LONDON (July 19, 2023) — Acertitude, the executive search firm unleashing human potential, has recruited Mark Körner as the new chief executive officer of SLV Lighting Group (SLV), a European leader in the lighting industry, developing innovative and future-proof solutions for indoor and outdoor use in both residential and commercial sectors. Backed by world-leading private investment house Ardian and headquartered in Düsseldorf, SLV ships professional luminary products from its five main brands – Nordtronic, Novalux, Unex Lighting, Knightsbridge and SLV – to over 100 countries worldwide.

As CEO, Körner will position SLV for future growth by driving market expansion within the core business. Körner is a progressive leader with international experience in Europe and Africa. With over 20 years of commercial and strategic management expertise in lighting, the industry authority has a track record both setting companies on a growth trajectory and leading organizations through transformation periods.

“Mark’s previous successes in transformative growth roles, coupled with his deep knowledge of industry experience, make him a top choice to lead SLV into their next phase of growth,” said Heiko Geissler, Managing Director at Ardian. “We are grateful to Michael and the Acertitude team for conducting a search that was fast, efficient, and straight-forward, delivering a powerful candidate who will truly help the business flourish. Six months later, we couldn’t be happier with the addition of Mark, who completes SLV’s management team.”

The CEO search was led by Michael Klingler, partner, who specializes in board and CEO work within the private equity sector and leads our DACH operations and global Healthcare & Life Sciences practice. Acertitude’s robust Board & CEO practice partners with leading sponsors globally to set portfolio companies on a secure path to exit, offering broad industry expertise across business services, consumer, healthcare & life sciences, industrial, technology, and professional services.

“Mark will, no doubt, position SLV for its next phase of growth,” said Klingler. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ardian and advising SLV as they continue to drive industry expansion.”

Prior to joining SLV, Körner acted as CEO of German lighting technology company SITECO. He has also held senior leadership roles at Trilux Group and Philips Lighting.

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