# Helena Bian

> Helena Bian is the founder and CEO of Harlowe, formerly Hobolite, and leads AEC Lighting Solutions. Trained in mechanical and electronic engineering, she combines manufacturing experience with longstanding interests in art and photography to develop portable lighting for creators. Her public work also includes writing about leadership and participating in video production.

- **Role:** Founder & CEO at Harlowe; Chairman & CEO at AEC Lighting Solutions
- **Organizations:** Harlowe (formerly Hobolite), AEC Lighting Solutions, SellSide Group
- **Education:** Mechanical & Electronic Engineering, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), University of Rennes
- **Known for:** Founded the creator-lighting brand now known as Harlowe., Led the combination of engineering, manufacturing and artistic design behind Hobolite/Harlowe products., Discussed Red Dot and 2022 iF Design recognition for the company’s design work in her Professional Photo interview.

## Career timeline

- **2008** — Joined AEC, according to her June 2025 reflection on 17 years with the company.
- **2018** — Began preparations for the creator-lighting brand, according to her July 2026 account.
- **2019** — Hobolite light design work was underway, according to her Professional Photo interview.
- **2022** — Launched the creator-lighting brand originally called Hobolite.
- **2024** — Hobolite announced its change of name to Harlowe on September 25.
- **2025** — Wrote publicly about hands-on directing, camera work and editing for her content channels.
- **2026** — Demonstrated the Omni 360 2W at CP+ in Yokohama and discussed her career on CineD Focus Check episode 108.

## Achievements

- Founded the creator-lighting brand now known as Harlowe.
- Led the combination of engineering, manufacturing and artistic design behind Hobolite/Harlowe products.
- Discussed Red Dot and 2022 iF Design recognition for the company’s design work in her Professional Photo interview.
- Named Managing Director on SellSide Group’s public team profile.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — Published the thinking behind Harlowe Life and stated a planned September 2026 market introduction; this source does not confirm that the launch subsequently happened.
- **2026-03** — Appeared on CineD Focus Check episode 108, published March 19, to discuss her background, design philosophy and running an international business.
- **2026-03** — Presented Harlowe’s Omni 360 2W in a CP+ interview published March 3.

## Links

- Website: https://www.harlowe.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-helena-bian-80116498

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/helena-bian
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-20