Since setting up his first office in Düsseldorf, Kluten has presided over steady growth of the company in all market sectors, setting up a structure which has enabled IAG to respond more efficiently and quickly to market demands. "This has allowed us to take advantage of Wharfedale's attractive price/performance ratio, and expansion into new product areas - such as powered mixers and studio monitors - to lay the groundwork for further electronic products," he says. "The combination of outstanding production capabilities and up-to-date product development - combined with a lean distribution overhead - have provided the cornerstones to our success."
Kluten has an eminent pedigree in the world of pro audio. Between 1985 and 2001 he was divisional manager of the pro-audio division of a leading German/Japanese distributor. He then built up the RAMSA (Panasonic) distribution in Germany for MI, Pro Audio, SR, recording and broadcast products. He also launched an own-brand ASA (Advanced Sound Applications) for pro audio products, developing and marketing new products such as wireless systems, mixing consoles, powered mixers, speaker systems and digital amps for the European market. In 2001 he was head-hunted by former Panasonic USA colleague, Steve Woolley, to set up IAG Germany.
(Lee Baldock)
