d&b audiotechnik has appointed Amnon Harman as CEO, effective 7 July 2014. In this newly created position, Harman is responsible for the further development and implementation of the company strategy.

Together with colleagues in the management team, Harman will continue to drive the success of the Swabian company as well as identify and develop additional growth potential. The d&b management board now consists of three members: Harman, Markus Strohmeier, who is responsible for technology and operations, and Gerhard Mayr, who is responsible for global sales. Director of Finance, Kay Lange, continues as a member of the broader management team along with the Director of Marketing who will join the company in August.

The comprehensive strengthening of the management team will allow d&b to accelerate its internationalisation strategy, further enhance its position in the rental market and achieve sustainable growth of installation projects. Since ODEWALD and COBEPA invested in 2011, the company has doubled its production capacities, considerably expanded global sales and launched highly innovative products. In particular the V-Series loudspeakers and the D80 amplifier, coupled with the accelerated workflow provided by R1 and ArrayCalc, have placed the d&b product range in a unique position.

Prior to joining d&b, Harman was an independent consultant. From 2006 to 2012 he served as Chairman of the Management Board of AUGUSTA Technologie AG, an international technology company focused on niche markets for optical sensor technology and digital image processing. Previously, he was a member of the Management Board and COO at SUSE Linux AG, where he took over the position as Vice President and COO of the EMEA region after a sale to Novell Inc., a specialist for network and internet software products. Harman holds degrees in industrial engineering and aeronautical engineering from Munich University of Applied Sciences.

Explaining his appointment, Harman comments: “d&b audiotechnik has an admirable reputation in the market for professional sound reinforcement systems and is uniquely positioned to benefit from the growing requirements for cutting edge technology at concerts and large events. The product portfolio has been continuously expanded in recent years and combined with the founding of subsidiaries in Europe, the US and Japan has paved the way for the internationalisation of the company. I look forward to being a part of this development, supporting the growth strategy and contributing to the further success of the company.’

Joachim E. Thomas, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of d&b, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Amnon Harman as a proven specialist in the area of software, IT services and electronics. He has many years of international experience as General Manager and member of the Management Board of listed and privately held companies with a focus on technology. He has a successful track record to grow companies in their markets.’