Susan Hakkarainen
About Susan Hakkarainen
Susan Hakkarainen is the Chairman and CEO of Lutron Electronics and the Chief Creative Officer at Ivalo Lighting. She has a distinguished career in the lighting industry and holds multiple patents in lighting control and automation.
Chairman and CEO of Lutron Electronics
Susan Hakkarainen currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of Lutron Electronics, based in Coopersburg, PA. In this role, she oversees the company's strategic direction and operations. Hakkarainen has a robust history with Lutron, having held various leadership positions since joining the company.
Career at Lutron Electronics
Before becoming CEO, Susan Hakkarainen was Co-Chairman and Co-CEO at Lutron Electronics from 2015 to 2020. She also served as the Chief Marketing Officer and General Manager of the Commercial Business Unit from 2013 to 2015. Earlier roles include General Manager of the Commercial Systems Group from 1998 to 2000 and Vice President of International Marketing from 1996 to 1998.
Role at Ivalo Lighting - A Lutron Company
Susan Hakkarainen currently fulfills the role of Chief Creative Officer at Ivalo Lighting, a subsidiary of Lutron. Previously, she was the President of Ivalo Lighting from 2000 to 2007, where she guided the company's creative and strategic initiatives.
Education and Qualifications
Susan Hakkarainen holds a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, completed between 1984 and 1989. She also earned both a Bachelor's (BS) and a Master's (MENG) degree in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, completed in 1982 and 1983, respectively.
Patents and Industry Contributions
Susan Hakkarainen holds multiple patents in lighting control and automation. She played a pivotal role in developing and launching Lutron's Quantum Total Light Management System. Additionally, she regularly contributes to leading industry journals and participates in panels and conferences on smart lighting and energy efficiency.
STEM Education and Community Involvement
Actively involved in promoting STEM education, Susan Hakkarainen engages in various initiatives and partnerships that encourage young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She also serves as a board member for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
Expansion of International Market Presence
Susan Hakkarainen led the expansion of Lutron’s international market, significantly increasing the company’s global footprint. Her efforts have strengthened Lutron's presence in international markets and contributed to its growth abroad.