Recently launched U.K. manufacturer Optimal Audio has announced the appointment of Al McKinna as Head of Product, where he’s responsible for creating a future product development strategy that aligns with the brand’s original vision for removing the often complex nature of commercial audio.
A Sound Technology graduate of LIPA, McKinna comes to Optimal Audio following 15 years with Avid, where he spent three years in sales and 12 in product management. As Director of Product Management for Live Sound, he led the business strategy and product development of Avid’s VENUE brand of digital live audio production systems, including VENUE | S3L, the VENUE | S6L unified platform, and the accompanying VENUE software, overseeing 30 product releases and achieving two patents during this time. Most recently as Director of Audio Hardware at Avid, where he led product management for Pro Tools systems, control surfaces and live sound.
“The first phase of launching the Optimal Audio ecosystem into the market is well under way,” McKinna says. “It’s a fantastic system, based on principles that address a clear demand in the market. My job will be to build a business strategy and create processes that develop and sustain the brand as the best commercial audio offering available in the small to medium install space. I’m really excited about the prospect of being an integral part of such a great team, and working with them to build a strong and progressive future for the Optimal Audio brand.”
Dom Harter, Managing Director of Optimal Audio, adds, “Al’s career speaks for itself, and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us. His product management work at Avid, in both live sound and audio hardware, mark him out as an exceptional audio industry professional. For a new brand like Optimal Audio, his mastery of business strategy allied to product development will be fundamental to successfully fulfilling our aims and ambitions.”
