Industry experience: there’s no shortage of it on Robert Keeler’s vitae. As CEDIA’s newly appointed senior director of sales, sponsorships, and partnerships, he joins the organization as the former vice president of sales at Stewart Filmscreen.
Keeler has also held roles at Screen Innovations, Pioneer Electronics, BDI, Hitachi, and others. All told, he has spent two decades involved in the consumer electronics and custom integration channel.
His new position at CEDIA, says Keeler, gives him the opportunity to pursue his passion of helping dealers become more successful.
“With each role I’ve had, I’ve maintained an ‘I work for you’ mentality as it relates to the dealer, rep, or business partners,” he explains.
“Working for CEDIA further advanced that notion. Although my paycheck says ‘CEDIA,’ I truly work for every CEDIA member. Plus, CEDIA allows me to achieve a personal satisfaction in my day-to-day activities.”
A long and varied history in the industry, Keeler believes, provides him with a keen insight into the industry and knack for working with all facets of the integration business.
“Over the years I’ve worked with every type of group in the industry and believe I can listen to them with the ability to understand them intimately. Being a Jack-of-all-Trades with the ability to think strategically and act tactically should allow me to best serve the industry.”
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“I am thrilled that Robert has joined our team; he has a proven track record and is incredibly well respected in the channel. I know he will do a fantastic job of engaging with members and understanding how CEDIA can better fulfill its role of connecting the industry,” says Giles Sutton, senior vice president of industry engagement.
What exactly does Keeler hope to accomplish? Senior director of sales, sponsorships, and partnerships is a completely new position created by CEDIA, so he expects his specific duties to morph over time.
However, there’s one overarching goal: “To sell CEDIA.” More specifically, Keeler says he will focus on aligning sponsorship opportunities, provide value to CEDIA members, and more sure CEDIA members are engaged.”
Of course, Keeler recognizes the challenges the come with joining a new company and taking on a completely new role.
“I know I have some hard work ahead of me. Being in front of clients, customers and the like energizes me and fuels me. I see CEDIA as an opportunity to fulfill my passions and goals professionally and personally.”
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