d&b audiotechnik is expanding its Research and Development department and has appointed a new member to its management team. With effect from August 1st, Jan Biermann takes over from Frank Bothe as Head of Research and Development. Bothe will now focus on the company’s medium to long term technology roadmap in his role as Chief Technology Officer. As leader of the Research and Development team Biermann will be responsible for implementing product development projects, reporting to d&b Managing Director Markus Strohmeier.

“I am delighted to welcome Jan aboard,” says Strohmeier. “We searched extensively for someone who could further strengthen our already incredibly talented Research and Development team as we look to create the technologies that will shape the future. The role that Frank’s knowledge and vision has played in d&b’s development to this point is immeasurable and we are thrilled to find in Jan the experience and expertise to build on that work.”

After graduating in Physics Bothe joined d&b in 1990 and has been steering the company’s technical direction ever since. At that time d&b co-workers numbered just over 20; today the team has grown to almost 450. With 50 co-workers in the Research and Development team alone the department covers a growing range of disciplines from acoustics and loudspeaker design to an increasing focus on electronic hardware and software engineering. “This technology diversification will promote d&b’s continued success as it evolutes from a loudspeaker systems manufacturer to an audio technology solutions provider,” says Bothe. “My priority now is to intensify our research into new fields and identify key technology trends. With Jan, we will be fully equipped to meet every challenge and opportunity that we face in an audio industry that is becoming more and more digital. We’re in uncharted territory and Jan’s leadership will inject a new momentum to take our expertise to the next level.”

Prior to joining d&b Biermann held positions as Director of Research and Development in the semiconductor industry, at NewLogic Technologies in Austria, and in the Bosch Automotive Electronics Business Unit in Germany, where he was responsible for 170 co-workers in Germany, India, and the Philippines. He holds degrees in Electrical Engineering from Technical University of Darmstadt, and in Business Administration. “It’s already clear to me that the driving force at d&b is curiosity and a passion for sound,” says Biermann. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to design and deliver the audio technology solutions that will shape shared experiences in the future.”

www.dbaudio.com