AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, SEPTEMBER 4, 2008 – Anton/Bauer (IBC Stand 9.C40b), a brand of The Vitec Group, and the world’s premier provider of professional camera batteries, chargers, lighting and other mobile power systems, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Accardi as President. Accardi is an industry veteran who brings to Anton/Bauer his years of extensive expertise in sales and marketing, ensuring the company will retain its leading position across the globe.
In this new role, Accardi is charged with taking a world-class business to the next level, reinforcing Anton/Bauer’s reputation as the first name in high-quality mobile power systems for the professional television and video production markets.
“I’m thrilled to take on this role at Anton/Bauer, the number-one brand for high-end camera batteries and accessories in the world,” Accardi says. “The company’s success over its past 37 years is in no small part due to its commitment to exceptional customer service and the superior quality of its products, and my goal as president is to maintain this sterling reputation, as well as see how and where we can expand both globally and within the U.S. I am excited to see what new heights this company will reach over the next few years.”
To this end, Accardi has already begun working on several new initiatives aimed at enhancing Anton/Bauer’s high level of customer satisfaction and the resulting increased demand. The company has expanded its local stocking and delivery capabilities in all European Union countries, allowing for faster service and support. In time for IBC 2008 in Amsterdam, Anton/Bauer now offers a guaranteed turnaround time of seven days in all EU countries for warranted services on all products within its portfolio, including the ElipZ® line of 10k batteries and accessories and the Stasis® Flex line of body support systems, among others.
“Given his lifetime of commitment to several companies that are now a part of The Vitec Group family, appointing Michael president of Anton/Bauer just seemed natural,” says Joop Janssen, CEO of The Vitec Group Broadcast Systems Division. “He brings a wealth of experience as a sales and marketing professional to one of our most prestigious brands, ensuring Anton/Bauer will remain ahead of the curve in technology, sales and service for years to come.”
Accardi joins Anton/Bauer after serving as president of Autoscript, which he joined in 2004 and helped transform into the worldwide market leader in teleprompting solutions. With its success, the company caught the eye of The Vitec Group, which purchased it in 2006, and Accardi remained for two more years until his appointment at Anton/Bauer as head of sales for the Americas from 1994-2001. Prior to this, he served as VP of sales for Sachtler Corp. of America from 1986 to 1994.
ABOUT ANTON/BAUER
Anton/Bauer is recognized as the world’s premier provider of professional camera batteries, chargers, lighting and other key mobile power systems for the broadcast and video production markets. Headquartered in Shelton, CT and established in 1970, Anton/Bauer’s superior-quality camera batteries, chargers, and mobile power systems have become an industry standard. Since its inception, Anton/Bauer has expanded its product offerings to include many signature lines such as its leading Gold Mount® system, which includes the Interactive chargers, HyTRON® 50, 100 and 140, and Dionic® 90 and 160 batteries, as well as mounts, compatible with virtually every camera brand on the market today. Other Anton/Bauer performance products include the Ultralight®, the ElipZ®, ElightZ®, CINE-VCLX™ and its new CINE VCLX/2™. For more information on Anton/Bauer, visit www.antonbauer.com.
ABOUT THE VITEC GROUP PLC
The Vitec Group plc is acknowledged as a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcasting, entertainment and photographic industries and has established a reputation for technical excellence and superior engineering along with an astute business strategy which has seen it grow by acquisition. Innovation is a cornerstone of the Group’s activities and the organization is committed to a policy of continuous product development. With revenues (2007) of $546m (£274m) and over 2200 employees world-wide, its products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through a strong, fully-resourced distribution network or direct to the end user or corporate customer. More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com.
