IABM appoints new regional leaders to strengthen global industry engagement
IABM, the International Trade Association for Broadcast and Media Technology, is strategically enhancing its engagement approach with three new appointments aimed at bolstering connections within the industry. Ana-Claire Bernardes has been promoted to the newly established role of global head of member engagement, a position she will leverage to further deepen relationships across the association. Joining her are Michelle Kelly as the head of member engagement and growth for North America, and Sushant Rai, who will fulfil a similar role for the Asia-Pacific region.
Josh Arensberg, chair of the IABM board, emphasised the importance of these appointments amid the evolving landscape of the broadcast and media technology industry. "In these rapidly changing times for our industry, we need all the support, information and understanding we can get," he stated. He added that this initiative is part of the association’s broader strategy to drive engagement, placing value creation for members at its core. The trio, all seasoned leaders, is expected to ensure that every current and prospective member gains comprehensive support from the IABM community.
Ana-Claire Bernardes has been with IABM for nearly three years, originally joining as an analyst before assuming leadership of the Global Engaged Partner Program. Her tenure has endowed her with a profound understanding of the dynamics within the media technology sector, allowing her to grasp the vital role of a trade association in fostering meaningful connections among its members. As part of her new responsibilities, Bernardes will oversee Kelly and Rai, who each bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience from their prior roles.
Michelle Kelly’s background includes a substantial tenure at the National Association of Broadcasters, where she served as Senior Vice President of NAB Show, managing marketing and insights for major industry events. Her extensive immersion in the sector equips her to understand and navigate the challenges that today’s organisations face. Similarly, Sushant Rai, a respected figure in the Asia-Pacific media landscape, has built strong teams and achieved notable sales success throughout his career, offering invaluable insights and connections across the supply chain.
The newly appointed leaders will also collaborate closely with the regional IABM Councils, aiming to improve knowledge sharing and visibility of the association. This collaborative approach is indicative of IABM's commitment to amplifying the voice of its membership and enhancing engagement within its global community.
Saleha Williams, CEO of IABM, articulated her vision for revitalising the organisation since her arrival earlier this year. "I joined the association at the beginning of the year under a mandate from the board and membership to modernise and build connections," she noted. Her strategy emphasises the necessity of fostering an engaged and informed membership base, stating that having individuals who can relate to the industry on its own terms, regionally and culturally, is essential to achieving these goals.
The recent appointments come in tandem with IABM's initiatives to augment its Business Intelligence Unit, which aims to provide members with timely market insights and enhance the depth of reports available to them. These strategic manoeuvres showcase a clear commitment to not only adapting to industry changes but actively contributing to shaping the future of media technology.
As IABM navigates these changes, the association continues to offer valuable resources, including a China Pavilion sign-up that provides members access to reports on regional trends and developments in the broadcasting and media sector. Additionally, the organisation's commitment to hosting events such as the BaMZone™ highlights its dedication to knowledge exchange and networking within the industry.
Through these developments, IABM is poised to foster a strengthened community of broadcast and media professionals, ultimately ensuring their collective success in an increasingly complex marketplace.