CEDIA has announced that global president and chief executive Daryl Friedman plans to retire in 2027, marking the end of a leadership period that reshaped the organisation’s workforce development, advocacy and industry engagement strategies.

Daryl, who joined CEDIA in 2021, informed the Board of his retirement plans following several years of strategic expansion across the smart home and integrated technology sector.

During his tenure, CEDIA introduced a range of initiatives focused on strengthening the long-term health of the industry, including the launch of CEDIA NextGen and the CEDIA Foundation to support workforce development and talent pathways.

Daryl also oversaw a significant expansion of CEDIA’s public policy and advocacy work, establishing the association’s modern advocacy framework in Washington, D.C., and launching its first Capitol Hill Day initiative.

Additional changes during his leadership included the global expansion of Smart Home Day, the introduction of CEDIA’s first new membership tier since the organisation’s founding and efforts to stabilise the association’s long-term financial position.

“Daryl’s impact on CEDIA has been transformative. He stepped into this role at an important time for our association and immediately embraced both the industry and the people in it,” CEDIA Board chairperson Amanda Wildman says.

“Daryl leads with energy, curiosity and a genuine passion for serving our members, and that has helped shape a stronger, more connected CEDIA. On a personal level, I’m incredibly grateful for his friendship. He will always be part of the CEDIA family.”

Daryl says his focus over the coming year will be ensuring a smooth leadership transition and supporting the onboarding of his successor: “It’s been the honour of my professional life to lead this association through a period of significant transformation.”

“With a strong Board led by integrator Amanda Wildman and team of committed professionals that has earned the Great Place to Work certification for the past two years, I can pass the baton with confidence. My focus into next year will be to ensure a smooth hand-off and set up the next chief executive for success.”

The CEDIA Board of Directors is expected to discuss a formal transition plan during its scheduled board meeting in June. Daryl will remain involved through the onboarding process to help ensure continuity across existing programs and services.