pureLiFi CEO Alistair Banham Announces Retirement After Pioneering a Decade of Innovation
Credit to pureLiFi
Alistair Banham, the visionary CEO
Alistair Banham, the visionary CEO who led pureLiFi from its early days as an Edinburgh-based start-up to a global leader in light-based wireless communication, has announced his retirement. After nearly a decade of transformative leadership, Banham will step down on September 30, 2025, passing the torch to Ron Schaeffer, a seasoned tech industry executive, who will assume the CEO role on October 1.
Since taking the reins in 2016, Banham’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning pureLiFi at the forefront of the LiFi technology revolution. Under his guidance, the company evolved from a university spin-out to a recognized global pioneer in light-based wireless communication, laying the groundwork for the future of wireless connectivity.
One of Banham’s notable achievements was the launch of the first integrated LiFi luminaire, which enabled practical, real-world applications of light-based data transmission in commercial environments. He also played a key role in the development of the LiFi-XC, the first certified LiFi system, and was crucial in introducing the world’s first LiFi-enabled phones and tablets. These milestones marked LiFi’s transition from a concept to a commercially viable technology for both consumer and industrial use.
Banham’s commitment to real-world impact led to groundbreaking deployments in various sectors, including schools, rural homes, and offices. Under his leadership, pureLiFi achieved the world’s first large-scale LiFi installation at the tactical edge for the US Army. The company was also the first to offer gigabit-speed LiFi systems for commercial use, setting new standards for speed, security, and reliability in wireless communication. Additionally, pureLiFi introduced the revolutionary “Light Antenna ONE,” a component designed to integrate into billions of connected devices, now under evaluation by leading global consumer electronics brands.
A defining moment in Banham’s tenure was the ratification of the IEEE 802.11bb global LiFi standard, ensuring seamless interoperability with WiFi and paving the way for widespread adoption. Recently, the company unveiled Bridge XC, a groundbreaking wireless power and data solution that delivers gigabit broadband through windows, eliminating the need for drilling or wiring and transforming connectivity in difficult-to-reach locations.
Reflecting on his career at pureLiFi, Banham shared:
"It has been an honour to work alongside such a dedicated team, turning an ambitious vision into reality. Together, we’ve set the global standard for LiFi innovation and demonstrated its power to transform connectivity and improve lives. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited to see how pureLiFi will continue to grow under Ron’s leadership."
Chairman Mike Hickey praised Banham’s impact, saying, "Alistair’s leadership has been fundamental in taking pureLiFi from an innovative start-up to a leading global technology company. His pursuit of excellence and focus on commercialisation has helped LiFi break into mainstream markets. We thank him for his exceptional service and look forward to supporting Ron Schaeffer as our new CEO."
Ron Schaeffer, who has served as pureLiFi’s Chief Strategy Officer, brings over 30 years of experience in global technology leadership. Having held senior positions at both multinational corporations and start-ups, Schaeffer’s expertise in scaling businesses, driving innovation, and forging strategic partnerships makes him the ideal leader to guide pureLiFi into its next phase of growth.
With Schaeffer taking over, pureLiFi is well-positioned to further accelerate the global adoption of LiFi technology, building on the strong foundation Banham leaves behind. As the company enters this new chapter, it remains committed to revolutionising wireless communication, continuing its journey from Scotland to the world stage.
