Cree LEDs - a bright difference

To Mike Watson, innovation only matters if it’s meaningful, and it requires equal parts ingenuity and action. His unique ability to balance technology development with consumer needs has been instrumental in driving Cree’s climbing position as the world’s fastest growing lighting company, and Most Innovative Company in Energy (Fast Company, 2015). Technology disruption is embedded in his DNA. Built on a foundation of engineering, strategic innovation and commercializing new technologies – as VP of product strategy at Cree, Mike blends relentless problem-solving with market-driven insight to advance customer experiences and drive Cree’s mission of 100 percent LED adoption.

Mike pioneered Cree’s disruptive entry into the consumer light bulb market, which has been pivotal in transforming LED technology from a novelty into a household name. Now he’s using brand marketing strategies to enable widespread demand for LED technology. In addition to his contributions to Cree, Mike is also a startup founder and patent holder for wireless.

Cree, Inc. has revolutionized the lighting industry by making high-quality, energy-efficient LED lighting more attractive and affordable than ever, driving the company’s mission for 100 percent LED adoption, proving that high-quality lighting doesn't have to come at a premium. Cree inspired the LED revolution and continue to create brilliantly affordable, radically simple, uncompromisingly efficient solutions. From reinventing the light bulb to commercializing the brightest lighting-class LEDs, Cree’s vision isn’t just to cultivate a thriving business – it’s to better the world. The growing multi-billion dollar start-up, named a 2014 MIT Technology Review “50 Smartest Company,” and one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies worldwide is revolutionizing energy efficiency and transforming the way we experience light.