Jean-Paul Jacobs

Technology & Business Executive | Expert in Material Science, LED, Energy, and Sustainability | Transformative Global Roles in Philips, LUMILEDS & Schneider Electric | 25+ Publications & Patents

Germany

About

I'm a global innovation leader with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of technology, business, and sustainability. My career spans Royal Philips, LUMILEDS Automotive, and Schneider Electric—where I’ve led transformative initiatives across lighting, energy, and electronics on three continents. From driving the shift from cathode-ray tubes to LCD, to leading the global adoption of LED in homes, industry, and automotive, I’ve always worked at the forefront of breakthrough change. Today, I’m proud to contribute to Schneider Electric’s mission to decarbonize and electrify the future—recognized as the #1 most sustainable corporation globally. 🔧 Technical + Business Edge: I bring a solid engineering foundation and deep market insight—bridging R&D, product strategy, and innovation management. I’ve authored 25+ scientific papers, hold 15+ patents, and thrive on turning cutting-edge ideas into real-world impact. 🌍 Global Leadership: My journey has taken me through leadership roles in the Netherlands, Mexico, China, and Germany—shaping a cross-cultural perspective that fuels collaboration and results. 🏆 Recognized Impact: I’ve been honored with major global recognitions, including CES Sustainability Awards (2022), the prestigious L-Prize, and a TIME Magazine front cover for one of the year’s most innovative products. I believe in innovation with purpose—where technology improves lives and supports a sustainable future. Let’s connect if you share that passion.

Experience

  • Vice President Innovation, Materials Science Division at Budenheim
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

  • Angel Investor | AI breakthrough solutions at CloEE | Berkeley SKYDECK'24
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

    CloEE is an AI Digital Advisor for Continuous Improvement in Discrete Manufacturing Companies. CloEE.ai

  • Schneider Electric (8 yrs 1 mo)
    • Head of Incubation Innovation | Circular Economy & Recycling | Solid State SiC power electronics
      May 2024 - Oct 2025 · 1 yr 6 mos

      As VP and Head of Incubation Innovaiton and Partnerships. Defining leap-frog proposition and solutions for the H&D business of Schneider Electric in Europe with focus on New-Energy-Landscape electrification, new solution for home & building automation, end-to-end sustainable solutions for zero-waste products and solutions and their standards in an open partnership environment.

    • Vice President, Residential League Leader, H&D Europe
      Nov 2022 - May 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos

      As league leader I am responsible of the full life-cycle management and product development /marketing of the Schneider Electric market-leading portfolio of switches, sockets, breakers for the European Residential market with a revenue close to 1B Euro across the Schneider Electric, Merten, ELSO,ELKO brands across Europe. Strong innovation power with strong development centres in Grenoble,Cologne, Puenta La Reina and Zlin, we are shaping the portfolio of the future for ever more demanding customers in a changing society where we lead with sustainable products and solutions.

    • Vice President Marketing, Europe Hub | Sustainability and large volume production
      Jul 2021 - Nov 2022 · 1 yr 5 mos

  • General Manager Philips Automotive Accessories | Automotive solutions & processes at Lumileds
    Nov 2016 - Sep 2017 · 11 mos

    P&L responsibility over the Philips Car Accessories and LED module Development. Major customers in China and global ecommerce and Automotice retail LED modules with Toyota introduction.

  • Head of R&D Air & Water Purification | Expertise in Health Tech, Life Sciences at Philips
    Jul 2014 - Nov 2016 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Leading Air Purification brand in China and Germany. Health Tech area for consumers