After counting the votes, Cedia revealed the new EMEA Board of Directors at its recent AGM and Tech Forum that took place on Wednesday 25 November at The British Library in London.
Out of the impressive selection of nominees, Cedia members voted for their fellow peers whom they believed will make a significant contribution to the future of the industry. The new Board will represent the organisation and serve all members, helping to promote the smart home industry.
The new Board has representation drawn from across the EMEA countries including the UK, India, Italy and South Africa. New members appointed to the Board include Melanie Malcolm from Bespoke Home Cinemas (HTP), Rob Sutherland of Inspired Dwellings (HTP), Sawan Nichani from MacBee (HTP) and Philip Turner of Philharmonic Audio Visual (HTP).
Re-elected to the 2016 Board are Hamish Neale from Barco Residential EMEA (TS), Laura Lazzerini of Studio LgL (HTP) and Tom Butler from Artcoustic (TS). The new Cedia Board will support existing Chair, Kris Hogg, and Christiaan Beukes, owner of South African-based home automation company, Sphere Custom Design (HTP) and Giles Sutton Managing Director of James and Giles Ltd (HTP).
“On behalf of Cedia EMEA, I am delighted to welcome the new and returning Cedia Board members for 2016,” comments Wendy Griffiths, Executive Director of Cedia EMEA. “As the leading organisation for the smart home industry, CEDIA plays a vital role in shaping the direction of the industry, regulating the Association’s activities and representing the home technology profession across the EMEA. This year, the Board represents a fantastic geographical spread across the region. Together, we look forward to introducing more initiatives that are focused on delivering value for the industry as a whole.”
Melanie Malcolm has been involved in the AV industry since 1995, building her co-owned business Bespoke Home Cinemas. Having been a Cedia member for nearly 10 years, Malcolm has a lifelong passion for the industry, its education and future developments. With a wealth of experience in the sales, marketing, networking and AV industry, Melanie hopes to use her new position as Board member to grow a solid support network of professionals to the highest of standards.
After seeing opportunity to bring corporate standards of infrastructure to the burgeoning home technology market, Rob Sutherland successfully set up Inspired Dwellings eight years ago. With Cedia membership a key objective of the company from the start, Sutherland became an Outreach Instructor and delivered Cedia CPDs. Sutherland currently sits on the Industry Relations committee.
Sawan Nichani has very quickly immersed himself in all that is CEDIA. As well as backing the Indian training initiative, Nichani emulates all that is looked for in a CEDIA individual; he maintains a good business, has great insight into his marketplace and possesses a strong ethical understanding and stance in his market. Nichani has been instrumental in facilitating the membership growth in India, which has increased by 280% in the last three years, establishing this region as the fourth largest market for CEDIA. Most recently, Nichani picked up the accolade for Best Home Cinema over £100,000 at this year’s Cedia Awards.
Philip Turner was first introduced to the world of AV as a client, after he discovered a passion for home automation technology. Thwarted by poor customer experience, Turner founded Philharmonic Audio Visual, in conjunction with attending as many CEDIA courses as possible, to create a business that provided both exceptional installations and service. Continually surprised by the lack of education and knowledge of what fantastic things can be achieved in the home with CI technology, he is focused on being an educator to the specifiers his company works with. Turner was awarded Best Media Room over £15,000 at the 2014 Cedia Awards for a project in South West London.
Tom Butler joined the board two years ago, while Hamish Neale has sat on the board for three years, and Laura Lazzerini has been involved since 2011. During this time, each member has become familiar with what the role requires from them, and has contributed in a positive manner, driving new and existing initiatives forward. Their experience in the industry and knowledge of what Cedia members are looking to get out of their membership has been invaluable.
The Cedia Board of Directors defines the Association’s vision and identifies its strategic direction. It is responsible for maintaining a dialogue with members, making sure Cedia’s strategic principles remain relevant to the industry and reflect members’ ever-evolving needs.