been instrumental in ALA’s successes.”
Davidson’s many leadership roles in ALA have included serving on the Board of Governors, including as Chairman of the Board in 2012, as well as Chair of the ALA Political Action Committee. He also participated in various ALA committees, such as Membership Campaign, 2012 Conference, Education Foundation, Engineering Technical, Finance and Manufacturers Steering.
“During his roles as Chairman of ALA and of the ALA PAC, Tony helped lead ALA to significant growth," Jacobson said. “Ultimately, Tony is a true friend to the lighting industry and the industry is better because of him.”
Davidson announced his retirement from his position as Kichler’s President and Chief Executive Officer this August. During his time with Kichler, Davidson served an integral role in solidifying the lighting manufacturing company as an industry leader in innovative lighting and ceiling fans. Since joining Kichler in 1986 as Vice President of Sales, Davidson held several senior positions, including President of Kichler’s fixture division, before assuming the role of President and CEO in 2002.
Over the years, Davidson’s focus has been on building Kichler’s customer-centric culture, enhancing product leadership and driving operational performances to customers. He attributes his success in the lighting industry as being directly related to the support and leadership of others around him, including the dedicated and caring employees and sales representatives that give Kichler a competitive advantage.
Before joining Kichler, Davidson worked for Progress Lighting, starting as a junior salesperson in Chicago and eventually becoming National Sales Manager. He began his career hanging fixtures and taking distributors’ inventories. This experience was a valuable part of his early education in understanding the value of every employee that makes up a successful lighting showroom distributor.
In addition to Davidson’s ALA contributions, he has also served as both a member and Chair of the Dallas Lighting Market. Also active in his community, Davidson is a member of the Area Leadership Team of Christian Business Men’s Connection, and is on the board of his local church.
Davidson and his wife, Gail, live in Cleveland, OH, and have three sons: Ryan, Mark and Tim.
