Currently handling US distribution of Blue Sky monitors, Calrec broadcast mixing systems, DiGiCo digital mixing consoles, Klang:technologies 3D In-ear monitor mixing systems, mc2 amplifiers, and XTA digital signal processing equipment, New York-based Group One Ltd has seen a number of managerial changes. Last year marked the company’s 25th anniversary and saw Calrec, Klang:technologies and DTS Lighting added to the distributor’s portfolio – and an investment from Audiotonix, the parent company of DiGiCo and Calrec.
DiGiCo National Sales Manager Matt Larson has been promoted to the position of Group One Vice President, Professional Audio, and now oversees of the company’s audio brands for the touring, theatre and install markets. ‘Matt is a great asset to Group One and deserves much of the credit for the growth of DiGiCo here in the US,’ says Group One President Jack Kelly. ‘I rely heavily on Matt’s advice, and as we continue to grow and look for new opportunities, it is time to recognize the key role that he continues to play for us as well as to set the stage for Group One’s next growth phase.’
Sales & Support Associate Ryan Shelton, meanwhile, has been named Group One’s National Sales Manager for Klang:technologies. ‘Klang needs a dedicated person to keep our focus on growing the brand, and Ryan has quickly become our expert on all things Klang,’ Kelly notes. ‘He has proven himself to be an indispensable part of our Group One audio sales team, and this promotion is a logical step forward in Ryan’s career path and completely aligns with the Group One vision for the future.’
Taidus Vallandi, one of DiGiCo’s pioneers and responsible for opening the first DiGiCo office in the US, has been promoted to serve as Group One’s Chief Technology Officer. ‘Taidus is our go-to technology wizard and for years was the number one resource in the US for DiGiCo,’ Kelly says. ‘Over the years, as we’ve added more technical support positions and grown with the addition of the Calrec line, Taidus’ experienced grasp of network system technology has seen him much more involved with our broadcast clients. He will continue to advise and support across all of our audio products and will focus in the near term on Calrec and DiGiCo solutions for the broadcast and production industries.’
Group One VP of Broadcast & Production, Chris Fichera, is one of the US distributor’s founders and remains a shareholder and also expands his role. According to Kelly, ‘Chris has an affinity for the broadcast and production markets, having been our Blue Sky manager for the past 15 years, as well as a multiple Grammy Award-winning engineer. He is now working with Taidus and the Calrec US team to expand the reach of Calrec products in those markets.’
