WOODINVILLE, WA -- September 101, 2002 -- Mackie Designs Inc. (NASDAQ:MKIE) announced today that Paul Gallo and Ken Williams have been named to the Company's Board of Directors. The company also announced the retirement of long-time outside Directors C. Marcus Sorenson and David M. Tully.
"We are pleased to welcome Paul Gallo and Ken Williams to Mackie's Board. Both Paul and Ken bring high energy, directly relevant industry experience, and distinguished records of accomplishment to their new positions at our company. We expect them to contribute significantly to Mackie's continued success as we implement our strategy for long-term growth," said Gregory W. Riker, who earlier this month became the first outside Chairman of Mackie's Board.
Paul Gallo, 59 years old, began his career more than 30 years ago with the Recording Institute of America. In 1978, he co-founded and was the first publisher of Pro Sound News. In 1986, Pro Sound News was acquired by United News & Media (now United Business Media, plc). With Pro Sound Newsas its cornerstone publication, Gallo grew the newly formed PSN Publications, Inc. by overseeing both the acquisition of such titles as Videography and Television Broadcast and the launch of new magazines including EQ, Systems Contractor News and Replication News (now Medialine). In 2000, Gallo assumed management responsibilities for the West Coast-based Music Player Group (publishers of Guitar Player and Keyboard). Music Player Group purchased the Music Yellow Pages before it was re-branded as United Entertainment Media in 2001. Gallo continued to guide the U.S. operations as President and CEO until he was promoted last year to Executive Director and handed global responsibilities for the Entertainment Media Group, a division of CMP Information. Gallo's increased responsibilities included directing the London-based Music Group headed by Music Weekand the Entertainment Technology group, publishers of TVB Europe, Pro Sound News Europe and One-to-One.
Ken Williams, 47 years old, and his wife founded Sierra On-Line Inc. (Sierra) in 1979, and he was its' Chairman/CEO from inception through its acquisition in 1996, including eight years as a publicly traded company. Sierra grew under Williams' leadership to become the worldwide leader in consumer software for personal computers, and produced hit products including Half-Life, Kings Quest, Leisure-Suit Larry, Hoyle, Print Artist, and Nascar. Sierra lead the charge during the 80's to bring professional composers into computer entertainment and to expand the audio capabilities of the personal computer. Williams is currently Managing Partner of Cielo Azul Ventures LLC, which oversees his portfolio of venture and real estate investments.
"I want to thank Marcus Sorenson and Dave Tully for their wise advice and counsel and their many contributions to the Company's growth and success over the years. All of us at Mackie wish them continued success," Riker said. Sorenson, 54 years old, served on Mackie's Board of Directors since 1990. Tully, 58 years old, served on the Board since Mackie was founded in 1988. There currently are seven Directors on Mackie's Board, including five outside Directors.