PEOPLE / NEWS SignLink SignLinkMagazine printmonthly_signlink Philips Professional Display Solutions (PPDS), the exclusive global provider of Philips displays and complementary solutions, has announced the promotion of Jae O Choi Park and Ron Cottaar to new senior roles. Park, who joined PPDS as European Sales Director in 2022, has been promoted to the newly created position of EMEA commercial head, joining Angela Lin, Jason Wu, and Rosa Chiu, the commercial heads for US and LATAM, China, APA, and India respectively. In his new role, which Park has held on an interim basis since 2024, he will officially oversee all of PPDS’ European sales and support activities. Ron Cottaar will now serve as head of global marketing, tasked with expanding PPDS’ global presence and boosting the brand on a local, regional, and international scale. Cottaar has worked for the company for seven years, most recently as its head of marketing for North America. Commenting on the new position, Cottaar says: “I am proud to work with some immensely talented teams around the world, all striving for the same goals. In my new role and under the new structure, we will continue to accelerate brand awareness and the value of PPDS, while bringing new opportunities to our partners and customers.” The promotions follow the unexpected death of Martijn van der Woude, vice president of global business development and marketing at PPDS. Van der Woude, who had worked for PPDS since 2019, passed away suddenly in April from a heart attack, at the age of 55. Before PPDS, in a career spanning more than 25 years in business development, sales and marketing, and general management, Van der Woude co-founded a dvLED manufacturing company in Asia and led a Dutch software and consultancy firm. A statement from PPDS following his passing read: “He will be remembered as a transformational and entrepreneurial enabler – a champion in the AV community globally. Martijn will be truly missed by us all. In his private life, he was a pilot in every sense of the word, a devoted husband and father with a love for the skies. Our thoughts are with all in Martijn's family." A tribute from German signage magazine, Invidis, described van der Woude as “the face of Philips in the global digital signage market,” characterising him as “always an extremely honest analyst and unafraid to address industry challenges.” PPDS announces new management after unexpected death [L to R] Jae O Choi Park, the new EMEA commercial head, and Ron Cottaar, the new head of global marketing, both at PPDS By Jonathan Pert Exhibition stand builder, GH Display, has announced the death of its founder, Graham Hodson. Hodson started GH Display in 1976 from his garden shed, growing the company into a large team of 2D and 3D designers, print technicians, exhibition stand builders, and installers. The company was purchased by husband and wife, John and Jenny Hodson, the son and daughter-in-law of Graham, in 2013. The company now operates from a 30,000sq ft workshop and print facility in Cambridgeshire. In a tribute to Hodson, GH Display says: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our company founder, Graham Hodson, also known as Curly. “Graham was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing, loving, and working alongside him. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and generosity.” GH Display announces death of its founder UK sign-maker, Astley Signs, has announced the appointment of James Mavi as its new managing director. Mavi has worked for Gateshead-based Astley for almost seven years, having started as its head of sales before moving into the role of sales and marketing director. Other previous roles include working as head of sales for transportation and logistics firm, Dee Set. In a statement about the appointment, Astley says that Mavi has already played a key role in driving sales performance and business growth for the company, and that his “insight into customer relationships and market dynamics has been instrumental in positioning the company as a trusted partner to clients across a wide range of industries.” In his new position, Mavi is set to review core business processes, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency, and service enhancement across the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activity. According to Astley’s statement, embedding ESG principles into the company’s operations will be of particular focus, including boosting environmental performance and ethical governance. Astley Signs appoints new managing director [Pictured] James Mavi, new managing director of Astley Signs By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert Hodson founded GH Display in 1976 from his garden shed 15 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 261 - October / November 2025
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