Rise WIB And Rise AV Announce Key Leadership Updates

Rise WIB and Rise AV have announced key leadership updates and organisational developments as they continue to expand their reach and impact across the industry and around the globe.

Having always operated as a not-for-profit organisation, The Rise Group is now formally incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, a structure commonly used by charities and membership bodies. This transition strengthens Rise's governance and ensures that all funds continue to be reinvested to support its mission of advancing gender diversity and professional development in the Broadcast and AV industry.

A company limited by guarantee does not have shareholders so the current Non-Executive Directors, will be appointed as guarantors and form the Leadership Board. The new company structure will be fully operational from April 2026, aligning with the start of the organisation’s new financial year.

The Rise Group is pleased to welcome Jon Sidwick to its Leadership Board. Jon brings extensive experience and a respected voice from across the professional AV industry, strengthening Rise AV’s ability to drive equality, inclusion, and career development within this dynamic field. Jon has previously worked as Head of LCD Sales at Sharp, Senior Vice President at TD Synnex/Maverick AV Solutions, President of Collabtech Group, Co Owner and Chief Storyteller at Blue Touch Paper and is currently a Board Member for InfoComm Asia. Additionally, he has worked with Avixa for a number of years in the Leader Search Committee (LSC), Vice Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Board and finally as Chair of LSc and Officer.

Jon joins existing Leadership Team members, Nicki Fisher, Sadie Groom, Samantha Harrison, Claire Da Silva, Namata Sahmah, Tim Williams and Charlotte Wheeler who represent key areas of the broadcast and media technology landscape, helping to ensure Rise’s initiatives continue to serve all parts of the industry.

Rise WIB also announces that Nicki Fisher will be stepping down as UK Chapter Advisory Board Lead, with Abigail Hughes, Director of Sales Operations for Global Partnerships, ITV Studios, taking on the role. Nicki’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the growth of Rise and the organisation looks forward to Abigail continuing this momentum into 2026.

2025 has been a milestone year, launching Rise AV into the AV market, and successful programmes including the six-month Mentoring Programme and Elevate Programme, a leadership development programme for women in AV.

Rise WIB will also exhibit for the first time at NAB New York and both Rise AV and Rise WIB will exhibit at ISE 2026, continuing its mission to advocate for diversity and inclusion on an international stage. Following the success of the Rise AV UK mentoring programme, the next chapter will launch in 2026 in APAC. Rise WIB will also be launching its eighth chapter in Canada with further territory growth planned for 2026.

www.risewib.com