International. Hall Research announced the appointment of Jason Schwartz as the new CEO, who will have overall responsibility for creating, planning, implementing and integrating the organization's strategic direction to advance its market share both domestically and internationally. This leadership transition comes alongside the planned retirement of Ali and Gail Haghjoo, founders of Hall Research, who will retire on July 31, 2020.
Hall has been designing and manufacturing AV and data connectivity products since its inception, with a product range including matrix switches, scalers and extenders for applications in a variety of sectors including corporate, education, healthcare, transportation, transmission and government. Diverse experience shapes the company's culture of high standards and innovation. Hall is a portfolio company of Blackford Capital, a private equity firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
"We are excited to welcome Jason to Hall Research," said Stephen K. Parker, chairman of the board of Hall Research and operating partner of Blackford Capital. "He has a proven reputation for innovation as an organized and collaborative leader, and we know that his analytical and impact-oriented strategies will increase growth opportunities for Hall within the professional A/V market."
Schwartz has more than 20 years of experience in C-suite, improving bottom-line financial performance through increased sales, controlling costs and supply chains in general, and implementing cutting-edge technology strategies in various technology and consumer electronics companies. Most recently, he was head of mobile and cloud gaming at Razer Inc. There, he created a new business unit within the gaming company and developed a global go-to-market strategy that has greatly accelerated the company's revenue.
Schwartz has also held leadership roles at Incipio Group, BAMKO, Zagg Inc., Sanyo North America and Marindi Consulting Group. He completed his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from the State University of New York at Buffalo and received his MBA from northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in Evanston, Illinois.
"I am excited to lead an experienced team with strong engineering and operational backgrounds to continue to drive growth, provide high-quality customer service and leverage the exceptional brand that Hall Research has established," said Schwartz. "Hall's ability to develop customized products for our customers using in-house engineering and product innovation capabilities is unmatched, and I look forward to working with our team to utilize these capabilities in new market segments and future business opportunities."
Hall Research's co-founders will transition from their current leadership positions. Ali will continue to serve as a board member.
"Ali and Gail have been instrumental to Hall's success: managing a strong executive team since 1984, while effectively defining and executing the company's strategic evolution," Parker said. "We have been impressed by the Hall Research team and their excellent reputation and brand awareness since the inception of our partnership. We look forward to extending this legacy and thanking Ali and Gail for their extraordinary leadership that has truly positioned the company at the forefront of the professional A/V market."
