Where are you from, and where do you currently reside?
I was born and raised in Belgium, and I still live here today. I’m based pretty much in the heart of the country, just slightly north of Brussels. It’s a great central location that keeps me well connected to both the local and international pro AV scene.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
With four kids, free time is a bit of a luxury! That said, over the past 15 years, I’ve poured a lot of energy into renovating an old farmhouse with adjacent land. It’s been a rewarding project – transforming it into a modern family home while preserving its original charm. One of the more interesting challenges was integrating the latest technology in a way that remains invisible, maintaining the authentic look and feel.
How did you get into the AV industry, and what was your journey to your current role?
That’s an interesting story. During my final year at the Belgian University of Leuven (1998), I had to complete a thesis project. Through a friend, I was introduced to a small but innovative company called Crestron. My thesis explored whether Crestron’s hardware and software could be used for full home automation – not just in residential settings, but also in larger office buildings for building management.
I was immediately fascinated by the power and potential of Crestron’s technology. Fast forward 26 years, and I’m still with the company. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow through a variety of roles – starting in technical support and training, then moving into pre-sales, and later into a sales role covering the Nordics. While I enjoyed sales, I missed the technical depth, which led me to transition into European product management.
Today, I’m proud to be part of Crestron’s global product management team, serving as senior director of product strategy. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m still as passionate about the technology and its possibilities as I was on day one.
What are your thoughts on the future of the industry? How is your company addressing potential challenges?
The AV industry is evolving rapidly, driven by the convergence of IT and AV, the rise of hybrid work, and increasing expectations for seamless, intelligent user experiences. We’re seeing a shift from traditional hardware-centric solutions to more software-defined, cloud-connected ecosystems. This opens up exciting opportunities – but also brings challenges around interoperability, security, and scalability.
At Crestron, we’re addressing these shifts head on. We’re investing heavily in cloud-based management platforms, native integration with collaboration tools, and scalable solutions that support everything from small huddle spaces to global enterprise deployments. We’re also focused on user-centric design – ensuring that our technology not only performs flawlessly but is intuitive and easy to use.
Ultimately, the future of AV is about creating connected, adaptive environments that empower people to communicate, collaborate, and control their spaces effortlessly. And we’re excited to be at the forefront of that transformation.
Any exciting news you’d like to share – upcoming projects, tech developments, or plans for 2025 and beyond?
While I can’t reveal too much just yet – our roadmap is packed with exciting innovations that we’re eager to bring to market soon—what I can say is that we’re continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AV and smart technology.
At Crestron, our purpose is clear: to enrich how we work, live, learn, and play. We’re committed to building great products that inspire our customers, empower our partners, and make our employees proud. Looking ahead, our focus remains on delivering consistently excellent workplace and smart home experiences across the globe.
Our corporate goals reflect this vision: to build an ecosystem of technologies that enhance lives and enable greater productivity for people and organisations. Whether it’s through seamless integration, intelligent automation, or scalable solutions, we’re working to create environments that truly delight our customers.
So while I can’t share specifics just yet, I can promise that what’s coming will be worth the wait.
What excites you most about working in AV every day?
What excites me most is the constant innovation and the tangible impact our work has on how people experience their environments. The AV industry sits at the intersection of technology, design, and human interaction – every day brings new challenges and opportunities to create smarter, more intuitive spaces.
Whether it’s enabling seamless collaboration in a global enterprise, enhancing learning in a modern classroom, or transforming a home into a connected living experience, the solutions we build truly enrich people’s lives. That sense of purpose, combined with the fast pace of technological advancement, keeps me energised and inspired.
And of course, being part of a team that’s shaping the future of smart spaces – while working with passionate, talented people around the world – makes it even more rewarding.
If you had to predict one major shift in the AV industry over the next decade, what would it be?
One major shift I foresee is the full convergence of AV and IT into a unified, intelligent infrastructure – driven by AI, cloud services, and data analytics. AV will no longer be a standalone system but an integral part of a broader digital ecosystem that adapts in real time to user needs, environmental conditions, and organisational goals.
We’re already seeing the early stages of this with smart meeting spaces, remote management platforms, and AI-enhanced collaboration tools. But over the next decade, I believe we’ll move toward truly adaptive environments – spaces that understand context, anticipate needs, and optimise themselves automatically.
This shift will also demand new skill sets, tighter integration with cybersecurity frameworks, and a more software-centric mindset across the industry. It’s a big transformation, but one that opens up incredible opportunities to redefine how people interact with technology in their daily lives.
What’s the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned during your career in AV?
One of the most valuable leadership lessons I’ve learned is the importance of listening with intent. In a fast-paced, technology-driven industry like AV, it’s easy to focus on solutions and innovation – but true leadership starts with understanding people: their needs, challenges, and aspirations. Taking the time to really listen builds trust, fosters collaboration, and often leads to better outcomes than any top-down directive.
Another key lesson is that passion is contagious. When you genuinely believe in your vision and show commitment to your goals, it inspires others to rally around that purpose. Passion fuels perseverance, especially when navigating change or tackling complex challenges. It creates momentum and motivates teams to go the extra mile – not because they have to, but because they want to be part of something meaningful.
Finally, embracing change and staying curious has been essential. The AV industry doesn’t stand still, and neither should we as leaders. Encouraging a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability – both in myself and in my teams – has been crucial to staying ahead and driving meaningful progress.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a successful career in pro AV?
First and foremost: stay curious and never stop learning. The pro AV industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, standards, and user expectations emerging all the time. Embrace that change – it’s what makes this field so dynamic and rewarding.
Second, build a strong foundation in both AV and IT. The lines between the two are increasingly blurred, and having a solid grasp of networking, software, and systems integration will set you apart and open up more opportunities.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of soft skills. Communication, collaboration, and empathy are just as important as technical expertise, especially when working with clients, partners, or cross-functional teams.
And perhaps most importantly: find your passion and believe in it. When you’re genuinely excited about what you do, that energy becomes infectious. It motivates others, helps you push through challenges, and keeps you focused on the bigger picture.
Finally, be patient and persistent. A successful career isn’t built overnight. Take every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute – and the rest will follow.
