The Denmark-based company, which produces intelligent and intuitive AV systems for classrooms and conference rooms worldwide, has been run by Tue S. Andersen since its founding. However, on 1 January, the retiring CEO, who developed the first products in his kitchen, will take up the position of board chairman of the company he started nearly 18 years ago.
Since producing its first simple product back in 1999, the vision for Neets has always been to create AV equipment that makes life easier for teachers, speakers, and communicators. The earliest products did this through their simple design based on a recognizable system of buttons, while today's focus is on advanced, intelligent, and, not least, intuitive systems for all types of AV systems.
As the company's founder and CEO, Tue S. Andersen's role over the years has spanned from entrepreneur to source of inspiration, and product developer. This is the ideal time for the change in terms of the company's 'age' and life cycle. With Neets ready to stand on its own as of 1 January, Tue S. Andersen's most important role in the future will be to act as a kind of mentor, a supporter from the sidelines - providing the necessary guidance to help the company make the right choices, just like parents do for their teenagers as they leave the nest.
Christensen, who has acted as co-owner and head of sales and marketing for the past four years, is taking over the position of CEO. Although he does not believe there will be a noticeable difference when he takes the helm in the new year, they are, of course, two different people with their own skill sets. Tue S. Andersen is the visionary and passionate entrepreneur while Michael Jarl Christensen is the strategic and organizational leader.
However, Christensen intends, among other things, to maintain the company's present international focus. In addition to the international aspect, he explains, "My primary focus in 2017 will be to naturalize the process of identifying, understanding, and incorporating how the users and other stakeholders utilise our products.
"These insights will allow us to adapt our products to the users' needs. Basically, it's about maintaining an innovative mindset - in everything we do."
He also stresses: "One of Neets' basic principles is the same today as it was when Tue started the company: to give users of AV equipment peace of mind, allowing them to concentrate on their core competences - that's how we make a difference and that's where our legitimacy lies."
(Jim Evans)
