Profile: Matthew Trowbridge
real-time video streaming technology after winning a competition organised by UK Trade and Investment that sought to find and help promote the best of British technology companies. The system, called AXAR1500, which streams HD video content from a Blu-ray player, PVR or HD set top box to AXAR enabled TVs or Wi-Fi connected PCs and mobile phones, received considerable attention from a number of interested companies, from operators like Sky and Virgin to set top and TV manufacturers. AXAR1500 combines proprietary techniques with open technology standards for video-encoding, video packet transfer and wireless broadcast; H.264, RTSP/RTP and 802.11n. “It’s an exciting time for the business,” said Trowbridge, “but the last thing that a CEO wants, or needs, is to have to worry about the company’s finances and the relationship with the shareholders. That, as chairman, should be my role. I run the board and the CEO runs the company. “Wireless televisions are going to be one of the big themes in consumer electronics over the coming few years and people will want to have more televisions around the house but without an endless number of boxes and wires.” I ask him how he sees the relationship between the chairman and the CEO. “It’s important that the CEO has someone to talk too. I know how important it is to have people
around, to have someone that you can bounce ideas off. It can be a lonely experience being a CEO especially when, as with a company like ProVision, the next phase of the company‘s development is critical and when you, as CEO, can‘t openly discuss the range of options with either investors or your own colleagues. I think people in that position appreciate some straight talking and shared suggestions and ideas.
“I and by extension MGT Support work closely and confidentially with the CEO to generate options for change and growth. “You need to be able to talk through ideas. If you involve the broader team then that can sometimes cause problems - ‘you’re supposed to know, you’re supposed to tell us’ is often the response”. I ask him what he saw in the company when he first spoke to ProVision.
“While I saw a company with limited resources I did see a company with a great product and some excellent ideas which when combined with its obvious enthusiasm and energy was well placed to achieve success. They have extensive knowledge and good connections. “There’s a great opportunity for the company out there. We’re on a sound financial footing and we have some real momentum and it’s up to the management team, myself included, to take this company forward.” ■
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Components in Electronics July/August 2010 15
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