Giles Sutton

Background

About Giles Sutton

I am a passionate, energetic and collaborative business leader and board director with 20+ years driving growth, revenue, and innovation across the smart building, technology and A/E/C industries—from PropTech startups to global mission-driven organizations. My background includes expanding audiences, diversifying revenue streams, and elevating organizational profiles through strategic program development, brand partnerships, and communications campaigns.As Interim co-CEO at CEDIA, I led the organization through transformative change during the pandemic, stabilizing a fragmented global team, while significantly boosting engagement and securing prominent coverage in media outlets including The Spruce, Wall Street Journal, Realtor, Forbes, Designers Today, Business of Home, and Cottages & Gardens. I negotiated strategic partnerships and licensing deals with industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies including Google, Amazon, Kohler, DISH, and America’s largest consortium of consumer goods retailers—creating sustainable growth opportunities.My expertise spans nonprofit and corporate environments (B2B/ B2B2C/ B2C), including serving as CEO of an award-winning European smart home integration company. As a recognized speaker, I’ve shared insights at major events, including CES, Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), International Builders Show (IBS), and AIA National Conference, and have appeared on the Today Show Australia (9 Network) and Peggy Smedley Show.Currently pursuing a Master’s in Legal Studies at UCLA School of Law, I leverage operational, strategic, legal, and creative skills to develop solutions that drive growth, align with organizational goals, and fuel sustainable success.I’m deeply committed to workforce development through initiatives like VOKAY, a foundation preparing emerging talent for careers in high-demand technical and skilled trades. My volunteering affiliations reflect this personal dedication: Board Director for TechShift Student Alliance, Technical Chair for SkillsUSA CA, Industry Council Member for LA Job Corps, and Continuing Education Instructor for ABC Southern California. Within the industry, I have served on councils and boards including Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), National Kitchens and Bathroom Association (NKBA), and Association for Smarter Homes and Building (ASHB).I’m always open to connecting with like-minded professionals and exploring new opportunities to drive impactful change. Let’s connect to foster innovation, workforce development, and sustainable growth!