Martin Audio has appointed Henry Packard as its new Finance Director in a move from parent company Focusrite, where he was Financial Controller.
The company says that the drive to fill the vacant position, following the departure of his predecessor, Steve Miller, had become more pressing with the growth of Martin Audio and the launch of sister brand Optimal Audio. ‘As Dom [Harter, Martin Audio MD] and Sally [McKone, Group CFO] are in regular discussion the move came about quite organically,’ Packard says. ‘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.’
Martin Audio’s new FD already had close knowledge of the loudspeaker specialist, having been involved in the acquisition process, when Martin Audio joined the Focusrite stable at the end of 2019. ‘The cultures are actually quite similar,’ he says. ‘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.’
Despite the seamless transition, he also highlights inherent differences in the respective market and business operations ‘which keep things interesting and gives me new challenges to face’. His new role requires an even greater focus on strategic and planning duties. ‘Ultimately, I will be taking on more responsibility – driving the brands forward and maximising the great potential which is already present,’ he says.
Having now assembled his team, with the further arrival of a new Financial Controller, Packard looks forward to the future with optimism: ‘There are so many positives here – the people, the product, the financial performance this year. Even the logistics, I’m only about 500m from my old desk.’
‘The greatest challenge is how we maximise the growth we’re seeing while coping with all the macroeconomic risks and volatility, such as production demands, component supply, freight availability and costs,’ he says. ‘We’ll be planning to mitigate these risks and looking to make the most of our position to continue this growth.’
‘It’s another great example of providing opportunity for employees within the Focusrite Group,’ says MD, Dom Harter. ‘I’m delighted with the progress and contribution he is making.’
More: https://martin-audio.com
