Mercia Technologies investment appoints BOSE man to help with commercial launch
SPECIALIST funder Mercia Technologies has said one of its direct investments has strengthened its board ahead of a new commercial launch.
Warwick Audio Technologies, which is set to market a new headphone system, has appointed Gary Waters, former vice president and general manager of BOSE Corporation, as a non-executive director.
Mr Waters was most recently responsible for the Consumer Electronics Division at BOSE. He brings to Warwick Audio valuable experience in the development and marketing of consumer headphone products and an in-depth understanding of how to sell new audio technology into major consumer electronics OEMs and automotive suppliers.
The new launch is a milestone in Warwick Audio’s development. It involves the first commercial application of its High-Precision Electrostatic Laminate transducer, which is being used in Sonoma Acoustics’ Model One (M1) Headphone System.
Sonoma Acoustics is targeting the M1 at the high-end, specialist audio market. It expects that the first M1 units will be shipped to the US and UK in mid-November.
Mike Grant, executive chairman of Warwick Audio Technologies, said: “With 25 years’ experience in both consumer and automotive audio product development, we are delighted that Gary has decided to join the Warwick Audio Board.
“His experience, as well as a significant network of contacts, will make a substantial contribution to Warwick Audio’s growth as we look to transform the headphone industry through the roll out of our HPEL technology in the wider consumer market. His decision to join us is also a major vote of confidence in the outstanding audio quality and promise of HPEL.”
Mr Waters added: “Joining the Warwick Audio team at this pivotal moment in its development is really exciting. The launch of the first HPEL based product with Sonoma Acoustics is a major milestone which has been achieved in a very short period of time. I am excited by the vision of the company, the potential of the HPEL technology and the quality of the team. I believe the business can create something that is truly revolutionary, delivering Hi-Resolution Audio to a broad spectrum of consumers.”
Dr Mark Volanthen, Investment Director (Electronics, Materials & Manufacturing/Engineering) of Mercia Technologies, said: “It has been encouraging to see the strong progress and positive feedback Warwick Audio has achieved this year as the business continues to build momentum.
“Appointing such a highly regarded industry figure as Gary is central to Warwick Audio’s growth in a competitive but commercially attractive industry, as well as to developing opportunities for the application of its technology into the broader consumer headphone market and in due course, the automotive market.”
