Long-term chairman of IBC, John Wilson has passed away. Wilson is regarded as the architect of IBC as we know it today. Like many who have guided this event run by the industry for the industry, Wilson had been a successful member of the business community, finishing his career as sales director at Link Electronics […]
Long-term chairman of IBC, John Wilson has passed away. Wilson is regarded as the architect of IBC as we know it today.
Like many who have guided this event run by the industry for the industry, Wilson had been a successful member of the business community, finishing his career as sales director at Link Electronics and founding a displays business, Anna Valley.
By 1990 it had become clear that IBC had become limited by its venue in Brighton, and John recognised that to move it on to the next level it needed a dramatic change in the way that it was run. With six partner bodies IABM, IEEE, IET, RTS, SCTE and SMPTE the event had strong guidance, and with a new and professional management team it could take the message to a much larger stage. Many people were involved in this transition, but its success was due in very large measure to Wilsons skills, contacts and vision.
He became chair of the new-look organisation, and when he passed the mantle on he was given the title President. He remained one of the busiest people on site during IBC, because everybody wanted to talk to him.
Through it all he remained softly spoken, and polite and calm at all times. David McGregor, founder of TSL and a veteran of every single IBC, said: John Wilson was always the perfect gentleman who in his own quiet way worked extremely hard for the benefit of IBC and the broadcast industry in general. His chairmanship transformed IBC into the well-drilled organisation it is today.
