Lavelle takes on the role having spent nine years as regional director for UK and Ireland. Effective 1 June, Lavelle will lead the team based in Munich and the UK, and will spend significant time visiting members and allied associations throughout Europe and the Middle East. Lavelle is tasked with overseeing continued market growth in the region and carrying out AVIXA’s ongoing mission to serve as an industry hub.
“It’s a real pleasure to be given this exciting opportunity, and I look forward to getting started in my new role,” Lavelle said. “There has been some fantastic work done by our team in Europe, and there is a strong desire and commitment from AVIXA to do even more to deliver our message, liaise closely with our existing members and further drive membership growth. I look forward to working with our talented team and using our shared experiences and knowledge to offer the AV community the best level of service we can, whether that be providing education, working with partners, increasing awareness or helping to raise industry standards.”
Current senior director of development Europe, Pam Taggart, will be moving into a global position with AVIXA as senior director of strategic relationships, based in the US.
AVIXA has also announced a number of team changes to reflect the association’s growth in Europe. With new roles being created and a new team structure, AVIXA’s activities in the region have increased to provide an enhanced offering to its growing European membership base. New recruits in Munich include Jennifer Leutgeb and a new European marketing manager. Leutgeb is replacing AVIXA education program manager Ally Fowler, who will step up to the role of director of international education following the retirement of Bill Thomas. A European marketing manager has been appointed and will be announced in due course.
Other developments include the promotion of Ben Barnard to regional manager, UK and Ireland. Sarah Carless will also move into a new role as member relations manager, with a new program coordinator to be appointed in her stead. In addition, Valeria Rapa has been made program coordinator in Italy on a permanent basis.
