Royal Philips has announced the appointment of Rob Fletcher as general manager of Philips Lighting ANZ, effective immediately.

“With 30 years in the region with Philips, Rob has a strong track record of results and brings an incredible amount of experience to the Philips Lighting business in ANZ,” Philips Electronics ANZ managing director Alan McCarthys says.

“Rob has been critical to Philips’ success in markets where innovation is paramount, such as in Japan, Taiwan and Indonesia, so I am delighted he has agreed to join our team as this market starts to truly embrace energy efficient LED lighting technologies.”

In the role, Rob will focus on the continued growth of Philips LED in Australia and New Zealand. In particular, the introduction of connected lighting technologies such as the recently launched Philips hue LED wireless lighting system and expansion of the Philips Dynalite lighting controls business.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead the Philips Lighting ANZ business at what I believe is the tipping point for energy efficient and connected lighting technologies in this market,” Rob says.

“My sole focus is to ensure Philips LED continues to set the standard in lighting solutions for the Australian and New Zealand home, business and infrastructure sectors.”

An Australian national, Fletcher graduated from Curtin University of Technology in Perth before joining Philips in Japan, 1983. Over a 30-year career with Philips, Fletcher has held a number of senior management roles across the APAC region, including Asia Pacific VP Marketing & Sales at Philips Semiconductor -Taipei, GM Lighting Japan at Philips Japan and GM Domestic Appliances and Personal Care at Philips Taiwan. Most recently, Fletcher was Philips’ country manager for Indonesia, based in Jakarta.

Reporting to Philips Electronics ANZ managing director Alan McCarthy, Fletcher is responsible for Philips Lighting business in Australia and New Zealand, which includes responsibility for the Dynalite lighting controls business acquired by Philips in 2009.

Fletcher succeeds Michael Downie who decided to leave Philips recently to pursue interests outside of the company.