USA - Philips Entertainment, representing Philips Vari-Lite, Philips Strand Lighting, Philips Selecon, and Showline, has announced the realignment and consolidation of its Americas commercial group to provide better service to their authorized dealers, sales representatives, and all lighting professionals throughout North and South America. The realignment includes changes in the management, sales, and support teams within Philips Entertainment, and will focus on continuing technology innovations while creating a streamlined customer experience.
"The realignment of the Americas commercial group truly represents an exciting time for Philips Entertainment," said Julie Smith, commercial general manager of the Americas. "We have great brands with great histories and this consolidation will better allow us to grow the resources within each brand while refocusing on technology innovations within each product line. As our current sales channels for each product line will remain unchanged, we are confident that the consolidation of all our resources will provide a more unique, supportive and valuable customer experience."
With the introduction of Julie Smith as commercial general manager of the Americas, the Philips Entertainment realignment also includes the appointments of Leonard Miller as North American sales manager, Jaime Friedstadt as Latin American sales manager, and Pete Borchetta as marketing director. As part of the consolidation, Philips Vari-Lite announces the retirement of well-respected industry-veteran, Bob Schacherl.
Smith continued, "I do not believe there is a person in this industry that does not have respect for what Bob has accomplished during his time at Philips Vari-Lite. His leadership, experience, and dedication helped propel Vari-Lite to the top of the automated lighting industry, and his legacy here will always be held in the highest regard. The changes we announce today are the culmination of refinements that began years ago and we now stand ready to refocus our attention to the continued technology innovation of all our product lines plus the strengthening of their customer service and support systems."
