Shaping the future: Alison Quinn takes the helm at Glamox UK

Alison Quinn is the new Country Manager of Glamox UK. A Chartered Engineer with leadership experience across technical and commercial roles, she blends engineering rigour with a people-first approach. In a sector where female leadership remains rare, Alison is a strong advocate for inclusion, mental wellbeing and sustainability — values she sees as essential to performance.

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What drew you to join Glamox at this particular moment, and why are you the right leader?
It felt like the right moment to shape what comes next. With nearly 30 years in lighting, I bring the experience to lead a talented team delivering projects with the expertise our clients expect, while helping drive Glamox’s ambitions in the UK.

You’re a Mechanical Engineer with a strong technical background. How has your engineering career shaped the way you lead?
Engineering teaches you to think logically and solve problems properly so they don’t return. I also believe in listening to those with the right expertise, gathering the facts, and moving forward with clarity.

You are currently one of the very few – and likely the only female Country Manager in the UK lighting sector. What does that mean to you personally and professionally?
I’m proud, but it shouldn’t be rare. I’ve been fortunate to work with strong female leaders who bring different perspectives. While I’ve experienced negative comments, I make a point of calling them out.

Do you feel the industry is changing fast enough when it comes to representation?
Progress is being made, but it’s slower than it should be. Real change happens when inclusion is embedded in culture and succession planning, not treated as a side initiative.

You’ve spoken about the importance of mental health, inclusion and sustainability. How do those priorities translate into day-to-day leadership?
Mental health means being realistic about workloads and encouraging honest conversations. Inclusion is about ensuring different perspectives are heard. Sustainability requires accountability in both operations and products.

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Is there something about team sport that influences your leadership style?
Team sport teaches you that no one wins alone. Trust, shared goals and continuous improvement matter, as does resilience – learning from setbacks as much as successes.

As a senior leader, a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a working parent, do you feel a sense of responsibility to be visible?
Yes, but authentically. If being open helps others feel comfortable being themselves at work, that’s positive. Diversity brings valuable perspectives, and I feel well supported at Glamox.

Finally, what do you hope people will say about Glamox UK in three years’ time under your leadership?
Internally, that it was a period of growth and support. Externally, that we strengthened our position as a trusted partner. The right culture drives performance.

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