Having joined the Clair Global group of companies in 2019, US performance systems integrator Pro Media Audio Video is entering the European market with a local presence through Britannia Row Productions’ Twickenham base. Industry veteran Eddie Thomas leads the venture, charged with ‘developing global business for the new entity’ and bringing 30 years’ industry knowledge to the endeavour.
Headquartered in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Pro Media Audio Video has established an outstanding technical reputation over the past 45 years, and with deep connections to live sports and relationships with Major League teams in the US. The company also brings an impeccable safety record, coupled with standard-setting levels of professionalism.
‘Each of the companies has the same working culture – Eddie shares our values and he is the person chosen to carry this global standard into Europe,’ says Pro Media Audio Video General Manager, Ted Leamy. ‘Eddie is incredibly well connected and as we begin this expansion, he is backed up by a very experienced team worldwide. Our presence in the UK will further add to our global information sharing, ultimately as one set of resources.’
Thomas’ audio system experience comes from working in network design and electro-acoustics with consultants, contractors and architectural specialists. ‘I enjoy working with designers and consultants to create workable solutions and I’m excited about this opportunity in such an impressive global business,’ he says.
Thomas’ forté is large-format audio systems having worked on a string of stadia and arena projects. In his new role, he will develop further relationships with core technical partners.
While different vertical markets have been affected by the pandemic, opportunities continue to present in the construction area. With this, a long-term approach to growth has been established and Pro Media Audio Video EU is part of a 20-year business plan that signposts investment into the UK and European regions.
‘There will be undoubted challenges in the UK and Europe as Brexit unfolds,’ Thomas admits. ‘Yet I am looking forward to developing and working on a range of challenging technical projects. I really enjoy pushing the boundaries of what is expected from an integrator, and it’s a great feeling to know that as part of Pro Media Audio Video EU we’ll be able to achieve ground-breaking projects together.’
‘Pro Media Audio Video was identified as a centre of excellence, having become successful in moving from production into integration,’ Leamy concludes. ‘That’s what the group does – we seek out centres of excellence and the people who can promote that. We feel it’s of vital importance to understand our services from the perspective of the end user, so we understand what is needed in order to benefit the fan experience. Uniquely, we are able to leverage production people into integration and that’s what we will continue to do. Eddie’s own knowledge is extraordinary and he represents another step in the expansion of our existing vision.’
Pro Media Audio Video EU is open and will expand its Business Development team in due course. With Thomas embarking on a number of projects, he will continue to incorporate market-leading expertise into A/V technology builds across Europe.
