Bruno Hochstrasser returns as Studer general manager
Published: ASIA
WORLD: Former Studer president Bruno Hochstrasser has returned to the Harman brand, becoming its general manager, having entered semi-retirement less than two years ago. Andy Trott, VP and general manager of Harman’s Mixing and Microphones & Headphones division, has described Mr Hochstrasser as ‘an experienced hand on the wheel’.
Mr Hochstrasser first joined Studer in 1971, becoming synonymous with the brand as he played an instrumental role in successive landmark product launches including the introduction of the A800, the first microprocessor-controlled tape machine. He was elevated to president in 1990, leading the brand into its current incarnation as a manufacturer of digital mixing consoles. During his semi-retirement he remained a brand ambassador, chiefly focusing on the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
‘Bruno is today’s Mister Studer,’ said Mr Trott. ‘He has remained proud and loyal to Studer for over 40 years and I’m delighted he has succumbed to me tempting him out of retirement! We are facing a fascinating new era as we rejuvenate Studer with many new talented staff and the development of some groundbreaking technologies and this will require an experienced hand on the wheel. Bruno is liked and respected by our staff, distributors and customers alike, and I can’t think of anyone better to do the job.’
Mr Hochstrasser added: ‘For the past 40 years Studer has been my life; I’ve seen it grow and reinvent itself and emerge as the best digital broadcast console business in the world today. The broadcast market is such an exciting place to be at the moment with so many changes presenting new opportunities for us manufacturers. We have some challenges ahead but with our renewed investment in bright new people and some amazing new technology developments underway I truly believe we are at the start of a bright new beginning.’
Mr Hochstrasser’s return follows a 10-year period of recruitment at Studer that has seen the Harman brand expand its R&D, sales and service teams including appointments in the US, the UK, Australasia, South America and Asia within the last six months.