About GPA

ABOUT

GPA

WHY GPA

With an ever-increasing number of companies looking to expand their operations regionally and globally, business leaders are searching for a better approach to their communication and collaboration technologies to anchor their organization’s modern work strategy.

Adding cultural, geographical, financial, and regulatory complexities to a workplace strategy significantly expands the challenges, risks, and effort. Whether deploying at scale domestically or globally, a long-term “programmatic” approach to deployment and lifecycle management is critical. This is where GPA excels.

GPA provides unified professional AV and UC services through our Regional Business Units in over 50 countries. With a true global mindset and over 15 years of international business experience at scale, we have the only true global services delivery model in the market. We have served over 1,000 enterprise customers with their global meeting room strategy.

THE GPA DIFFERENCE

Consistency

In our continued pursuit of excellence, GPA has developed a highly refined Global Standard Operating Process. It’s our responsibility to make sure you get the best outcome by focusing on standards, efficiency and support throughout the project lifecycle.

Global Coverage

With over 170 offices worldwide, we can service and support most major business capitals. We have local experts who are adept at handling the taxation, import and other compliance requirements that might hinder successful global deployments.

Agile Teamwork

Our agile business model removes the traditional barriers of working with global teams, improving operational delivery efficiency. The result for our customers is improved communication and consistent outcomes.

Owner Operated

GPA encompasses almost 30 expert Regional Business Units who deploy and deliver in different regions individually but collectively own GPA B.V. as shareholders. Together as globally-aligned businesses we share a single goal: to help you seamlessly and efficiently scale your AV and UC solutions globally.

No Margin Stacking

As a unified entity with over $1.5B USD in annual revenues, we prioritize collaboration and transparency, avoiding margin stacking on cross-border projects. Through our global processes and workflows, we distribute profits for multinational projects and leverage regional procurement to save costs.

GPA delivery team on the ground

With a global workforce of over 6,000 AV and UC experts across all of our business units, we distinguish ourselves from other global integrators by employing full-time qualified staff dedicated to serving our global customers. This ensures consistent deployment and delivery across all regions without reliance on third-party contractors.

OUR HISTORY

In 2008 GPA was formed to help customers have one global source for audio, video and unified communications solutions. The vision was to have a combined talent pool of thousands of professionals delivering excellence, following the same protocols and procedures across the globe.

Over the last decade, we have grown significantly as an organization, building stronger bonds, breaking down silos, openly sharing our knowledge and becoming the global AV integrator who truly wants to make a positive difference to the world.

With the combined strength of thousands of professionals sharing the same passion, culture and vision to innovate, GPA is uniquely capable of offering solutions that capture the imagination and exceed our customers’ expectations worldwide.

2008

Global Presence Alliance was formed, with coverage in five countries.

2013

Global Presence Alliance organized character published, and an inaugural Board of Directors elected

2014

Our global footprint hits 30 countries

2015

Our Accredited Partner Program launches, ensuring global delivery consistency with our key vendors.
Total combined global revenue breaks USD $1B annually

2016

We launched Insight, our global program tracking and management platform.
Our “Global Care” services management platform global services desk was launched.

2017

GPA B.V. was registered, solidifying our global organizational structure, truly become one.

2018

GPA University launches, giving our staff the ability to upskill on a global scale.

2019

The “Velocity” solution portfolio launches, a “standardized” global enterprise collaboration strategy offering.

2020

GPA rebrand is officially unveiled at ISE 2020

2022

GPA ranks #1 on 2022 SCN Top 50 System Integrators.

2023

GPA opens seven offices in one day around the world – Brisbane, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Madrid, London, New York and Sao Paulo

2024

GPA onboard five new shareholders, expanding their global presence and capabilities.

OUR TEAM

Because of the very nature of our organization’s evolution and structure. We are more than just business colleagues, we are friends, family, a committed community that looks beyond individual gain to shares best practices, innovation, and thought leadership for the common good. One united team built upon foundations like accountability, collaboration, ownership, and fun.

A seven-person Board of Directors drawn from executive leaders from within our RBU’s provides strategic guidance and direction to GPA BV’s executive leadership, as we collectively all strive to live up to our commitment to global delivery consistency and excellence.

Communities however need leaders, those responsible for everything from building the culture and structures that guide all of our everyday actions, to building the vision and strategy of what we strive to be. Our organization thrives on its diversity, and the depth and breadth of our leaders below.

Our Leadership Team

James Shanks

Managing Director

Having started with manufacturers of traditional AV, James harnessed tech advancements to build his own successful integration and service business. This led to the opportunity to implement a successful multinational strategy on behalf of a major global Integrator. Now, with GPA, James brings that experience and leadership ability to amplify our support of enterprise customers worldwide in delivering excellence globally.

Ale Gamez

Director, Global Business Enablement

As the Director of Global Business Enablement, Ale is responsible for the processes and workflows enabling our Regional Business Units to collaboratively work on opportunities and projects as one team. Ale’s expertise in team culture and communication is a testament to the GPA and our excellence in global delivery.

Trevor Town

Director, Global Partnerships

Trevor is a highly accomplished procurement expert with 30 years of experience, including 25 years specializing in the AV industry. Adept at sourcing, selecting, and negotiating with global suppliers to drive cost efficiencies and strategic partnerships, Trevor is skilled in market research, vendor audits, and contract management, ensuring compliance and optimal performance.

Don Mastro

Vice President, Global Sales

As Vice President of Global Sales, Don is responsible for leading GPA’s global sales initiative by implementing the budgeting, reporting, and forecasting structures. He chairs GPA’s Global Sales Leadership Team to identify, develop, and recommend strategic sales programs, initiatives, structures, and methodologies and assist with the organization’s effort to grow and improve the organization. Don also provides GPA’s Executive Management team and Board with visibility and measurable results.

Ken Bayern

Director, Global Account Strategy

As the Director of Global Account Strategy, Ken is responsible for leading the global account strategy and the management of the global business development team. He also facilitates GPA’s alignment with key manufacturer partners and the world’s preeminent delivery and support organizations. With a wealth of knowledge in global enterprise sales, growth, and operations, Ken has had a long career in business development and management within AV the technology sphere.

ROB LEARMOUTH

VP of Global Operations

As Vice President of Global Operations, Rob is responsible for shaping and executing GPA’s global service and delivery strategy. He provides strategic leadership to ensure a cohesive, scalable approach across all regions, working in close collaboration with our Regional Business Units to consistently deliver excellence and exceed client expectations worldwide

Joe Clarke

Director, Global Program Delivery

With an extensive background in telecommunications, Joe is an experienced Project Manager with a track record in operational management and adept at leading complex projects, Joe also possesses a broad range of technical competencies. As a Prince2 and Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) registered practitioner, he is highly proficient at delivering value for money solutions for customers.

Ellesse Fehlberg

Director, Global Marketing

As a dedicated brand ambassador, Ellesse has the task of heading all global marketing initiatives for GPA. In addition to a thorough understanding of marketing branding and strategy, she has an extensive understanding of technology and the AV industry. In her role as the Director of Global Marketing, Ellesse believes that people are at the heart of any successful audio-visual integrator, and the driving fundamental behind GPA’s marketing strategy. Effective and clear communication that transcends language and cultural barriers.