Ruud Lighting Appoints Next Generation to President
New Products, International Growth and Change for the Ruud Family
Racine, Wis., November 18, 2009 - Ruud Lighting Incorporated, manufacturer of
LED and conventional lighting, today announced the promotion of Christopher Ruud, to
President, Ruud Lighting, Inc., a role that his father, Alan Ruud held since he founded the
company in 1982. In his new role as president, Christopher will oversee all U.S.-based
business units and operations. Alan will retain his role as chairman and CEO.
The move comes at a pivotal time as the company prepares for a transition from
traditional lighting to the new LED platform that is growing in demand. Christopher was
instrumental in building the infrastructure for the launch of BetaLED in 2007.
Christopher and Alan realized the potential for LED technology and were first to market
a complete line of BetaLED luminaires that are replacing incumbent technology.
"With Christopher running the day-to-day business and growing our LED
infrastructure, I can focus on our international expansion and new product development"
remarked Alan Ruud. "Christopher never relied on his status as an owner and had to earn
every promotion. I guess you could say all eyes were on him."
"My father built a business that has a strong foundation of quality products, talent
and reputation," said Christopher Ruud. "I intend to carry that tradition forward as we
move into new opportunities made possible by the industry transformation to LED
lighting. We're well positioned for this change."
Christopher began working at Ruud Lighting in 1986 holding positions of
increasing responsibility from sweeping floors to manufacturing assembly and eventually
moving into administrative roles. He worked for Ruud Lighting as a programmer while
attending college. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from
Pepperdine University, he worked as a network and telecommunications specialist at
EFTC Corporation in Greeley, Colo. He later went on to earn his Executive MBA at
Loyola University in Chicago, Ill.
Christopher returned to Ruud Lighting and in 1997 was promoted to manager of
continuous improvement followed by a promotion to vice president two years later,
adding human resources to his list of responsibilities. In 2004 Christopher was named
executive vice president and assumed responsibility for national accounts, sales and
marketing.
About Ruud Lighting, Inc.
Ruud Lighting, located in Racine, Wisconsin is a manufacturer and worldwide marketer
of industrial, commercial and residential lighting fixtures. Since 1982, divisions of Ruud
Lighting have developed, manufactured and sold a range of products through various
channels in locations throughout Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia,
Mexico, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
About BetaLED
BetaLED was established to dedicate resources to the emerging use of LED technology
for general illumination. BetaLED, a division of Ruud Lighting, provides the lighting
market with high-quality, specification-grade luminaires. Visit www.BetaLED.com to see
how BetaLED's in-market success delivers proven performance.
For Information:
Ruud Lighting / BetaLED
Contact: Greg Mueller
262-884-3266
greg_mueller@ruudlighting.com
