Taking Bahnemann's place is Glenn Kennel, who joined ARRI in 2009
his roles at the company this coming spring. Bahnemann leaves with a legacy of 48 years with ARRI, 32 of which he served as CEO of ARRI Inc.
and refinement of many significant filmmaking technologies such as the
ARRIFLEX 35III, ARRIFLEX 765, ARRIFLEX 435 and ARRIFLEX 235 cameras,
and ARRI/Zeiss High Speed and Variable Prime lenses. These products have
had a huge impact on the way films are shot and have all been recognized by the
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) with Scientific and
Technical Awards. In 1996, AMPAS also recognized Bahnemann with the John
A. Bonner Award, “in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in
upholding the high standards of the Academy.” In 2002, for his contributions, the
S.M.P.T.E. honored him with the Fuji Gold Medal Award.
Bahnemann began his career at 16 as an apprentice with ARRI in Munich. He
later worked as a service technician for the U.S. distributor of ARRI equipment
where he moved up through the ranks to head the organization that, in 1978, was
acquired by Arnold & Richter. This was ARRI’s first subsidiary outside of
Germany and from the beginning, as President and CEO, Bahnemann was
instrumental in ARRI’s growth in North and South America, expanding from its
initial base in New York to Los Angeles along with adding offices in Toronto and
Ft. Lauderdale. Today the ARRI brand is the first choice for many filmmakers
from independent productions to studio blockbusters and television drama.
this comprehensive technical background combined with his thorough understanding of the filmmaker’s needs that helped shape ARRI into the company it is today.
Taking Bahnemann’s place is Glenn Kennel, who joined ARRI in 2009 with the
new position of Chief Technology Officer. Kennel came to the company with 30
years of experience in technology development and marketing in the motion
picture industry and has since demonstrated not only superb technical abilities,
but also shown his collegial personality and leadership style.
Says Bahnemann, “I am confident and gratified to have found in Glenn a person
qualified and ideally suited to lead the company into the future. With my best
wishes and the full support of the board, effective April 1, 2010, Glenn Kennel
will be installed as President of ARRI Inc.”
Glenn says, “I am honored and humbled to have this opportunity to follow Volker
and the legacy that he has built. These are challenging times. In the digital
world, we face strong competitors and fast moving technology. I am excited
because we have the best people and the best technology, plus an unmatched
reputation for quality and service.”
Bahnemann also had the vision to bring an ARRI rental component to the States
by launching ARRI CSC in New York (now in New Jersey), followed by an outlet
in Florida. Lighting and grip rental houses under the Illumination Dynamics
banner were also acquired and expanded in Los Angeles and North Carolina.
Under Bahnemann’s guidance as CEO, these rental facilities hold the reputation
for maintaining the finest rental inventories in the industry. His departure
promotes Simon Broad to President of ARRI CSC. Broad, who started in the
industry with Samuelson in London, has overseen day-to-day operations of
ARRI/CSC as Chief Operating Officer for the past four years.
As of April 1, 2010, Kennel and Broad will report directly to their respective
board of directors. Kennel, who is currently based in Burbank, Calif. and Broad,
in Secaucus, New Jersey will continue to operate out of their particular locations.
Bahnemann will offer support in an advisory capacity through the end of the year.
Sections: Business
Topics: Press Release City
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