We reveal a selection of key appointments and promotions across the AV industry from the first half of May.
Amptown System Company turns to Klöppel as new MD
Kai Klöppel (pictured) has become the sole managing director of Amptown System Company with Leif Witte leaving after seven years at the company.
It was revealed that Witte left ASC at his own request as opinions on the integrator’s future organisational and strategic orientation remain unclear.
“Situations may develop when there seems to be no chance any more for bringing together diverging views”, said Klöppel. “When this happens it is the right thing for the welfare of the company to decide which way to go. Together with the advisory board we amicably agreed with Leif Witte to terminate the management contract prematurely. We thank him for his commitment and for the expansion of the ASC business areas and wish him all the best for his professional and personal future.
“First and foremost my own responsibility in the company is that of ensuring leadership! Anyone with the ambition to lead should give orientation both by infusing the staff with the proper spirit and by setting a good example generally, but should also accept better arguments for the sake of the company’s benefit.
“My efforts in an initial stage will be concentrated on promoting co-operation, confidence, and the agreement on a common course. In a second step I intend to give ASC’s core competencies in the field of system integration more direction with a view to fine-tuning the growth of recent years and to increasing our options of responding flexibly to market demands.”
POLAR
Will Turney has been named business development manager of POLAR, joining the company from AMX where he was channel account manager.
POLAR director, Stuart Leader, who heads up the integrated solutions division, commented: “Will has a comprehensive understanding of AV technologies and their application, as well as a thorough knowledge of the UK marketplace. He was a standout performer in his previous role, recognised with numerous sales awards and we’re really pleased to have recruited a team member with the skills and personality that will help us continue to grow and move forward.”
“My main focus at POLAR will be to grow sales and revenues by maximising every opportunity,” said Turney. “Whilst I am confident that my career to date has equipped me with a strong set of skills and a high level of technical understanding, I remain aware that success depends on continued learning in an industry that never stands still. POLAR is held in high regard and I’m very much looking forward to bringing my energy to this exciting new challenge.”
APG
Rodolphe Portet has been named to the newly created position of sales engineer at APG for the southern region of France. Rodolphe will be responsible for promoting the APG brand in the south and Rhône-Alpes regions of France.
Grégory Dapsanse, APG’s marketing and business development director commented: “Rodolphe is the ideal profile and a perfect fit for our sales force: He brings deep knowledge in sound technologies and technics, which will prove critical to the development of the APG brand in France. He is also affable, trustworthy and honest, some key values that we advocate in our sales approach.”
“I am very proud to join a famous brand like APG, which despite its human-size, has been innovating for over 40 years and helped to show the way to modern audio in France,” said Rodolphe.
beyerdynamic
Larry Drago has joined beyerdynamic as it new marketing manager tasked with growing the brand and market share in the US.
Alan Feckanin, director of Americas, said: “Larry has a deep background in marketing and will help beyerdynamic raise its presence in the United States. His expertise and knowledge will drive our business to new heights. We are delighted to have Larry on our team and look forward to his many contributions.”
Drago commented: “I’m excited to be here at beyerdynamic and propel their business to the next level. Working for a company that has such a broad product line and established success are great indicators of a high performing organisation. I look forward to working with the beyerdynamic team to accomplish all our goals and grow the presence in the USA.”
EAW
Marilyn Fernandes has been added to the engineering project management team at Eastern Acoustic Works.
Fernandes brings more than 15 years of experience in both manufacturing and engineering environments where she established a strong track record in managing complex projects. In her new role, Fernandes will be responsible for the successful execution of products including planning, budgeting, oversight and documentation.
Prior to joining EAW, Fernandes was project manager for Dorel Juvenile where she led full cycle product development.
Fohhn Audio
Fohhn has announced a change to its supervisory board as Heinz Schwarz steps down after 16 years at the helm, to be succeeded by Richard Nestel (pictured right with Jörg Knoblauch to his left).
Schwarz‘s involvement with Fohhn Audio dates back to the company’s foundation in 1993: since that time, he has held various positions and played an influential role in the area of controlling and through the introduction of a new manufacturing strategy.
