Freeman Names New AV Leader
Dallas-based Freeman said Ken Sanders will join the company as president of the audio visual U.S. division Aug. 18, replacing Craig Smith, who retires in September.
Sanders’ most recent position was executive vice president of Video Equipment Rentals (VER), a global leader in the AV equipment supply field based in Southern California. While there, he had oversight of 18 domestic and three international operations, as well as overseeing VER’s global sales strategy.
“We are very fortunate to have someone of Ken’s reputation and proven leadership join Freeman’s executive management team,” Freeman President John O’Connell said in a statement. “His proven expertise in hotel operations, technology, the corporate market, global activity, and inventory distribution management will enable us to continue to expand Freeman’s audio visual capabilities and resources for our clients.”
Sanders began his career in the audio visual and events industry at AVHQ in 1983, becoming VP for their hotel division in 1991. He then became COO before moving into the executive vice president’s position for AVSC, parent company for AVHQ and Presentation Services/PSAV in 1999.
Freeman CEO Joe Popolo noted, “We are so thankful to Craig for his many years of service to Freeman. While we are sad to see Craig retire, Ken will be another key part of our strategy to bring multiple solutions to customers while delivering on our commitment to improve quality and customer service.”
Freeman provides integrated services for face-to-face marketing events, including expositions, conventions, corporate events and exhibits. The company has offices in 41 cities across North America. Freeman produces more than 3,900 expositions annually including 103 of the largest 200 U.S. trade shows, and over 10,000 other events worldwide.