Soundcraft part of Harman International
HARMAN is the parent company behind an array of legendary brands that includes Harman Kardon®, JBL®, Mark Levinson® and Infinity®. They are a leading global provider of premium audio and infotainment solutions, engaging customers around the home, in the car and on the go.
Founded in 1973, Soundcraft first made its mark with the launch of the Series 1, the first mixing console in a flightcase. Back in the early 70's, the music touring business was just beginning - and the transportable mixing desk quickly became popular among the bands and the new PA companies that were springing up to rent out sound equipment.
From what was then a small company in central London, Soundcraft expanded and started to diversify. The company designed a mixer for recording - the Series 2 - and began to build a reputation for great-sounding desks, which is often referred to as the favoured 'British Sound'.
Today Soundcraft has a network of over 100 distributors selling and supporting its products world-wide. Part of the Harman Pro Group, Soundcraft is still very much the dedicated professional mixing console designer and manufacturer it was back in 1973.
Client Assignment Project
The Position: Managing Director
Reporting to the CEO, the role of Managing Director was a replacement for an incumbent who was unaware of the process being undertaken. The individual was subsequently moved to a new role managing one of the US businesses. The then Managing Director had a strong sales and marketing background and had consistently achieved the companies’ revenue targets. The Harman Pro Group decide they need a new Managing Director with a more technology bias as the company was not moving into the new digital technology arena as rapidly as they desired. Redline was tasked with finding a replacement in a highly confidential manner.
This role was to take control of the Soundcraft Group with responsibility for the operation and strategic direction of the business, whilst maximising turnover and profitability across the companies. To create, implement and achieve a strategy to deliver the new digital technologies, which the company lacked, thus strengthening the long-term viability and success of the business.
The Person
- A technologist.
- A strategic thinker with operational expertise.
- Broad management capability
- Hands on leadership style
- Excellent communicator
- Financial management
- Knowledge of Sales, marketing and commercial promotion.
Recommendation: Search & Selection
Shortlisted: 4
A bench mark candidate was identified early in the search process with a further 3 candidates shortlisted and interview by Harman Inc. Three 2nd interviews followed with the subsequent appointee going through a variety of psychometric and assessment test together with board presentations.
“Redline know where their core competency lies, which, for me, is refreshing to find in the consulting recruitment world. During a tricky and lengthy recruitment process for a Managing Director level position last year, Redline’s staff demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness and customer focus of the highest order, as well as a great deal of patience (with us!). I would have no hesitation in recommending Redline to any corporate recruiter in a technology field.”
David Roberts
HR Director
Harman International Ind. Inc.