Page 16 - Lighting Magazine January 2020

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HINKLEY REBRANDS, NAMES JIM DECKER TO EXECUTIVE POST
For nearly one century, the Hinkley name has been associated with lighting fixtures, but in a move to
keep pace with the Avon Lake, Ohio- based manufacturer’s product expansion over the past decade, the “Lighting” por- tion of its name will be dropped and the company will be rebranded as “Hinkley” starting in January.
The 2019 acquisition of Regency Ceiling Fans is the most recent example of how the manufacturer has evolved
its line from initial outdoor lanterns into fixtures for the entire home as well as hospitality applications. Prior to Regency Ceiling Fans, Hinkley had purchased California-based, high-end lighting
manufacturer Fredrick Ramond in 2007 and had adapted that well-known brand into the Hinkley product family.
“Our streamlined name is one of many things we are doing as part of our blue- print for growth. Product is at the heart of our brand vision, and the acquisition of Regency was our latest step in this evolution,” says Jess Wiedemer, Presi- dent of Hinkley. “We’ve been on a first name basis with our partners for a while, and this felt like a natural progression.”
Furthermore, the updated branding will allow more flexibility and creative freedom for new business opportunities that can deliver long-term sustainable value for Hinkley and its network of
“I see his appointment as another strategic step for Hinkley to accelerate our continued market share growth.”
—Jess Wiedemer
partnerships.
“By simplifying and modernizing our
name, we’re keeping our almost 100- year history intact but also creating
an exciting new energy to the brand,” Wiedemer comments. “We’re looking forward while still honoring our heritage, which is rooted in thoughtful design, a passion for growth, and a commitment to our customers.”
In addition, long-time Progress Light- ing veteran of 26 years Jim Decker has joined Hinkley as Executive VP/Sales & Marketing, where he will be focused on driving all Sales, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives.
“I am particularly pleased to welcome Jim to our leadership team in this important role. I see his appointment
as another strategic step for Hinkley
to accelerate our continued market share growth,” Wiedemer states. “Jim is an industry veteran with extensive experience in the Decorative & Com- mercial lighting industry across multiple channels and end markets, which will be critical as we build on our strategic growth plan.”
Decker has held various leadership roles at Progress Lighting (a division of Hubbell Inc.), most recently as VP/Gen- eral Manager of the Residential Lighting division, where he was responsible for the overall management of all the Hub- bell residential lighting brands across North America and China. A widely recognized and respected member
of the American Lighting Association (ALA), Decker has varied experience across multiple disciplines including product development, supply chain management, and operations. While at Hubbell, he held GM positions for both the Prescolite and Kurt Versen commer- cial lighting brands.
Jim Decker
12 enLIGHTenment Magazine | January 2020
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