Kristian Kolding has informed the Martin Professional Board of Directors that he will resign his position as President/CEO of the company effective at the end of the year.
Kolding has held the post for six years, a period in which he oversaw a dramatic growth in the company, more than doubling its size since 1998. Under Kolding's directorship, the company has also realized the emergence of a flourishing architectural lighting division.
“These past six years at the helm of Martin have been the most challenging and rewarding years of my long career,” Kolding says. “You cannot help being fascinated by the company's products, markets, and staff. Martin simply gets in your blood! I am totally convinced that Martin — with a new hand on the wheel — will develop to the shared benefit and pleasure of both its partners and its staff and owners.”
Martin's owners — the publicly listed Danish industrial conglomerate Schouw & Co. — fully understand and respect Kolding's decision. CEO Jens Bjerg Sõrensen is highly optimistic about Martin's future and states: “Schouw & Co. have invested in Martin because we feel that the company holds a large potential for development. Martin has a unique point of departure in an interesting and global market. Martin is one of the cornerstones of the Schouw group and we are long-term strategic owners of the company.”
Meanwhile, as Kolding packs up his office, Martin is expanding its US sales team. Scott O'Connor, Darrell Barnes, and Jennifer Campbell have joined Martin US as field sales representatives with a primary focus on retail/MI supply stores.
O'Connor is based out of Martin's Sunrise, FL headquarters and will aid sales managers Jim Fuller and Jamey Brock in Martin's east coast territories. A New York City native, O'Connor comes to Martin with strong experience in the lighting industry and possesses a solid knowledge of Martin products.
Barnes is based out of Branson, MO and will assist sales managers Daryl Sutton and Lewis Long in the central US territories. Barnes comes to Martin with over 14 years of theatre knowledge, including recent positions as technical director at several theatres in Branson, bringing a wealth of real world knowledge and skill to the Martin team.
Campbell is based out of Martin's Las Vegas office and will support sales managers Tim Brennan, Ray Whitton, and Greg Jones to further strengthen Martin's west coast territories. Campbell comes to Martin with successful sales experience in the MI and DJ segments.
In addition, Heather Busch has changed responsibilities, moving from account sssistant to sales and marketing administrator.
“Scott, Darrell, and Jennifer bring with them years of industry knowledge and sales experience, which will be a great benefit to the sales team,” says Eric Loader, Martin's US sales director. “They will be traveling extensively to better meet the needs of our dealers across the country. Martin continues to grow and these new team members are here to support them.”