It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing on November 26, 2024 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands of our esteemed colleague, Ad de Visser.
Ad was an integral part of the CIE community, dedicating over 30 years to the organization and leaving a lasting legacy. His contributions spanned several roles, including Director of Division 4 (2007-2014) and Vice President Standards for the 2015–2019 term. He also served as Convener of ISO/TC 274 from 2015 to 2021, where he led the development of the Partnership Standards Development Organization (PSDO) agreement —a landmark agreement signed in 2019 renewing the relationship between the CIE and ISO. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the Implementation Guide (IG) that governs the collaboration between CIE and ISO/TC 274, laying a strong foundation for future endeavours.
Throughout his career, Ad demonstrated unparalleled commitment to advancing the mission of CIE. He developed the CIE Standards Strategy and Policy and the CIE Policy on Liaison with External Organizations, guiding the organization’s direction and reinforcing its global presence. After his ‘retirement’ from the CIE Board of Administration in 2019, Ad remained a member of several task groups, where his painstaking analyses enabled the resolution of several longstanding issues. He was active on the Standing Panel for Policies and Procedures until his final illness.
Ad’s distinguished service was recognized with the prestigious de Boer Gold Pin Award for Distinguished Services to CIE Organization/Administration in 2019. At the time, he said that this award filled him with particular joy because Prof. de Boer had been among his early professors and mentors. Yet, his greatest achievements were the relationships he built and the inspiration he provided to colleagues across the world.
We are profoundly grateful for Ad’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to the CIE and to better lighting around the world. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to work with him.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.