Sennheiser Names Shirley Vice President

Alan Shirley has joined Sennheiser in the position of vice president, export.

Shirley will direct sales, marketing, and distribution for all the Central and South American markets for Sennheiser and Neumann. The appointment was made by Sennheiser President John Falcone.

"Alan Shirley will be working closely with Andrew Brakhan," noted Falcone, "and the Latin American sales team in a transition that will last until Andrew's retirement in 2001. Alan is responsible for all marketing, sales and operational activities for our Latin American business, as well as strategic planning. I've known Alan for years and always wanted him to be a part of the Sennheiser executive team. He brings solid experience, clear strategic insights and an exceptional marketing mind to our organization at a time when we're looking at Latin America as one of the fastest growing market segments in our portfolio."

Most recently, Shirley was vice president, marketing for the speakers and microphone business unit of Telex Communications, where he was responsible for global marketing strategy for the Telex and Electro-Voice brands. Previously, he was founder and managing director of ABS Consulting LLP, a management-consulting firm specializing in marketing and strategy issues for the audio/video industry.

Commenting on his new position, Shirley notes, "I am delighted to join Sennheiser as I believe the company is poised for tremendous growth opportunities. I had previously worked for Sennheiser as a management consultant, so I am very familiar with the organization and its outstanding capabilities. Traditionally a leader in broadcast, theater and recording markets, Sennheiser is rapidly expanding into music and fixed installation segments with cutting edge new products like the evolution(tm) wired and wireless microphones. I am thrilled to bring my expertise in these areas to the company and contribute to its growth plans."

Shirley brings more than 15 years of industry experience, including product management, market development, market research, and strategic planning positions at Shure and Electro-Voice. Earlier in his career, he gained experience as both a professional musician and sound engineer.

He holds an acoustical engineering degree from Purdue University and an MBA from Northwestern University with majors in marketing, finance, and international business.