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ABOUT

GPA

WHY GPA

As companies expand regionally and globally, business leaders are looking for better communication and collaboration tools to support their modern work strategy.

Adding cultural, geographical, financial, and regulatory complexities to workplace strategies increases the challenges, risks, and effort. Whether implementing solutions on a domestic or global scale, adopting a long-term “programmatic” approach to deployment and lifecycle management is essential. This is where GPA excels.

GPA offers unified professional audiovisual (AV) and unified communications (UC) services through our Regional Business Units across more than 50 countries. With a global perspective and over 15 years of international business experience, we offer the only true global service delivery model available in the market. To date, we have successfully assisted over 1,000 enterprise customers with their global meeting room strategies.

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

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 established to provide customers with a single global source for audio, video, and unified communications solutions. Our vision is to build a global team of thousands of professionals committed to delivering excellence and following consistent protocols worldwide.

Over the past decade, we have experienced significant growth as an organization. We have strengthened our relationships, broken down silos, and shared our expertise, positioning us as the global AV integrator committed to making a positive impact.

With thousands of professionals who share a passion, culture, and vision for innovation, GPA is uniquely equipped to deliver solutions that inspire creativity and exceed our customers’ expectations worldwide.

2008

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

2013

Global Presence Alliance organized a character published, and an inaugural Board of Directors was 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. This means that “Global Presence Alliance” is dropped as a term because GPA is much more than an alliance or a network.

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

Our organization has evolved into more than just a group of business colleagues; we have become friends, family, and a committed community. We look beyond individual gain to share best practices, foster innovation, and promote thought leadership for the common good. Together, we form a united team built on accountability, collaboration, ownership, and fun.

A seven-person Board of Directors, composed of executive leaders from within our RBU, provides strategic guidance and direction to GPA BV’s executive leadership. Together, we strive to uphold our commitment to global delivery consistency and excellence.

However, communities need leaders who are responsible for shaping the culture and structures that guide our daily actions, as well as for developing the vision and strategy for our future goals. Our organization thrives on its diversity, benefiting from the depth and breadth of leadership present within it.

Our Leadership Team

gpa managing director - james shanks

James Shanks

Managing Director

Starting with traditional AV manufacturers, James leveraged technology advancements to create a successful integration and service business. He then executed a successful multinational strategy for a major global integrator. At GPA, he now applies his expertise and leadership to enhance our support for enterprise customers worldwide.

ale gamez

Ale Gamez

Director, Global Business Enablement

As the Director of Global Business Enablement, Ale oversees the processes and workflows that allow our Regional Business Units to collaborate effectively on opportunities and projects as a cohesive team. Ale’s expertise in team culture and communication shows the GPA’s commitment to delivering excellence globally.

Trevor Town

Trevor Town

Director, Global Partnerships

Trevor is a highly accomplished procurement expert with 30 years of experience, including 25 years in the AV industry. Skilled in sourcing, selecting, and negotiating with global suppliers, he drives cost efficiencies and forms strategic partnerships. His expertise includes market research, vendor audits, and contract management, ensuring compliance and optimal performance.

don mastro

Don Mastro

Vice President, Global Sales

As Vice President of Global Sales, Don leads GPA’s global sales initiatives, overseeing budgeting, reporting, and forecasting. He chairs the Global Sales Leadership Team to develop strategic programs and methodologies aimed at growth and improvement. Don also provides the Executive Management team and Board with visibility and measurable results.

Ken Bayern

Director, Global Account Strategy

As the Director of Global Account Strategy, Ken leads the global account strategy and manages the business development team. He ensures GPA aligns with key manufacturer partners and top delivery and support organizations. With extensive experience in global enterprise sales and operations, Ken has built a successful career in AV technology business development.

Rob Learmouth

ROB LEARMOUTH

VP of Global Operations

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

joe clarke

Joe Clarke

Director, Global Program Delivery

Joe is an experienced Project Manager with a strong background in telecommunications and operational management. Skilled in leading complex projects, he holds PRINCE2 and Managing Successful Programs (MSP) certifications, enabling him to deliver cost-effective solutions for customers.

Ellesse Fehlberg

Director, Global Marketing

As the Director of Global Marketing at GPA, Ellesse leads all global marketing initiatives. She combines her expertise in branding and technology with a belief that people are central to the success of any audio-visual integrator. Her marketing strategy focuses on effective communication that transcends language and cultural barriers.

The Board

David Carroll: Chairman

GPA Ireland

David Lesch

GPA Czechia

Hans-Jörg Ulmer

GPA Brazil

Marjoleign Koens Schaddelee

Marjolein Koens-Schaddelee

GPA Netherlands

Roger Patrick

Roger Patrick

GPA USA

Simon Robinson

Simon Robinson

GPA New Zealand

Susan Stechly

GPA Canada