Richard Barna, Chairman of RAB Lighting, has announced his retirement. The Board of directors has appointed the current CEO, Ross Barna to succeed Richard in a dual role as CEO and Chairman. This transition is the successful culmination of a multi-year succession plan.
Richard will continue as a member of the RAB Board with the title of Director and Chairman Emeritus. Richard served as CEO of RAB Lighting from 1977 until 2010 and successfully passed leadership responsibility on to Ross — the 4th generation of RAB’s family ownership.
“Over the last four decades it has been my privilege to help build RAB from a small factory in the Bronx to a nationally recognized brand,” said Richard. “I deeply value the contributions of our employees, and our relationships with customers, reps and suppliers. I believe that our sustained focus on making it easy to do business has been a key source of value and growth for RAB.”
Richard led RAB’s long history of innovation in the lighting industry including the introduction of the first motion-activated lighting control sensor, early advances in LED lighting and a revolution in lighting packaging and merchandising. Richard was the recipient of the NEMRA “Manufacturer of the Year” award and RAB has garnered over 50 “Supplier of the Year” and marketing excellence awards.
“RAB has demonstrated that a customer-focused business strategy, when combined with product innovation, quality and great execution, can result in an outstanding organization that serves its stakeholders with integrity and delivers significant value”, Richard continued. “Over the last 9 years as CEO, Ross has stayed true to the values that have made RAB unique and led exceptional growth.”
Luca Zerbini, Director, said “Richard is a true entrepreneur who has achieved success by relentless pursuit of building value for others. His vision for RAB has shown great durability over time and is an excellent platform for growth.”
Hayley Barna, Director, said “Richard built and led a highly regarded business over several decades, and has now set RAB up for continued success with this succession process. In the Chairman role, Ross’s skills as a leader, innovator, and strategist will continue to drive RAB forward for years to come.”
Philippe Glessinger, Director, said “I want to recognize Richard’s achievement in laying the foundations for growth and entrusting the next generation to lead. It is a rare company that is able to sustain successful succession planning across 4 generations.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead as CEO and now Chairman of RAB,” said Ross Barna “I appreciate the confidence that Richard and the Board of Directors have in me and I am excited about the opportunity to guide RAB into a successful future.”