He co-founded Electrosonic in 1964 and led it to become a global technology advisor to theme parks, entertainment figures and Fortune 500 organisations.
Robert (Bob) Simpson, co-founder of Electrosonic, has passed away peacefully at the age of 82. Simpson co-founded Electrosonic Ltd on March 3rd, 1964 alongside Denis Naisbitt and Michael Ray.
Electrosonic’s origins were humble and the three co-founders first office consisted of two unfurnished rooms above a potato stall in the Greenwich Vegetable Market. With the leadership of Simpson, Electrosonic grew exponentially to become a global powerhouse and go-to technology advisor for the world’s biggest theme parks, entertainment figures and Fortune 500 organisations with offices in the UK, US, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
From its inception up until 2004, Simpson served as Chairman of Electrosonic Ltd and from 2005-2015 served as a director of and advisor to the international Electrosonic Group up until his retirement in 2016.
Simpson published several books including; ‘Videowalls – The Book of the Big Electronic Image’ and ‘Lighting Control – Technology and Applications as well as ‘Electrosonic – 50 Years on the Audio-Visual Front Line.’ His contributions to the industry were recognised when he was named a life member of the SMPTE, a fellow of the BKSTS, and when he received an InfoComm Distinguished Achievement Award and in 2017 an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) honour for services to the audiovisual industry.
Ewan Smith Electrosonic’s global president and managing director commented: “It is heartbreaking to have heard the news this week. My heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and his loved ones and to every individual that had the privilege to meet, to grab a drink with or if you’re lucky enough to work with Bob. We have lost such an incredible soul and an icon in the industry.”
Philip Aminoff, chairman of Helvar Merca Oy Ab, (the ownership group of Electrosonic) commented: “Of all the people I have known, Bob, through his ability to combine deep professionalism with such a good sense of what it means to be a human being, has had a special position in my life as a valued person to look up to.”
Reference : AVinteractive
