THE #1 AV NEWS PUBLICATION. PERIOD.

The Rumors Are False: CEDIA Is Not Merging With AVIXA, Appoints Daryl Friedman As CEO

daryl friedman as cedia global president and ceo 1CEDIA has named Daryl Friedman as global president and CEO. He will assume the role on Nov. 29, 2021.

Friedman has spent more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership roles and has overseen membership, advocacy, industry relations and the technical wing for the 25,000-member Recording Academy. The Academy, known globally for the GRAMMY Awards, represents technical and creative professionals in music. Friedman has successfully advocated for legislation providing assistance to the recording community during the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting the rights of creators in the streaming era, earning the title of “the music creators’ man in Washington” from Billboard.

“We’ve found someone that I am confident will be the step-change in leadership that CEDIA needs and deserves,” said Jamie Briesemeister, CEDIA Board and executive search committee member. “Daryl has decades of experience in trade association leadership and member advocacy. He exudes a humble nature that draws conversation and consensus, and he deeply values technical expertise and artistry. Daryl has a vision for what CEDIA can be — and will be — and he has the experience to realize it.”

“Having represented audio professionals for most of my career, I’ve long admired CEDIA for championing immersive audio experiences in the home,” said Friedman. “Now, as our homes become the hub for work, education, entertainment, and wellness, CEDIA members are the indispensable partners for making our homes more comfortable and connected. This is truly CEDIA’s moment, and I am honored to join the team at this exciting time.”

rAVe’s Gary Kayye had a chance to catch up with Daryl and said his vision is solid. “I think Daryl is the right person at the right time, and he will be adding a VP of Education and Training soon. That will bring a 20+ year career in that role and will help CEDIA differentiate itself from CES.”

See related  CEDIA Extends CEO Daryl Friedman’s Contract Through 2027

Gary said that appointment would come shortly but, in the meantime, Daryl will help reposition CEDIA in the mind of the CE market. “As an outsider coming into CEDIA, his vision will not be historical, and he will create new thinking not weighted by a feeling that something’s been tried before. I think he’s exactly what CEDIA and its members need, now.”

Friedman’s selection concludes a lengthy and deliberate search led by Vetted Solutions. The process entailed multiple rounds of interviews and exercises, including one final meeting where the candidate questioned the search committee, asking candid questions about the role and expectations.

“Daryl is a very positive, thoughtful and inspiring communicator. He is ready to listen, understand and engage in constructive dialogue. I believe that he will apply what he already knows as well as what he learns to allow him to lead from the front,” said David Weinstein, CEDIA Board vice-chairperson. “There is so much opportunity for the custom integrator community at this time. With Daryl in this leadership role, I am very confident that he will help us to raise the profile of our association for the mutual benefit of the entire system integration and control industry.”

Top