Colin Beveridge, CEO of d&b Corporation since its inception in the mid 1990s has transferred his responsibilities for d&b audiotechnik in the Americas to the next generation as part of a planned retirement. Following the transition Beveridge will remain on board as Senior Strategic Advisor for the management team in the Americas and company headquarters in Backnang, Germany – a welcome sign of his continued commitment to d&b.
William Cornell has succeeded as Territory Manager for the Americas and President and CEO of d&b audiotechnik US Group, effective 10th July 2017. “I will support William in a direct role until February 2018 to ensure a smooth transition,” said Beveridge. “Like our audio systems, the essential character and performance of d&b will remain consistent. But it will be rejuvenated by the energy I know William will bring to his new role. What is important now is to concentrate on ensuring a smooth transition; then to focus on the future endeavours of d&b in my new role.”
Cornell, who has been with d&b for 13 years, was previously responsible for Sales and Technical Services in the USA. In his new role he will report to Chief Sales Officer, Stephan Greiner, based in Backnang, Germany.
Also effective from 10th July, Jan Scheffels has moved into the newly created post of Chief Operating Officer of d&b audiotechnik in the Americas. In his new role Scheffels takes responsibility for Customer Service, Finance/Controlling, Human Resources, IT, Legal and Buildings. He will be based in Asheville, North Carolina, reporting to Cornell and has already relocated from Germany to the USA.
“We would like to say a big thank you to Colin for his ground breaking work and many successes over the years,” says Group CEO Amnon Harman. “Under his responsibility d&b in North America has grown from an almost unknown German brand, to one of the leading providers of professional audio solutions in the Americas. This market now stands for 30% of the revenue of d&b worldwide. I am convinced that our powerful team across the Americas will further develop this growth market under the leadership of William and Jan.”
William Cornell joined d&b in Asheville in 2004 to build up the sales organisation and develop a long term growth strategy. In recent years, he has successfully built up the partner network and direct sales in the USA. With the company’s increased focus on growing installation and other markets – while sustaining its strong position in the field of live audio – the Americas is all set to leverage further from this strategy. “I am more than excited about the opportunities ahead of us,” said Cornell. “To know I will be working with our outstanding team in realising the huge potential of d&b in the Americas is the best situation that any incoming CEO could ever wish for.”
Before accepting the role of Chief Operating Officer Jan Scheffels was Head of Corporate Development at d&b, managing several strategic projects relating to sales, operational improvement, strategic partnerships and organisational development. Prior to joining the company in 2014, Jan held senior positions in two strategy and management consultancies in Germany, focussing on business performance improvement, strategy and organisational development, as well as mergers and acquisitions.
