Since launching in 2007 Blackstar has become synonymous with great sounding, innovative guitar products that are focussed on the needs of players of all types. Now, Blackstar is promoting from within to prepare a scaleable business structure for future growth.
Following an MBO in 2017, Blackstar has further focussed on its innovation and worked hard to hone the sales channel. Ian Robinson, Blackstar Founder and M.D. reflects;
“The MBO was a challenging process as we pulled ourselves out of the Private Equity world. However, the results have been terrific and business has been able to follow a longer-term strategic path that has greatly strengthened the company.”
Part of this strategy has been the development of the senior leadership team. Since the MBO, Blackstar has been working with industry luminary Paul Daniel Wright on developing the management team.
Founder and Brand Director Paul Hayhoe explains;
“We’ve known PDW since our days at Marshall and we were really fortunate that he was available to help us mentor the team and develop our global sales channel, his expertise has been invaluable in moving the business forward in readiness for future growth.”
The culmination of this work is that Blackstar has recently promoted four senior managers to Directorial roles.
Ian explains;
“Part of the plan with PDW was bringing through some of our exceptional management talents to believe in developing our internal talent pool and we are privileged to work with such dedicated, intelligent, and driven people.”
As part of the restructure, four new roles have been created:
Joel Richardson – Director of Marketing
Alex D’Arcy – Director of Sales
Daniel Wright – Director of Business Operations
Laurent Veignal – Director of R&D
In making these changes, Paul Daniel Wright will step back from the day-to-day role, staying with the business in a strategic and advisory role moving forward.
Finally, Ian sums up the changes;
“We would like to thank PDW for his invaluable input. Blackstar is really excited about what lies ahead as we continue to grow by investing in our people, technology and brand. We’ve got some radical plans and the four new Directors are at the perfect point in their development to drive the business forward whilst allowing Paul and myself focus on delivering future opportunities.”
