Philips Lighting, a global leader in lighting products, systems, and services, underwent a significant rebranding in 2018. The company changed its name to Signify, marking a new chapter in its long and storied history. This rebranding was not merely a cosmetic change but a strategic move to reflect the company's evolution and its focus on innovation, sustainability, and the future of lighting.

The Origins of Philips Lighting

To understand the significance of this name change, it’s important to look back at the origins of Philips Lighting. The company traces its roots to 1891, when Gerard Philips and his father Frederik founded Philips & Co. in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing carbon-filament lamps, but it quickly expanded its product range and became a pioneer in the lighting industry.

Over the decades, Philips Lighting played a pivotal role in shaping the lighting industry. It introduced groundbreaking technologies, such as the first energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and LED lighting solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability earned it a reputation as a leader in the field.

The Decision to Rebrand

By the early 2010s, the lighting industry was undergoing a profound transformation. The advent of LED technology and the rise of smart lighting systems were reshaping the market. Traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting solutions were being phased out in favor of more energy-efficient and connected alternatives. Philips Lighting recognized the need to adapt to these changes and position itself as a forward-thinking company.

In 2016, Philips Lighting became an independent company after being spun off from Royal Philips, its parent company. This separation allowed Philips Lighting to focus exclusively on the lighting business and pursue its own strategic goals. However, the company’s leadership realized that the name "Philips Lighting" no longer fully represented its vision for the future.

The name "Philips" carried a strong legacy, but it also tied the company to its past. To emphasize its commitment to innovation and its role as a leader in connected lighting, the company decided to adopt a new name that would better reflect its identity and aspirations.

The Birth of Signify

On May 16, 2018, Philips Lighting officially announced its new name: Signify. The name was chosen to symbolize the company’s mission to “unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world.” The word “Signify” conveys the idea of meaning, communication, and transformation, aligning with the company’s focus on connected lighting and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The rebranding was accompanied by a new logo and visual identity. The logo features the word “Signify” in bold, modern typography, with a distinctive dot above the letter “i.” This dot represents a light source, symbolizing the company’s core business and its role in illuminating the world.

Why “Signify”?

The choice of the name “Signify” was not arbitrary. It was the result of a thorough process that involved extensive research and consultation. The company wanted a name that would resonate with its customers, employees, and stakeholders while reflecting its values and vision.

1. Connection and Communication: The name “Signify” emphasizes the idea of communication and connection, which are central to the company’s strategy. Signify’s connected lighting solutions enable people to interact with light in new ways, from smart home systems to urban lighting networks.

2. Transformation and Innovation: The name also conveys the transformative power of light. Signify is committed to using light to improve lives, enhance well-being, and create sustainable environments. This aligns with the company’s focus on innovation and its efforts to develop cutting-edge lighting technologies.

3. Global Appeal: “Signify” is a simple, memorable name that works across languages and cultures. This was an important consideration for a company with a global presence and a diverse customer base.

Signify’s Vision and Strategy

The rebranding to Signify was more than just a name change; it was a reflection of the company’s strategic priorities. Signify’s vision is to create a world where light is not just a source of illumination but a tool for communication, well-being, and sustainability.

1. Connected Lighting: Signify is a leader in connected lighting solutions, which use IoT technology to enable smart lighting systems. These systems can be controlled remotely, customized to individual preferences, and integrated with other smart devices. Connected lighting has applications in homes, offices, cities, and beyond.

2. Sustainability: Signify is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality and use 100% renewable electricity in its operations. It also focuses on developing energy-efficient lighting solutions that help customers reduce their energy consumption.

3. Human-Centric Lighting: Signify is a pioneer in human-centric lighting, which uses light to support people’s health, well-being, and productivity. By mimicking natural light patterns, human-centric lighting can improve sleep, mood, and cognitive performance.

4. Innovation: Innovation is at the heart of Signify’s strategy. The company invests heavily in research and development to create new lighting technologies and applications. Its innovations include Li-Fi (a wireless communication technology that uses light), horticultural lighting for agriculture, and UV-C lighting for disinfection.

The Impact of the Rebranding

The rebranding to Signify has had a positive impact on the company’s image and market position. It has helped Signify differentiate itself from competitors and establish a distinct identity in the lighting industry. The new name and branding have also reinforced the company’s reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking organization.

Signify’s customers have responded positively to the rebranding. The company’s focus on connected lighting and sustainability has resonated with businesses and consumers alike, driving demand for its products and services. Signify’s partnerships with cities, businesses, and governments have also expanded, as more organizations recognize the value of smart and sustainable lighting solutions.

Internally, the rebranding has energized Signify’s employees and strengthened the company’s culture. The new name and vision have provided a clear sense of direction and purpose, inspiring employees to contribute to the company’s success.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the rebranding has been largely successful, Signify faces challenges as it navigates a rapidly changing industry. The lighting market is highly competitive, with new players entering the field and technological advancements occurring at a rapid pace. Signify must continue to innovate and adapt to stay ahead of the curve.

At the same time, the rebranding has opened up new opportunities for Signify. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for smart and sustainable lighting solutions. Its expertise in connected lighting and IoT technology gives it a competitive edge in the market.

Conclusion

The rebranding of Philips Lighting to Signify marks a significant milestone in the company’s history. It reflects the company’s evolution from a traditional lighting manufacturer to a leader in connected lighting and sustainability. The name “Signify” captures the essence of the company’s mission and vision, emphasizing the transformative power of light.

As Signify continues to innovate and expand its reach, it remains committed to its core values of sustainability, innovation, and human-centric lighting. The rebranding has set the stage for a new era of growth and success, positioning Signify as a key player in the future of lighting. Whether in homes, offices, or cities, Signify’s lighting solutions are helping to create brighter lives and a better world.