Our regular round-up of industry innovators presents AV professionals from across the board. We profile a whole slew of company leaders: CEOs, co-founders and managing directors, as well as higher-ups in sales and R&D
David Griffiths
Job title VP global sales
Company Datapath Limited
How did you get into AV?
I consider myself lucky to have started my career over three decades ago as a technical support engineer with a projection systems manufacturer.
Progressing from technical support to project design, I eventually transitioned to the sales team.
What are you currently working on?
In my role as vice president of sales, my current primary focus revolves around developing effective go-to-market strategies and capitalising on the success of our latest solution, Aetria.
Aetria stands as Datapath’s comprehensive integrated solution that’s tailored for the seamless design, management and operation of control rooms that can vary in scale. I actively engage with partners and customers in the market, ensuring a hands-on approach to understanding and meeting their needs.
In essence, my role goes beyond traditional sales duties. It is a dynamic fusion of strategy, market immersion, customer advocacy and product evolution.
Every single day presents a new opportunity to not only drive revenue growth, but also empower customers with solutions that propel their control room environments into the future.
Favourite project?
It’s always a challenge to pinpoint just one project from my extensive experience, given the multitude of opportunities I have been fortunate to be a part of.
I could cite projects based on their sheer scale or revenue value, as these are often indicators of success.
Yet, there’s unique satisfaction from those control-room projects that stay somewhat hidden from the limelight, and will only occasionally surface for recognition.
In those moments, I can proudly gesture at the screen and say, ‘I was involved in that’.
However, my favourite type of project holds a different charm altogether.
It’s the kind where you immerse yourself deeply in the end user’s world, forging a connection that allows you to truly understand their preferences, dislikes and the exact specifications they desire in a system.
This intimate engagement provides invaluable insights into the core challenges faced by the end user.
By understanding these challenges first-hand, you’re not merely deliveringa solution – you’re crafting a tailored response that addresses their precise needs.
It’s in these projects that the essence of problem-solving shines brightest.
Every aspect, from the initial design phase to final implementation, is guided by a profound understanding of the end user’s perspective.
What exactly does the future hold for the AV industry?
The industry’s embrace of AV/IT integration is becoming increasingly pronounced with each passing day.
This convergence of audio-visual and information technologies is not just a trend; it’s a transformative force reshaping the market landscape.
As new technologies emerge, they inevitably disrupt the existing norms – pushing boundaries and presenting novel possibilities.
However, with innovation also comes challenges.
Each new technology, while promising advancements, brings along its own set of limitations and hurdles to overcome. This dynamic environment requires constant adaptation and ingenuity from industry players.
Amid this backdrop, the quest to deliver superior products and solutions persists.
Companies will be driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, spurred on by the demand for cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers.
This drive for improvement propels the industry forward, creating a ripple effect of innovation and opportunity. It is a thrilling time for professionals in the AV/IT space. The pace of advancement opens doors to all kinds of new possibilities and avenues for growth.
The expanding industry horizon offers a wealth of opportunities for those ready to seize them. From the development of smarter, more efficient systems to the creation of immersive user experiences, the potential for innovation truly knows no bounds.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
Embrace flexibility, as each day offers a chance to expand your knowledge.
In the AV industry, you’re part of a vibrant community where you’ll meet a diverse array of talented individuals.
There’s a wealth of learning opportunities from these industry experts, many of whom will continue to shape the AV landscape. You’re likely to cross paths with them again, in different roles and settings, throughout your career.
Paul Cales
Job title CEO
Company Naostage
How did you get into AV?
During my engineering studies, I delved into the world of live shows with Nathan Van De Hel and Olivier Le Doeuff, Naostage’s other co-founders.
Fuelled by our collective passion for music and festivals, we toured with technical service providers, fostering our dedication to professional AV for live events.
Organising France’s oldest student festival in Rennes, hosting 5000 festivalgoers over three nights, was our first foray into the professional AV scene.
What are you currently working on?
Behind Naostage lies our flagship project, K System, featuring patented beaconless automatic tracking and show control technology.
With K System, comprising Kapta sensors, a Kore server and the AI-powered Kratos software, we’ve embraced computer vision for its unparalleled market potential and scope for further innovation.
