Martin Audio has announced the appointment of Henry Packard as its new finance director following the departure of predecessor Steve Miller and moving from his previous role as financial controller at parent company Focusrite.
“As Dom [Harter, Martin Audio MD] and Sally [McKone, Group CFO] are in regular discussion the move came about quite organically,” Packard says. “An internal move is great for the company and generally for everyone involved. I’ve effectively had a six-year interview process to prove myself with Focusrite, so it was a lovely surprise to be told I was being considered. There was no way I could let the opportunity pass, and after a few further chats with Sally and Dom, it seemed like a great match all round.”
Packard was heavily involved in the acquisition process when Martin Audio joined the Focusrite stable at the end of 2019. “The cultures are actually quite similar,” he continues. “People really care about the products and the company; it’s more than just a nine-to-five job, it’s something that is really important personally.”
His new role requires an even greater focus on strategic and planning duties, he notes. “Ultimately I will be taking on more responsibility — driving the Group forward and maximizing the great potential which is already present. The biggest challenge is how we maximize the growth we’re seeing and strong demand while coping with all the macroeconomic risks and volatility such as production demands, component supply, freight availability and costs. We’ll be planning to mitigate these risks and looking to make the most of our position to continue this growth.”
Harter states, “Henry has been a great addition to the management team. It’s another great example of providing opportunity for employees within the Focusrite Group and with Henry’s quality of thought, skillset and energy, I’m delighted with the progress and contribution he is making.”
