Listen Technologies, provider of assistive listening, multi-language audio transmission and live streaming audio solutions, has announced that Russ Gentner, the company’s founder, chairman and CEO, will now transition to the role of chairman and chief strategist. The board has now appointed Maile Keone to the role of president and CEO.
“I’ve enjoyed seeing the growth of the organization over the past 23 years, and I’m excited for the next phase with Maile at the helm,” says Gentner. “Having worked closely with Maile over the last eight years, I know she is talented and passionate, with a track record of achieving strategic growth that has enabled the company to thrive. As a result, Listen Technologies has never been stronger.”
A talented team
“We are well-positioned for the future with a deep leadership team, investments in emerging and new technologies, and talented, dedicated employees,” continues Gentner. “I’m excited about this transition and the new leadership we bring to the ProAV industry. This is the perfect time for Maile to become Listen Technologies’ next chief executive officer. I look forward to continuing in an active role as chairman of the board and leading business strategy.”
The company was founded in 1998 by Gentner, whose mission was to give everyone the same listening experience. Over the years, Listen Technologies has worked to break down barriers, including noise, distance, hearing loss, sight loss and language, across a wide range of markets and experiences.
Under Gentner’s leadership, the company has seen consistent year-over-year growth, as well as the reaching of several technology and innovation milestones, including the successful commercialization and launch of industry-leading radio frequency, infrared and Wi-Fi solutions.
Building on momentum
“I am honoured to succeed Russ and serve as the next CEO of Listen Technologies,” Keone says. “I look forward to leading the company through the next stage of growth, continuing to deliver value through inclusive listening experiences across many markets and applications.
“We have tremendous potential to build on the momentum created under Russ’s leadership, and I am grateful for his mentorship and dedication to building an exceptional organization. I want to thank Russ for his commitment to Listen Technologies, and I look forward to guiding our vision and creating value for our shareholders, partners and customers.”
In recent years, the company has grown and diversified, moving from a company that is focused on assistive listening systems to one that is creating solutions to overcome communication barriers and enable quality listening experiences.
Earlier this year, Listen Technologies announced the launch of ListenTALK 2.0, a firmware update to its award-winning mobile communication system. The solution now has expanded functionality to support simultaneous language interpretation.
