Focusrite’s Phil Dudderidge (left) and Phil Wagner
Focusrite Audio Engineering, Ltd., the UK manufacturer of Focusrite and Novation brands, announces the formation of Focusrite Novation Inc., to establish a dedicated American presence for the brands. Industry veteran Phil Wagner, former president of Solid State Logic Inc., will head the new company.
“We want to increase the recognition of—and support for—the Focusrite and Novation brands in the vital U.S. market,” says Focusrite managing director Phil Dudderidge. “Creating Focusrite Novation Inc. enables us to enhance our presence with increased levels of dealer support and various forthcoming marketing initiatives. We are pleased to have Phil Wagner come on board as president of our wholly owned subsidiary.”
Located in Los Angeles, Focusrite Novation Inc. will concentrate on developing Focusrite and Novation’s expanding product slate with the addition of sales management, marketing and field training staff.
“Establishing an American corporate presence for Focusrite and Novation is an exciting opportunity,” says Wagner. “Phil Dudderidge was a key factor in the start of my early career when he owned Soundcraft and we started Soundcraft NY in the 1980s. It is only fitting that we work together once again. With the democratization of the music industry and the strength of our current products, the two brands are well positioned for expansion. I am proud to lead the U.S. team during Focusrite and Novation’s growth.”
Focusrite Novation Inc. will continue to work in partnership with its U.S. distributor, American Music and Sound Inc., specifically its newly established Music Creation Division, which will concentrate on Focusrite, Novation and four other premium brands handled regionally by a new team of sales managers. The AM&S team will provide field sales support, sales administration and logistics capabilities.
“We are pleased to see Focusrite and Novation applying additional sales and marketing resources directed specifically to the U.S. market,” adds AM&S president Lynn Martin. “We will continue to handle the physical distribution of the Focusrite and Novation products from our warehouse in the Memphis, Tenn., area.”
For more information, visit www.focusrite.com/us or us.novationmusic.com.
Check out video demos of two recent Focusrite/Novation product debuts: the Novation Launchpad and Focusrite OctoPre Mk II Dynamics.
