Zachary S. Gibler, Lighting Science Group company chairman and chief executive officer died Jan. 3, following serious injuries sustained from a fall while riding his bicycle on Jan. 2. Gibler was an influential voice in the LED lighting world and the guiding force in building the company and its management team.
Richard Weinberg, a member of the company’s board of directors and a co-managing director at Pegasus Capital Advisors, will assume the duties of chairman of the board of directors and have direct day-to-day involvement in the company. Weinberg has been instrumental in directing the management of Lighting Science Group since Pegasus Capital assumed majority control of the company in 2007. Additionally, Donald Harkleroad, president of The Bristol Company, and Charles Darnell, former vice chairman of Acuity Brands, have been named vice chairmen of the board of directors. Weinberg, Harkleroad, and Darnell will comprise a new “Office of the Chairman” that will assume CEO responsibilities on an interim basis.
“Zach was a truly unique person who helped build an extraordinary company. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” said Weinberg in a press statement. “One of his greatest strengths was his aptitude for building a deep and effective management team, one of the best in the lighting industry. I am confident that Lighting Science Group’s strong growth and industry-leading performance will continue as a result of Zach’s dedication to the company’s success. I firmly believe in our team and know they will continue to build upon Zach’s legacy.”
In honor of Gibler’s contributions to the lighting industry, the Zach Gibler Foundation has been established to fund lighting education. For details go to: lsgc.com.