Favourite project?
One of my most memorable projects was collaborating with Puy du Fou, the renowned theme park, on the Le Mime et L’Étoile show.
This seriously ambitious endeavour fully leveraged K System’s capabilities in automating light, sound and video to create a truly immersive experience. It’s been an honour to have contributed to a project recognised with the Thea Award, the visual attractions industry’s highest accolade.
What exactly does the future hold for the AV industry?
The future of the AV industry will be characterised by increased interactivity and immersion, and a heightened focus on enhancing the human experience in live shows and events.
We’re seeing an exciting shift towards more interactive and immersive experiences, where audiences are not simply passive spectators: they become active participants in the narrative.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
I would also emphasise the importance of continuous learning.
The AV industry is dynamic, with technology evolving rapidly. Stay curious and proactive in seeking out opportunities for skill development and stay updated on emerging trends.
Embrace hands-on experience whenever possible, whether through internships, workshops or personal projects.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and push boundaries, as innovation often stems from exploring the unknown.
Lastly, cultivate strong communication and teamwork skills, as collaboration is essential in delivering successful AV projects.
Claudio Lastrucci
Job title R&D director and co-founder
Company Powersoft SpA
How did you get into AV?
Music has always been in my blood. I have been a piano player since my childhood and playing drums and saxophone for decades.
My love for personal, live and reproduced music motivated me to seek solutions that align with my passion and complement my interests in technology.
Teaming up with my brother Luca and my friend Antonio to build our company was an easy path, eventually making my passions and targets possible.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on many things at the same time: new systems related to the entire chain of audio.
These include power electronics, amplification, processing, control, electroacoustic, mechanics and physics.
Favourite project?
I prefer projects that span multiple disciplines, and luckily, what we do at Powersoft covers a wide range.
However, I also like to delve into specific project details and topics, where a strong focus might lead to a solution that makes a difference.
What exactly does the future hold for the AV industry?
Today, there are so many technologies developing quickly, and this will surely lead to more changes in enjoying audio and video.
Audio has much room for improvement; this is true not only at the component level, but also at the system level.
Room acoustic is still the elephant in the room, challenging to tame and capable of jeopardising the overall experience. Sooner or later, active acoustics will become a must.
Video, on the other hand, is the biggest player, whether we like it or not. We are going to need to find ways to embed acoustic sources into screens.
However, it is crucial to understand the different requirements of new generations before casually making broad changes.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
You need to love music, sound and entertainment in general. Like in any other business, do not take anything for granted, as the requirements and technologies constantly change.
Focus on what you like and do it best. Even if it does not necessarily make you rich, it will surely bring happiness to your life.
Udo KÜnzler
Job title Managing director
Company GLP German Light Products
How did you get into AV?
I started my career at Siemens, but my first proper industry job was working with my uncle, Hartmut Braun, whose company (B&K Showelectronic) supplied and installed AV equipment for clubs and discos.
Back in 1994, my uncle and I co-founded GLP – and the rest, as they say, is history!
What are you currently working on?
This year is GLP’s 30th-anniversary year, so we are currently planning our 30th birthday party, which will be held with industry colleagues, customers and friends over at our headquarters in Karlsbad in June.
We have just wrapped up the European trade show season for another year.
At ISE and Prolight and Sound, our new fixtures – in particular the JDC2 IP hybrid strobe and impression X5 IP Maxx – received an enthusiastic response from visitors, and we are struggling to meet demand for all our products, particularly the X5 range, after a very busy start to the year.
Favourite project?
Rammstein’s last global tour in 2016 is a project that immediately comes to mind.
Rammstein’s stage shows are legendary, and the band have a big influence over which lighting fixtures are chosen for their tours – they want to have only the best lighting and AV equipment to create the most spectacular live experience possible.
For their 2016 tour, Rammstein used hundreds of GLP fixtures, including our impression X4 Bars and GT-1 discharge lamp, which we had promised we would deliver them in plenty of time.
It was such a large order, I had to personally go down to R&D and help put the lamps together to make sure we could meet their deadline!
What exactly does the future hold for the AV industry?
