PEOPLEWATCH


Beyerdynamic has announced that, with effect from the beginning of this month, its Admin- istrative Board has named Dutchman Edgar van Velzen (51) as the company’s new man- aging director. Together with Wolfgang Luck- hardt (57), long-standing managing director, he is now at the helm of the Heilbronn-based audio specialist. Most recently, van Velzen was CEO of Teufel GmbH in Berlin. “We value the extensive experience that Edgar van Velzen brings to the company and are delighted to have acquired such an accomplished audio industry executive – and someone who knows exactly how to handle the challenges of the digital age,’ remarks Professor Wolf Michael Nietzer, Chairman of the Administrative Board of beyerdynamic GmbH & Co. KG.


“He is an expert in developing global distribution strategies and understands the importance of a strong brand. He is able to harness his knowledge in order to drive the company forward on the international stage with innovative product ideas and advance the business as a whole by means of strategically smart optimisations across the board. We look forward to a successful working relationship with Edgar van Velzen at beyerdynamic.” Edgar van Velzen began his career in 1990 as a product manager at Sony Netherlands, moving to Sony Germany in the very same year. In 1996, he became Head of Marketing and Sales in the Mobile Electronics division of Sony Europe before taking on the role of VP Marketing/Sales at Harman Becker Auto- motive Systems in 2004. Most recently, he played a key role in shaping the success of Teufel GmbH as the company’s CEO.


Yamaha has announced the development of a dedicated UC department. Leveraging the expertise of Revolabs, a subsidiary of Yamaha that will be part of the new department, Yamaha will focus on solutions that enhance communication and continue to develop products that help organizations reach their business goals. “Yamaha has more than 10 years of experience within the UC industry from working with our en- terprise customers in Japan,” said Hirofumi (Hogan) Osawa, executive officer, senior general manager of audio business division and general manager of UC Department, Yamaha. “Our latest organizational change and solutions developments are natural steps toward cultivating those relationships worldwide. With music and sound technol- ogy as one of our core strengths and an in- vestment in significant resources across the company, we’re well-positioned to expand our presence in this global market segment with our current and future product suite.”


Edgar van Velzen (51) beyerdynamic’s new managing director (left, and Wolfgang Luckhardt (57), the company’s long-standing managing director: “Together, we will p ensure sustainable and profit- able growth at the company on the basis of many new and innovative products.”


“I am highly motivated when it comes to driving forward the strategic development of the company. The great thing about beyer- dynamic is that the company is a one-stop shop, with both product development and production under one roof. This is right up my street, as I am a product guy through and through and appreciate high-quality products. I love to work together on new product ideas and pushing forward innovations. I continu- ously challenge myself to get the very best


CEDIA has announced management changes. The governing body of the


association is its board of direc- tors, volunteers elected by the membership. Chair Dennis Erskine has announced various personnel changes arising from the sale of the CEDIA show which has prompted the organisation to redouble its efforts to focus on educa- tion and workforce development. Dr. Rebecca Homkes, a strategy expert and fellow with the


London School of Economics, is advising the


out of a product, with the customer and their needs always coming first. I am full of admi- ration for what the workforce and managing director Wolfgang Luckhardt have achieved in the past few years. Teamwork is a top priority for me, as I believe that this is the key to success. I firmly believe that our partnership


Association. Tabatha O’Connor, an association expert with over 15 years’ experience with CEDIA, most recently as COO, has taken over the duties as act- ing President/ CEO


Chair Dennis Erskine


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8