Philippe Felten took the helm of Schréder in September 2024, and since then, he and his new management team have been driving change in this century-old company, which has always been at the cutting edge of the public lighting industry. Voted Entrepreneur of the Year 2024®, the Liège-based company, which operates in over 70 countries, is continuing to expand and pursue its commitment innovation and sustainability.
An electromechanical engineer with a degree in economic and business sciences, Philippe Felten was quick to move into roles related to strategy and business. After working at Schneider Electric, he joined BEA, where he worked to expand their international market over 14 years. Then, he joined the executive committee for British group Halma, before joining Schréder’s board of directors in 2017. He became chairman of the board in 2024, thus embodying values he has held for his whole career: “an international yet family-run business, strong Belgian roots, industry know-how combined with digitalisation, and a commitment to sustainability.”
Founded in Liège in 1907, Schréder is famous worldwide for their street and urban lighting. The company devises smart solutions to optimize energy consumption in cities. “Urban lighting should now be seen as a strategic tool in making cities more efficient. Thanks to smart sensors and AI, we integrate data into the light fixtures about traffic, sunlight, pollution and noise, while ensuring lighting performance in real time.” “We are becoming a trusted partner for cities.” Schréder continues to grow internationally, with acquisitions in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, as well as a joint venture in Saudi Arabia. Though 92% of their revenue comes from exports, their R&D department remains firmly based in Liège. “Our greatest innovations come from right here,” says Philippe Felten.
The award of Entrepreneur of the Year 2024® goes first and foremost to the various teams. “It was a wonderful surprise, a collective point of pride, a reward for what we’ve accomplished, and a definite plus in terms of recruitment. Our efforts in sustainable development have been recognised.” These values will continue to be at the heart of Schréder’s ambitions, driven by Philippe Felten’s enlightened vision, by shareholders and company management.
Philippe Felten’s vision
“In these times of geopolitical tension, and therefore lack of stability, we need to stay focused on the seamless implementation of our strategy. The key to our success lies in teamwork and in empowering our employees. Our world is changing, and Schréder must change with it.”
More about Philippe Felten
“Since taking up my post, I’ve been going out to meet our teams and our clients. They’re the ones who make the company successful. These long trips allow me to take a step back and think strategically. I like being based in Wallonia, and I love unwinding in the natural setting of the Fagnes region. I have a fascination for trains, fostered during my travels in Switzerland. I’m very much drawn to this modern, sustainable technology, and how it connects people.”
WAB Magazine