Corporate Counsel, Lutron Electronics
London. New York. Washington, D.C. Lehigh Valley… Krishan Thakker, corporate counsel for Lutron Electronics, has lived in some of the largest, most cosmopolitan cities in the world. He has found that a lifestyle made possible in Lehigh Valley suits him just fine.
“We bought a house in historic downtown Bethlehem that was built in the 18th century,” Krishan said. “Bethlehem has the best of both worlds. It’s similar to neighborhoods of London, New York, or Washington, where we lived previously. It’s definitely a place where we could see ourselves raising a family and growing older.”
Krishan grew up in London and pursued a law degree between King’s College London and Columbia University in New York. After graduation, he stayed in the U.S. and worked at domestic and international law firms in New York and Washington in a variety of areas of the law, including government investigations, cross-border disputes, corporate defense work, and patent litigation.
He found a career path based on his interest in business law and was approached by Lutron for its corporate counsel position. Lutron, founded and headquartered in Lehigh Valley, manufactures lighting, lighting controls, and electrical components, with a supply chain that spans the globe.
The diversity and variety of legal work involved in a fast-paced technology company like Lutron interested Krishan but required moving to a place that he had driven through only once or twice before.
He and his wife like the East Coast setting, midway between his family in the U.K. and his wife’s family in California. He also has come to enjoy the nuances of Bethlehem, with quiet areas, a busy downtown, and the nation’s largest free music festival, Musikfest, every summer.
“We’ve had a lot of friends visit, not knowing about Lehigh Valley. Now they’ve put it on the map, Instagramming about it, sharing it on social media. That’s led to other friends being interested in coming to visit. We love to host, and show friends around the area,” Krishan said.
When not introducing friends to Lehigh Valley, Krishan and his wife enjoy attending the region’s many festivals, hiking the D&L Trail or at the nearby Delaware Water Gap, walking their Siberian husky, Rex, or taking day trips to Philadelphia or New York City.
His work at Lutron has introduced Krishan to people from all over the world, who add their cultural perspectives and viewpoints to the family-owned company. It’s the kind of company, he noted, where you know your colleagues by name, and where you can join employee-run groups such as the Soccer Club, Chess Club (which Krishan co-founded), and Cricket Club.
For people coming to Lehigh Valley, Krishan’s advice is to get involved in as many activities as possible, to influence and promote change.
“It’s a very open community,” he said. “Don’t be shy. There are all sorts of people of different age groups and other demographics here. You just have to go out and find them.”
Live like a local
Favorite café: The Joint
Favorite brunch spots: Billy’s Diner and the Flying Egg
Favorite outdoor activities: Walking the dog in the Poconos and hiking on Lehigh Valley’s numerous trails
Favorite recreational activities: Salsa and Latin dancing at Lehigh Valley Salsa Academy, and roller skating at Bethlehem Skateaway