Major Players in the AV Industry: Bose, PPDS, USSI, and Others Announce Key Staff Changes
Pro AV Industry Experiences Strategic Growth and Personnel Changes
The Pro AV industry is undergoing a period of significant transformation, marked by strategic acquisitions, expansion, and selective personnel changes. Rather than widespread layoffs, the focus appears to be on growth and restructuring to support evolving product lines and market trends.
Key Appointments and Acquisitions
PPDS, a leading player in the Pro AV sector, has bolstered its North America leadership team with the appointments of Robert Luther as director of dvLED sales and support and Brandon Wilkinson as field application engineer. With over 50 years of combined expertise, these appointments are aimed at enhancing the company's dvLED offerings [1].
Similarly, Videosys Broadcast has appointed Ian O'Connor as general manager, bringing over 34 years of experience in the broadcast industry, and Stephen Ratcliff as sales director defense, responsible for the company's growing VB Antenna division [2].
Bose Professional has made several notable moves, appointing Adam Castillo as VP of global marketing and opening ten new offices and Experience Centers in cities around the world this year [4]. Lightware also welcomed Mike Ellsworth as the new director of live event and entertainment technology at Lightware Americas [10].
Company Expansion and Restructuring
AVPro Global Holdings, a major player in the Pro AV space, completed several acquisitions in 2023, including AudioControl and Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI). These moves indicate consolidation and growth, with the aim of expanding product offerings and improving integration and support for integrators [3].
22Miles, another company in the Pro AV market, appointed Mark Towler as Product Marketing Director in 2023 to drive market strategies and channel growth [5].
Industry Events and Recognition
The industry continued to focus on innovation and professional growth, with the 2023 CEDIA Expo and InfoComm events spotlighting new trends and awarding top solutions, further indicating an active, evolving sector with opportunities for professionals [5].
Absence of Large-Scale Layoffs
While broader tech and AI-powered companies were downsizing or replacing staff with AI in 2023, such trends were not specifically reported for the Pro AV industry during this time frame [1].
Industry Growth and Development
AIMS added KMH Integration as a new member, a full-service systems integration and technology solutions provider to the digital media, broadcast, and AV markets [6].
L-Acoustics has announced a strategic restructuring and significant expansion of its Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) sales team [7]. DPA Microphones has also made several key appointments, including Adinaldo "Adi" Neves as director of business development, wireless, Marcos Nieves as area sales manager, D.C. Metro, and Geoff Baynard as business development manager, wireless [8].
USSI Global's Leadership Change
USSI Global has promoted Anthony Morelli to president following a successful four-year run as COO [9]. Morelli joined USSI Global in 2020 and has a well-rounded background from his career rise up the ladder, leading to key VP and C-Level service and sales positions at Harris Corporation, Artel Video Systems, and Avid Technology.
In summary, as of April 2023, the Pro AV industry is experiencing notable personnel changes characterized by strategic acquisitions and selective growth rather than widespread layoffs. The focus is on integration, market expansion, and restructuring to support evolving product lines and trends. The industry continues to show signs of innovation and professional growth, with opportunities for professionals and continued investment in talent and resources.
References: [1] [Link to source 1] [2] [Link to source 2] [3] [Link to source 3] [4] [Link to source 4] [5] [Link to source 5] [6] [Link to source 6] [7] [Link to source 7] [8] [Link to source 8] [9] [Link to source 9] [10] [Link to source 10]
- The Pro AV industry's strategic growth is visible through acquisitions, like AVPro Global Holdings' purchase of AudioControl and RTI, aiming to expand product offerings and enhance integrator support.
- Digital signage companies, such as PPDS, have made key appointments to strengthen their dvLED offerings, with Robert Luther as director of dvLED sales and support and Brandon Wilkinson as field application engineer.
- The expansion of technology, as demonstrated by Bose Professional's ten new offices and Experience Centers worldwide and Lightware's appointment of Mike Ellsworth as director of live event and entertainment technology, reflects the industry's commitment to growth and market diversification.
- The finance sector is not excluded from this trend, as demonstrated by USSI Global's promotion of Anthony Morelli to President, signifying a continued investment in talent and resources within the Pro AV industry.
