25-year automotive and technology leader to guide product strategy, engineering scale-up, and global supply chain operations
HiViz Lighting has expanded its executive leadership team with the appointment of industry veteran Randy Karel as Chief Product & Technical Strategy Officer. The move strengthens HiViz’s position as a leading developer of connected lighting and control technologies for the emergency and specialty vehicle markets.
Randy brings more than 25 years of experience spanning Gentex, Johnson Controls, and leadership positions within the emergency vehicle lighting and control systems industry. His background combines deep technical understanding with hands-on experience in product strategy, operational scale-up, and global supply chain transformation. At HiViz, he will oversee product architecture and roadmap development, guide engineering and program management processes, and align technology strategy with manufacturing and commercialization goals across North Carolina, Wisconsin, and global partner facilities around the world.
“Randy brings both experience and perspective that strengthen our foundation,” said Sam Massa, founder and CEO of HiViz Lighting. “Our business has always been fueled by a firefighter’s determination and an entrepreneurial spirit, but growth also requires structure and seasoned leadership. Randy’s experience will help us strengthen the organization, add structure where it’s needed, and scale in a sustainable way.”
In his new role, Karel will work closely with HiViz’s engineering, product, and operations teams to implement scalable processes for new product development, strengthen supplier partnerships, and enhance vertical integration by leading a U.S. assembly and manufacturing initiative for some key products. Leveraging his experience, he will also play a key role in the cross-functional collaboration between embedded systems, optical design, and software development teams to accelerate next-generation product launches, including HiViz Connect and the company’s intelligent distributed software ecosystem.
Outside of work, Randy enjoys spending time with his wife, 3 children and 4 grandchildren and staying active through waterskiing, cycling, swimming and running. With his wife, Ellen, they lead a ministry that welcomes international students and young professionals from around the world into community life in West Michigan. Through hospitality, mentorship, and service, they create space for people of all backgrounds to connect, find belonging, and grow. Their approach, rooted in faith and lived out through action, reflects the same servant-leadership mindset that drives HiViz Lighting’s mission to build products, teams, and partnerships that make the world safer and more connected.
“For customers, suppliers, and partners, Randy’s addition reflects HiViz’s ongoing investment in the systems and leadership needed to meet the industry’s next wave of challenges—from connected vehicle integration to domestic manufacturing. The company remains focused on delivering reliable, intelligent, and purpose-built technology that supports those who serve.”
