Meridian Audio has announced that it is strengthening its direct U.S. market presence. In addition, the company revealed that Peter Wellikoff, CEO of Meridian America, will leave the company on December 31.
Peter Wellikoff, CEO of Meridian America, will leave the company on December 31.
“The USA is Meridian’s largest single market and we are continuing to invest in our direct operations here,” Tim Ireland, CEO, Meridian Audio said. “From January 1, 2013 Meridian will fully integrate our U.S. operations within Meridian Audio Limited enabling our excellent team of U.S.-based staff to collaborate directly with our UK headquarters, utilizing the increased resources available to reinforce support for our partners and engage with customers throughout America.”
“Peter’s contribution to Meridian over these past four years has been significant, the smooth post-acquisition absorption of Sooloos into Meridian and the launch of our New York experience center are just two highlights amongst his numerous achievements,” Ireland added.
Ireland further revealed that executive vice president John Buchanan will lead Meridian’s newly integrated global sales and marketing team.
“This is an exciting time for Meridian and our U.S. business partners,” John Buchanan commented. “We are continuing to drive our brand forward, developing greater business opportunities through our unique relationships with Jaguar, Land Rover and McLaren Automotive, as well as through our work with HP, which is exposing the Meridian name to thousands of new U.S. consumers every day.”
Commenting on Meridian’s New York showroom where Meridian’s U.S. operations are based, Buchanan added, “Our facilities in the heart of SoHo offer an inspiring event and meeting space for business partners to use, providing a clear focus for Meridian’s high performance luxury message. With a dedicated Reference home theater and the full range of award-winning systems on demonstration, our fantastic New York showroom is an amazing location to explore the complete Meridian experience.”
On November 16, Wellikoff released a memo addressing his departure:
It has been my pleasure to have served as Meridian’s CEO for four years and another year as COO of Sooloos. During this period of time, I have made major organizational improvements to Meridian, its market position and distribution. However, my greatest pride is you, our business partners. As a group, you have been very loyal and supportive of the brand and directly responsible for its success.
Over the years I’ve made numerous changes and enhancements to our operations. The outsourcing of logistics to Samson, streamlining and focusing of our product line, trimming distribution and the creation of many dealer support programs have improved our branding, market position and the quality of services provided. The creation of our facility in NYC has been a huge success and a resource used by many of our business partners.
All of these improvements have made us the premier luxury audio video brand. It’s interesting how some of our competitors envy us and refer to Meridian as the ideal model. I take this as a compliment to our branding, operations, market position and the quality of distribution.
Unfortunately, circumstances evolve and change. Thus, please be aware that I will be departing the company as of the 31st of December. This decision has been under consideration for some time. Over the next six weeks I will be working with everyone to achieve a smooth transition. I am very fond of all of you and the company and want to ensure its continued success. Therefore, I will to work in every capacity so that we can close the holiday season with positive results.
Thank you for your loyalty, business and friendship. I wish all of you my very best.
Peter J. Wellikoff CEO Meridian America Inc.
