Gareth Frankland Intro

Filix appoints Gareth Frankland to the Board to drive growth in the UK & Internationally.

Filix are delighted to announce that Gareth Frankland, former CEO of LED architectural lighting specialist acdc, has joined Filix from the beginning of the year, as Managing Director UK and a member of the Global Filix Board.

From Early LEDs to Industry Leadership: Gareth Frankland’s Journey in Lighting

With over 25 years in the lighting industry, Gareth Frankland has seen it all—from the early days of LEDs to the evolving role of lighting designers. Now, as UK Sales Director and Global Board Member at Filix, he brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of architectural and exterior lighting. In this interview, Gareth shares his journey, the biggest shifts in the industry, and what he has learned along the way.

A Career Shaped by Light

Gareth’s journey in lighting began in 1996 when he joined ACDC straight out of university. “I pretty much fell in love with lighting instantly,” he recalls. “It had everything—engineering, technology, architecture, creativity, and amazing people who were willing to push boundaries.”

One of the major milestones in his career was being part of the early adoption of LED technology. “In the early 2000s, we were showing lighting designers LED products that were so dim, we had to ask them to turn off the lights just to see them properly,” he laughs. “But we could see the potential.”

That potential turned into reality. By 2008, Gareth was involved in projects that replaced traditional lighting with LEDs, pushing for innovation in heat management and performance. Over time, he built expertise in how different markets and designers approach lighting. “It’s not just about technology,” he explains. “It’s about trust. Designers need flexibility, reliability, and strong support behind the products they specify.”

How the Industry Has Changed

Reflecting on the last 25 years, Gareth highlights the biggest shifts in lighting. “When I started, lighting design wasn’t even a recognized profession in many places. Now, for any major project, a lighting designer is a must.”

Technology has also advanced dramatically. LEDs are brighter, more efficient, and better designed than ever before. “In the past, lighting was about changing lamps when they failed. Now, it’s about long-term performance, efficiency, and innovation in controls and connectivity.”

For Gareth, the most exciting part of lighting today isn’t just the technology—it’s the way the industry has grown into a dynamic and essential part of architectural design. And with Filix, he sees the opportunity to keep pushing those boundaries.

Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn – just click the link below.

Gareth Frankland