Where are you from, and where do you currently reside?
I was born and raised in the UK, and I now live in Kent close enough to London for business, but far enough out to enjoy some peace, space and woodlands for my kids to climb trees.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any favourite sports or hobbies?
I’m a competitive offshore sailor and a proud member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. I’ve even competed in the Rolex Fastnet Race. When I’m not out on the water, I enjoy the occasional round of golf (though I don’t play as often as I’d like), and I cycle regularly to stay fit (not as often as I probably should!)
How did you get into the AV industry, and what was your journey to your current role?
It all started with my father, who launched an AV integration business out of my bedroom, which I had to share with my brother! Watching the exciting projects his company delivered sparked my passion for technology. I began my own journey in AV installation, pulling cables and working on university and corporate sector projects.
From there, I moved into corporate account management and then into international business development. I’ve had the privilege of leading sales teams, negotiating distribution deals across continents, and presenting strategies to C-level executives. It’s been a journey built on learning, strong relationships, and a genuine love for the AV industry.
What are your thoughts on the future of the AV industry, what potential challenges or pinch points do you foresee and how is your company addressing them?
The industry is evolving rapidly, particularly with the integration of IT and networked audio solutions. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that end users and integrators stay educated as systems become increasingly software-defined. There are also ongoing pinch points around global supply chain consistency and pricing pressures caused by the current turbulent markets. At LEA, we are heavily investing in training, support, and partner enablement to keep our distributors and integrators engaged and equipped with available products. Our focus on integrated platforms positions us to navigate and lead through the industry’s transformation effectively.
What excites you most about working in AV every day?
No two days (or projects) are the same; one day it’s a corporate HQ, the next it’s a university or a high-end hospitality venue. The mix of technology, creativity, and global collaboration keeps things exciting. And there’s nothing quite like seeing a system you helped get specified or sold come to life on-site.
If you had to predict one major shift in the AV industry over the next decade, what would it be?
A major shift will be the move toward fully integrated AV-over-IP ecosystems that blend seamlessly with IT infrastructure and are managed remotely via the cloud. We’re already heading in that direction, but within ten years, I believe traditional hardware racks will largely give way to software-first platforms.
What’s the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned during your career in AV?
Lead by example; your team will reflect your energy and enthusiasm. Business can be stressful, but it should also involve fun and a sense of shared purpose. I’m fortunate now to be working alongside some of the top business minds in the AV industry, and I’m still learning and adapting every day. One lesson that’s really stuck with me: honesty in tough conversations earns far more respect than avoiding them. And when it comes to task management, let your team choose their responsibilities; it creates greater ownership and accountability than assigning tasks they might not be invested in.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a successful career in pro AV?
Have a genuine passion for AV. Enjoying the tech makes it far easier to learn and grow. Be curious, listen, ask questions, and say yes to challenges, whether it’s manning a trade show stand, tackling a complex install, or presenting to clients. This industry is tight-knit and global, so build relationships and understand both the tech and the people who drive it.
