L-Acoustics has announced the appointment of Alan Macpherson to head its newly formed Americas division that encompasses sales, application, support, fulfillment and finance activities for all countries in North, Central and South America. Macpherson will report to Laurent Vaissié, CEO L-Acoustics, and Hervé Guillaume, CEO L-Acoustics Group.
In addition, the company has announced the promotion of BJ Shaver to Business Development director for the installation market and the appointment of William Cornell as Business Development director for the rental market, both reporting to Macpherson.
“L-Acoustics is committed to supporting and growing our presence on the American continent. As we navigate through one of the most challenging times for our industry, we feel incredibly fortunate to be able to bring onboard two of the most outstanding and respected industry veterans, Alan and William, and confirm the well-deserved promotion of BJ. I’ve already witnessed Alan’s unflappable attitude, personal commitment, and long-term strategic outlook, which, combined with the unique ability to federate and inspire our teams, are the marks of a great leader,” says Vaissié.
Macpherson brings more than two decades of managerial experience to his new role, primarily with Yamaha, where he most recently served as vice president for Yamaha Corporation of America’s Integrated Marketing Group in Buena Park. Over his tenure with the manufacturer, he also lead the effort to grow the NEXO and Steinberg brands, in addition to Yamaha’s own professional audio and music industry product lines.
“I’m delighted to join L-Acoustics,” Macpherson says. “The brand has earned its reputation not just by developing quality products, but by focusing on the systemic quality of its global network of partners and consistent innovation in creating tools that improve the workflow of sound professionals and relentlessly raise the audio bar. L-Acoustics looks to the long game, developing processes and products for enduring success, and always with the improvement of live performance at the heart of what they do. That’s a perfect match for me and my vision.”
Based in Tennessee, Shaver has spent more than seven years developing the southwestern U.S. market as regional sales manager for L-Acoustics. During that time, his sales and support focus has been primarily invested in the house of worship market. Prior to joining L-Acoustics, Shaver served as vice president of installation at Elite Multimedia in Memphis. “B.J.’s ability to analyze and manage business opportunities, identify partners and foster them to success has allowed L-Acoustics to take our Southern region to the most performing region in North America,” says Vaissié. “Having him in this expanded role where he will continue to grow the install business across the Americas will be an invaluable component of our ongoing success.”
Cornell comes to L-Acoustics after spending almost 15 years with d&b audiotechnik, where he built and managed sales operations in the Americas and rose to the position of CEO of the manufacturer’s U.S. subsidiary. “William is a strategic thinker and has clearly demonstrated his talent for building trust and growth with customers year upon year,” states Macpherson. “His proven ability to plan and execute long-term business models will be mission-critical as we build the foundation of our Americas team and continue to strengthen our leadership position in touring and make strides into key vertical markets, such as Broadway and corporate.”
Guillaume adds, “Alan joined the team just before the crisis, and while we’d certainly never choose this type of onboarding situation voluntarily, it’s been a valuable learning experience for all of us. Alan has confronted the battle head on, and the full team has rallied with him, developing a collective resilience and digging deep to find creative ways to help the company and our partners weather the storm.”
