Thomas Marcher to head Harman Asia sales as David McKinney takes on India
Published: ASIA
ASIA: Harman Professional has announced the promotion of Thomas Marcher to become director of sales for Asia, with his predecessor David McKinney assuming responsibility for the professional division of the company’s India office under the new title of senior director of operations. The move follows a long period of reorganisation amongst Harman’s Asian distribution channels, spearheaded by Mr McKinney.
Mr Marcher assumes his new role within the Asia regional sales office, based in Kuala Lumpur, having worked for Harman Professional for four years. He initially joined Crown Audio as sales director for Asia in 2008 before playing an instrumental role in establishing the KL office. His previous experience includes periods with Klotz Digital and TC Electronic.
In his new position, Mr Marcher will be responsible for sales, support and channel coordination, and report to senior director of global sales Scott Robbins.
‘Thomas Marcher is in the ideal position to support our distributors, serve our customers and help drive sales in the Asia regional sales territory,’ Mr Robbins commented, adding that he is ‘very pleased to make this promotion from within – not simply because it is wholly deserved but because it opens a new chapter of development and growth for our distribution partners and employees in the territory’.
Mr Marcher was equally enthusiastic, explaining that he is ‘confident that we are the most attentive, agile organisation with the most advanced technologies and the strongest brands and I look forward to aiding our distributors in capitalising on these strengths in the marketplace’.
Meanwhile Mr McKinney will be based in Bangalore, a move that has been described by Harman as ‘continuing its program to develop emerging markets’. He will report to India country manager Lakshmi Narayan.
‘David McKinney has done an excellent job for Harman and our partners in the Asia sales region,’ commented Blake Augsburger, Harman executive vice president and president of Harman Professional. ‘As senior director of operations, India for the Professional Division, I am confident that he will be a great asset to our partners there and that his skill set and experience will serve as an accelerant for our business and that of our partners and customers in India.’
Mr Augsburger added: ‘I am similarly pleased that the Asia sales office is well-organised and under strong leadership with Thomas Marcher.’
Lakshmi Narayan was equally quick to praise the new addition to his team. ‘David McKinney is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of our customers and distribution partners and to find solutions that address those needs. I look forward to working with David as we plan our future in this market, grow our business and support our partners.’
Speaking of his change in role, Mr McKinney described his new position as ‘a compelling opportunity in a remarkable culture at a time of growth. I am very honoured to lead such an impressive team; to work with such dynamic, industrious distributors and with an infinitely creative community of end-users in installed sound, portable PA, recording and broadcast and tour sound.’