News

April brought several important executive changes to the audio industry.

On the 15th, PSB Speakers announced David L. Smith’s appointment as director of product development. Formerly president and chief engineer of Snell Acoustics, Smith will be responsible for guiding product development on all PSB brand loudspeakers, including high-performance products and specialty items for the custom installation market. PSB products have a well-earned reputation for excellent value.

"I am very pleased to be joining PSB," Smith stated. "The company has a great reputation worldwide, both for its high-quality, reasonably priced products and as a place actively engaged in innovative design. I look forward to collaborating with founder and chief designer Paul Barton and the rest of the PSB team on many upcoming and exciting new products." Smith has 25 years of experience in loudspeaker design. Prior to his tenure at Snell, he held key positions at KEF, McIntosh Labs, a/d/s/, and other high-end audio companies.

One of Smith's primary objectives will be "to increase the pace of product development and develop more innovative products, while maintaining PSB's traditional integrity and sound quality," according to Gordon Simmonds, president and CEO of the Lenbrook Group, owner of the PSB brand. "We will also increase PSB's investments heavily into new areas, especially custom installation," Simmonds added. This year, the Pickering, Ontario–based PSB is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Also on April 15, Onkyo USA named John Arce director of sales. A 30-year veteran of the audio industry, Arce (pronounced "ar-see") most recently spent five years with Yamaha, preceded by ten years at M&K Sound, where he was vice president. Arce began his career in the audio industry as a salesman at Pacific Stereo in the 1970s, moving from there to Fisher Electronics and, later, to cartridge manufacturer Pickering.

"John will be a great addition to the Onkyo sales team," said Onkyo USA president Kevin Miyagi. "We were impressed with the breadth of his sales management experience. His efforts will help our dealers and representatives grow with Onkyo as we increase our market share and reach."

Atlantic Technology also has a new director of sales. On April 8, the Norwood, MA–based loudspeaker and electronics company announced the promotion of Victor J. Moorhatch to the position of director of sales and training. Moorhatch has been with the company for over five years and was previously the national sales manager.

Two degrees of separation: like David Smith, Moorhatch did a stint with a/d/s, as director of sales for the Apogee loudspeaker division. He also held national and regional sales positions with PSB Speakers, NAD, and Kloss Video Corporation. "Victor has been a key catalyst in Atlantic's growth over the past five years," said Atlantic Technology Chairman of the Board Peter Tribeman. "His proven ability and 30 years' experience in consumer electronics sales make him an integral part of our plans for continued expansion in the home theater and custom installation markets." Founded in 1989, Atlantic Technology has successfully ridden the wave of home theater and whole-house entertainment systems, in addition to designing and marketing quality affordable audio products.