Patrick was joined by special guest Robin van Meeuwen from Crestron EMEA.
Firstly Robin tells Patrick how busy and challenging the last 12 months have been for Crestron. Around 18 months ago Crestron dramatically changed their senior management model, replacing the team that was responsible for managing parts of Europe, Russia and the Middle East.
“The customers are changing and our industry is changing. But we internally need to lead that and we need to change going forward as well.”
Crestron feels very like a family to Robin and he is trying to ensure that all of their staff feel the same. After the upheaval in the management team it was vitally important for them to be able to quickly get the different regions back on track in terms of their performance.
Fascinatingly Robin explains that to achieve their targets in Europe, and different regions, Crestron need to employ local managers, who understand local culture and principles. Crestron are still growing in all three territories so the opportunities are there if the right team is in place.
“You need to have the local leadership with that local understanding of the culture to lead the team. Unless that local leader is totally onboard with the vision, understands the vision and executes the vision then the team won’t follow.”
Robin appreciates that in such a fast moving industry, Crestron need to constantly evolve their approach. Their approach to the channel and their partnerships are crucial to Creston’s success in the industry. The trust and the close relationships involved enable Crestron to deploy new strategies and technologies quickly.
“We see them (Crestron partners) as part of our organisation, and an integral part of our organisation.”
The next year for Crestron looks very positive and Robin is overwhelmingly positive about the opportunities. The demand for technology and its importance in all of our lives is only increasing. Overcoming political challenges like Brexit will be important but Crestron are equipped to thrive regardless of the outcomes.
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Presenter and Tech Journalist Patrick Watson and special guest Robin van Meeuwen
