Richard Welsh has been elected to the post of SMPTE President after serving as SMPTE Executive VP. His term will extend two years, until 31 December 2026.
‘Since the Society’s inception more than 100 years ago, bringing the moving image to audiences worldwide has been at the heart of SMPTE’s mission,’ Welsh says. ‘With video devices in viewers’ pockets and content available to them on demand, SMPTE’s ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible integrity, quality, and experience in media to global audiences is more vital than ever. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity as SMPTE president to deliver on our vision for the media technology industries of unlimited creativity and experiences for everyone.’
Welsh is currently Senior VP of Innovation at Deluxe, and has been on the SMPTE board for more than ten years, most recently serving a two-year term as Executive VP. He has also served as SMPTE’s VP of Education and as governor for EMEA, Central/South America. Welsh is also on the board of IBC and the chair/co-founder of the volumetric asset management company, Volustor.
Welsh began his career at Dolby Laboratories as a film sound consultant, working his way up to Director of Digital Cinema Services in his 12 year tenure. He later became Head of Operations of Technicolor’s digital cinema, localisation and sound services department. More recently, Welsh became an associate lecturer at Southampton Solent University while simultaneously co-founding Sundog Media Toolkit Ltd.
‘Rich is an innovative thinker with bold plans for the future of the Society,’ says SMPTE Executive Director, Sally-Ann D’Amato. ‘His unwavering commitment to expanding SMPTE’s impact on broader and more diverse audiences, along with his dedication to cultivating early-career professionals, is truly inspiring. We have a great partnership, and I look forward to collaborating with him as we turn his vision for SMPTE into reality.’
More: www.smpte.org