Jeremy Frost and Bill Benoit added to product manager roster, George Gavutis promoted to European sales manager
NEWMARKET, N.H., Sept. 8, 2005 — Russound, a leading manufacturer of audio-video products for the residential systems and connectivity markets, announced new additions to its product management and international sales departments. Bill Benoit and Jeremy Frost have been appointed to the product development team and George Gavutis has been promoted to European sales manager. The promotion and the addition of two product managers reflect an aggressive commitment by Russound to maintain its leadership role in the industry, while accelerating its efforts in new product development.
Jeremy Frost comes to Russound with an extensive background in the audio-video industry. He has held previous positions as consumer product specialist, regional sales manager and product manager with Harman Specialty Group’s Lexicon brand. His experience and expertise will drive Russound’s product development cycle and aid in bringing state-of-the-art products to market. He obtained his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Mississippi State University and has volunteered in his community as a youth basketball coach.
Bill Benoit brings his vast knowledge and expertise to Russound in his new role as product manager. With Harmon Specialty Group’s Lexicon brand, Benoit worked as a software quality assurance tester, and was promoted to software quality assurance manager. He then held the position of product manager for Harmon’s Mark Levinson brand. Prior to his audio-video experience, he worked as a sound engineer and manager in the entertainment industry.
Both Frost and Benoit have been involved with marketing and sales within the audio-video industry and have traveled extensively to promote their products, within and outside the U.S. “The addition of Jeremy and Bill to the product management department marks a significant milestone for Russound,” said Ian Popken, director of product development for Russound, commenting on the appointments. “Three years ago, there was no product management department. Two years ago, it was a department of three. Today, the seven of us are poised to tackle the aggressive product development plans we have in store to maintain and improve upon our leadership position. There is a product war raging in the marketplace and only the companies with the best products will win. What better way to compete than with superior product management and processes to deliver a consistent portfolio of winning products.”
Promoted to European sales manager, George Gavutis will increase Russound’s presence outside the U.S. In this role, Gavutis will be heavily involved in sales, marketing and education on a dealer and distributor level. Previously he held the position of education specialist for Russound. With a constant presence in the field, he conducted seminars across the U.S. for Russound dealers, distributors and representatives on the company’s products and technologies. Gavutis came to Russound in May 2002 and initially worked as a technical sales specialist in the company’s inside sales department. Before joining Russound, he was general manager for a New Hampshire based home theater company where he handled all phases of sales, support and installation.
“George’s appointment reflects Russound’s commitment to its European clientele,” said Jon Le Blanc, director international division at Russound. “With his expertise, we can more aptly fulfill their needs and penetrate the European market in all European countries. George’s experience and background are ideally suited to the high demands and responsibilities of this newly created position.”
About Russound
Since 1967, innovation, quality and reliability have been the pillars of the Russound product tradition. Located in Newmarket, N.H., Russound offers the products and expertise customers need to enjoy multiroom audio and video systems in the home. The company pairs powerful systems using the latest technologies with intuitive controls to give customers high-performance, easy-to-use solutions. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.russound.com.
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