Leading custom electronics distributor appoints new vice president and general manager, restructures sales operations as part of reorganizational strategy

As part of a strategy to strengthen its customer service programs and sales initiatives, AVAD LLC, North America's leading distributor of custom home electronics, has announced a series of reorganizational changes including the appointment of Jim Annes to vice president and general manager of AVAD. Additionally, AVAD is restructuring its sales resources resulting in quicker response times and additional dealer engagement opportunities. AVAD will also consolidate selected branches throughout the U.S. as part of this reorganizational effort.

Annes brings a wealth of knowledge and a long and successful career in business strategy and consulting to the AVAD management team. Annes has spent the last six years with Ingram Micro, heading the company's worldwide strategic planning unit for each of the past four. Prior to Ingram Micro, he held management roles at KPMG Consulting and Brience, Inc.

"I look forward to helping AVAD build upon its outstanding reputation as the leading custom home electronics distributor," said Annes. "For over 12 years, AVAD's team of experts has provided custom installation professionals with the best the industry has to offer in products, service, training and support. With a revitalized operations and customer support structure, we can continue to remain focused on the needs of the dealer."

Annes will report to John Soumbasakis, senior vice president of Ingram Micro, who served as the interim leader of AVAD since the fall of 2008. In his responsibilities at Ingram Micro, Soumbasakis will maintain a prominent role within AVAD's organization, supporting Annes and the AVAD management team with strategy and business oversight.

In addition to the appointment of Annes, AVAD has named Wally Whinna to the position of executive vice president of sales and marketing as part of a strategy to consolidate its sales and marketing functions. Whinna, an original co-founder of AVAD, previously oversaw AVAD's marketing department as vice president of marketing since the company's inception in 1997.

AVAD's new organizational structure allows the company to seamlessly consolidate from three regions to two-east and west. Steve Clark will serve as AVAD's west region director and Kim Brown as east region director.

AVAD will also significantly increase its phone-based customer support and sales programs to ensure the distributor's customer base of 10,000 custom electronics dealers are serviced in a timely and professional manner.

"As with any organization, the current economic climate has forced AVAD to take a calculated evaluation of its business strategies and organizational structure," said Soumbasakis. "We are confident these changes, which came after a careful decision making process by our management team, will improve our efficiency and customer service while streamlining our internal and external operations."

As a result of its reorganization efforts, AVAD will consolidate the following branches based on a number of criteria, including close proximity to another, more viable AVAD branch: Austin, Texas; Avon, Ohio; Chicago; Las Vegas; Orlando, Fla.; Raleigh, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Taunton, Mass.; Sacramento, Calif.; Warren, Mich. AVAD will retain selected sales associates and resources from each of these branches to ensure its regional customers receive the same, unparalleled service and support they have grown to expect from AVAD. AVAD will offer special pricing on all will call display products at each of these locations through the May 15th closing date.

AVAD remains dedicated to its customers and invites dealers to contact their regional sales manager or call 1-866-FOR-AVAD for additional information on these recent changes.