AudioAficionado.org - Strata-Gee: Showing Signs of Life, Krell Announces New COO

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Strata-Gee: Showing Signs of Life, Krell Announces New COO

More news on Krell posted today:

Quote:

Krell Industries LLC formally announced today it has hired Walter Schofield as its new Chief Operating Officer. Schofield is fairly well known in the audio community, in fact, Krell refers to him as an “industry veteran.”

Earlier this year in March, Strata-gee posed the question, "Is Krell out of Business?" This story was the result of several sources who came forward with information about the company’s financial woes. In an interview, owner Rondi D’Agostino acknowledged difficulties, but vehemently denied the company was declaring bankruptcy or was in any way going out of business.

Now, as if to publicly push back on the concept, the company announces it has hired well-known industry executive Schofield to come in as COO. The company’s announcement also said it is “…reinforcing and building the brand through an extensive program of new product development, expanded marketing initiatives, and overall strategic direction.”

Prior to joining Krell, Schofield was Vice President of Global Strategy at Emotiva, a position he held for a little more than a year. Further back in his career, he has done stints with SVS, Meridian, Mark Levinson (w/Harman Specialty Group), Linn, and more.

Krell says Schofield will be primarily responsible to “drive all sales, marketing, and new product initiatives.” The company notes that Gordon Schackelford, Krell’s VP of Sales, continues with the company primarily in charge of North American dealers.

“Walter’s knowledge of the audio market is second to none,” said Dave Goodman, Director of Product Development, Krell Industries in a prepared statement.

“Throughout the course of his career, he continually proved himself an expert at revitalizing time-honored brands like Krell with successful strategies for significantly growing their market share. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”

The company’s prepared announcement about the appointment gave few details on just what some of their new sales and marketing initiatives would include.

However, it did say that the company “will soon announce” amplifier modifications “across its entire lineup.” The company is also launching a new integrated amplifier, the K300-I. These new products will benefit from “an aggressive marketing campaign” that will utilize public relations, advertising and social media the company said.

Krell Announces New COO

Schofield's history has him starting at Cambridge Soundworks, then on to B&W, Linn, Harman (where he was in charge of Mark Levinson from April 2005 - May 2008), President of Meridian America, VP Sales and Marketing for Sound Solutions (Wharfedale, Avid HiFi and Solid Steel), Director of Sales at SVS, and for the past year VP of Global Strategy for Emotiva.

That sounds like good news. I wish them luck. I'd really like to get my hands on a Vanguard integrated someday.

Thanks for the post.

Cheers,

Scott

I wonder if Rondi D’Agostino, Dan's ex wife, is still the owner of Krell as she serves the brand as Managing Director?

The press release about Walter Schofield, the new Krell Industries COO, is the typical glowing banter presented to the public when administrative restructuring takes place. Walter's resume strikes me as someone who doesn't hang around all that long. Whether Krell ever manages to recapture the sales momentum of yesteryear's glory days remains to be seen. There is considerably more high-end manufacturing competition now than when Krell laid claim to being the high-end leader in audio. I suspect there's a lot of tarnish to be buffed off their reputation before audiophiles are once again willing to embrace the Krell brand as serious high-end audio gear. Time will ultimately reveal all. I wish them luck. It looks like they will need it.

Strata-Gee: Showing Signs of Life, Krell Announces New COO

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdandy (Post 929230)

It’s a tough road for all the reasons in business, but anythings possible, really depends on ones self.

Walter Schofield does have a long resume, but I see him as a person who can't keep a job. He'll be off somewhere else next year to "spend more time with his family."

I waited years to get tech support out of Krell but ultimately got nowhere. To drive the business forward they need to stop alienating existing customers. I won't buy another Krell product again.

I would agree with that; I've read too many tales on AVS Forum of users who have sent their Foundation surround processors to be fixed and it has taken Krell over one year to return them.

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Originally Posted by BillK (Post 929979)

I would agree with that; I've read too many tales on AVS Forum of users who have sent their Foundation surround processors to be fixed and it has taken Krell over one year to return them.

Forum reports can be a little misleading as its human nature to complain about an interpreted experience, but rarely give praise. Same applies to website product reviews.

I had a unit repaired at Krell (at no cost) about 9 months ago; it took about 6 weeks total, and they apologized for the delay. I followed the manufactures advice, purchased it from an authorized Krell dealer, and had the unit registered with Krell.

Ron

I've waited since about August 2015 for them to deal with my Krell Foundation issue. That is over 3 years now. Plenty of emails to and fro from PB but ultimately it went nowhere. And yes, my Foundation was purchased new by me from an authorized dealer.

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Originally Posted by brodricj (Post 930105)

...............and they were able to replicate your issue?
...............and they didn't honor their 5 year warranty? :scratch2:

Ron