Business

Dolby’s Griffis Named SMPTE President

Patrick Griffis, VP of technology in the Office of the CTO at Dolby Laboratories, has been named the new president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), the group announced Oct. 8.

Griffis, who currently serves as SMPTE’s EVP and has previously held the roles of education VP, secretary-treasurer, and U.S. western region governor, will serve a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, taking over for Matthew Goldman, SVP of technology at MediaKind (formerly known as Ericsson Media Solutions). Goldman will continue to serve as a SMPTE officer on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors.

“SMPTE is building on the success of its centennial by focusing on new initiatives across its three pillars: standards, education, and membership,” Griffis said. “We’re embarking on some exciting new projects that will allow the society to be even more agile in addressing the requirements of modern media and entertainment. I am particularly passionate about expanding our outreach to the next generation of membership and becoming an even more global organization.

“I look forward to working with my SMPTE and HPA colleagues to ensure the Society continues to meet the needs of the individuals and organizations advancing the science and the art of next-generation media and entertainment experiences.”

Goldman added: “Pat’s dedication to SMPTE is truly remarkable, and his passion, energy, and expertise will be vital to the Society’s success in meeting its ambitious goals for the coming years. I look forward to seeing SMPTE’s continued evolution under his leadership.”

Other new SMPTE officers include new EVP Hans Hoffmann, senior manager, media production technologies, for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Technology and Innovation department; Sara Kudrle, product marketing manager at Imagine Communications, who will serve as education VP; and John E. Ferder, director of engineering at MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems, who will serve as secretary-treasurer. Joining them are four new SMPTE governors and six re-elected governors. Eight governors were not up for re-election and will continue on with SMPTE.

Newly elected officers and governors will be introduced to SMPTE membership at the group’s Annual General Membership Meeting, Oct. 23 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites in Los Angeles, being held in conjunction with the SMPTE 2018 Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (SMPTE 2018).