CEDIA, the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association, has appointed Giles Sutton, founder of James and Giles Ltd, as the senior vice president of industry engagement at CEDIA. This newly created role includes facilitating strong industry partnerships and building awareness of the CEDIA channel among architects, builders and interior designers.
CEDIA has been steadily building relationships within the design and construction industry, working with both the NKBA and NAHB during Design & Construction Week. Sutton will lead the home technology association into the built environment arena with the goal of elevating the role of the integrator and promoting successful collaborations between the two industries.
“Giles has an incredibly rich working relationship with design and build professionals and can attribute much of his company’s growth to outreach efforts, which will be a huge help to us in executing our strategic plan,” said Tabatha O’Connor, CEDIA president and CEO.
Prior to joining CEDIA, Sutton spent 13 years as managing director of James and Giles Ltd. based in London. Under his leadership, the company won numerous industry awards and had its work featured in industry and national publications. Throughout his extensive career, Sutton has developed and maintained relationships with various UK- and US-based designers, builders and architects.
“Working with people like Giles Sutton has opened my world to new business opportunities, as the integration of smart devices for comfort, security and living in place are an expectation from many clients,” said Toni Sabatino, principal of Toni Sabatino Style and NKBA Manhattan chapter president. “The holistic view of the home is becoming more popular and CEDIA is driving the important conversation around designer and integrator collaboration.”
“I am incredibly proud of the company I have built. At the same time I find myself ready for a new challenge. Having gone through the strategy process as a member of the CEDIA Board, I feel incredibly confident in the direction of the organization and the important role this position will play. I am honored to be joining the CEDIA team and know we will do great work together,” said Sutton.