I think we will see more concert experiences with virtual avatars, like the Abba Voyage shows, though I’m not so sure if that’s a good thing.
For me, live is live. I think it is down to lighting and AV companies like ours to continue to improve our products and help make real live shows better so we can compete with the new virtual reality experiences.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
Have fun! This industry is a lot of fun, so get out there, meet people and enjoy yourself. If you enjoy what you do, then it won’t really feel like work.
On the other hand, if you’re only concerned about making lots of money, go and do something else!
Jason Lu
Job title Founder and CEO
Company Cecoceco
How did you get into AV?
Back in 2006, fresh out of university, I ventured over to Shenzhen in the Guangdong province, south-eastern China.
This leading global technology hub is often dubbed the ‘Silicon Valley of China’ and is renowned for its entrepreneurial and innovative culture.
Armed with a degree in computer science, my parents hoped I’d land a stable job with a large corporation.
However, I had other plans – I wanted to blaze my own trail and start my own business.
While Shenzhen boasted a burgeoning hub of LED display suppliers and manufacturers, the market was still in its nascent stages, far from its explosive potential.
Despite the uncertainty, I sensed an opportunity waiting to be seized in this unexplored blue ocean, and so I embarked on my journey in the AV industry, ready to carve out my own path.
What are you currently working on?
For the past 17 years, my focus has remained steadfastly on LED displays, a passion that still burns brightly.
It all began with the founding of Roe Visual, a company that has since risen to become a leading brand in the industry.
Despite nearly two decades of progress, I believe there’s always room for innovation and advancement.
That is why, in 2021, I launched Cecoceco, aiming to extend the expertise and technology amassed over the years to new horizons.
With a vision to cater to diverse industries, we strive to offer visual products which inspire and captivate.
As the founder and CEO of Cecoceco, I’m deeply involved in all aspects of the business – from product development to design and marketing – working alongside my team to push boundaries and shape the future.
Favourite project?
Among the numerous projects we’ve undertaken, one that stands out is U2’s The Joshua Tree Tour in 2017 – a truly impressive endeavour that left an indelible mark on me.
This project was exceptionally intricate and demanding, requiring us to build a colossal 61x14m 8K LED video screen displaying the iconic Joshua Tree silhouette and other mesmerising visuals, all within a tight timeframe of just three months.
While many in the industry balked at the enormity of the task, daunted by the complexity of customisation and a pressing deadline, we embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
We not only accepted the project but also managed to deliver it on schedule. And when the finished product was unveiled, we were so thrilled that it garnered widespread acclaim within the industry.
In a touching moment of recognition, the video director of U2’s tour personally expressed his gratitude and praised our team’s exceptional skills and dedication.
He remarked that, in his decades-long tenure in the industry, we were the only company capable of fulfilling the delivery timeline, especially for such highly customised components.
This accolade filled me with immense pride and gratitude towards my team. The challenges we faced throughout the project – along with such an excellent outcome – made this particular project even more meaningful for me.
What exactly does the future hold for the AV industry?
Undoubtedly, the future of the AV industry is brimming with promise and intrigue.
I envision a dynamic landscape that’s characterised by the convergence of cutting-edge tech, new sustainability initiatives and an overriding emphasis on immersive, interactive experiences.
The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), alongside our commitment to eco-conscious LED solutions, has the potential to transform not only the entertainment industry, but industries as diverse as education, hospitality, architecture and even healthcare.
From my perspective, the evolution of AV transcends mere technological capabilities.
It’s about harnessing technology to elicit emotion and ignite curiosity.
In essence, the future of AV is an exciting unfolding story full of innovation, creativity and boundless possibilities.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
Entering the audio-visual realm is not just a career choice – it’s an invitation to an enriching journey marked by innovation, creativity and a tireless pursuit of perfection.
In this world, excellence is not simply a milestone; it is a relentless pursuit. It requires a truly deep understanding, desire for quality and passion for the craft.
My advice for anyone considering embarking on a career in AV technology would be to remember that you are not merely operating advanced equipment or managing big projects.
You are creating experiences that resonate deeply, inspire profoundly and touch the very core of your audience.
This feature was first published in the Summer 2024 issue of LIVE.
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