d&b audiotechnik is expanding its research and development department and has
appointed a new member to its management team.

With effect from 1 August, Jan Biermann takes over from Frank Bothe as head of
research and development. Bothe will now focus on the company’s medium to long
term technology roadmap in his role as chief technology officer. As leader of the
research and development team, Biermann will be responsible for implementing
product development projects, reporting to d&b managing director Markus Strohmeier.

“I am delighted to welcome Jan aboard,’ says Strohmeier. “We searched extensively
for someone who could further strengthen our already incredibly talented Research
and Development team as we look to create the technologies that will shape the
future. The role that Frank’s knowledge and vision have played in d&b’s development
to this point is immeasurable, and we are thrilled to find in Jan the experience and
expertise to build on that work.’

After graduating in physics, Bothe joined d&b in 1990 and has been steering the
company’s technical direction ever since. At that time d&b co-workers numbered just
over 20; today the team has grown to almost 450. With 50 co-workers in the research
and development team alone the department covers a growing range of disciplines
from acoustics and loudspeaker design to an increasing focus on electronic hardware
and software engineering.

“This technology diversification will promote d&b’s continued success as it evolutes
from a loudspeaker systems manufacturer to an audio technology solutions provider,’
says Bothe. “My priority now is to intensify our research into new fields and identify
key technology trends. With Jan, we will be fully equipped to meet every challenge
and opportunity that we face in an audio industry that is becoming more and more
digital. We’re in uncharted territory, and Jan’s leadership will inject a new momentum
to take our expertise to the next level.’

Before joining d&b Biermann held positions as director of research and development
in the semiconductor industry, at NewLogic Technologies in Austria, and in the Bosch
Automotive Electronics Business Unit in Germany, where he was responsible for 170
coworkers in Germany, India, and the Philippines. He holds degrees in Electrical
Engineering from the Technical University of Darmstadt, and in Business
Administration. “It’s already clear to me that the driving force at d&b is curiosity and a
passion for sound,’ says Biermann. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to
design and deliver the audio technology solutions that will shape shared experiences
in the future.’