Latin America. Dielectric announced the retirement of Federico d'Avis from his position as Full-time Director of International Sales, culminating a successful multi-decade career in RF and microwave sales. Federico will remain with Dielectric as a part-time consultant, and the company welcomes John Macdonald to the role he leaves free.
Federico was responsible for Dielectric's growth in the CALA region and Canada for 12 years with the company. He substantially increased Dielectric's visibility and market share in these regions, and was responsible for the company's largest regional projects. It also created partnerships in many countries that helped Dielectric get closer to its customers. This includes in particular Brazil, where it established local manufacturing agreements to eliminate high import costs and minimize RF and antenna costs for Brazil's broadcasters.
Federico's sales achievements include complete RF and antenna systems for TV Azteca's national ATSC DTV TV network in Mexico; an 8-channel FM radio antenna and a dual-collector combiner for CRP Media and Entertainment in Peru; and multi-channel TV relocation projects for Canada's recent DTV Allocation Plan, which reconfigured the 600 MHz band.
Federico joined Dielectric in 2009 after spending nearly two decades in microwave antenna sales with Gabriel Electronics and Radio Waves, covering the CALA region. Each company's specialization in antenna systems made the transition to Dielectric a natural step in his career. Federico hopes to spend more time with his grandchildren and hike the bike paths, though he's excited to stay with Dielectric part-time. He will continue to communicate with his dielectric colleagues and advise on key projects, and assist with the onboarding process of John Macdonald.
"This was precisely the right time to slow down," d'Avis said. "Dielectric is a special company in many ways, but the quality of its products, the company's leadership and the talented staff made my 12 years here unlike any other professional experience. I will miss seeing my clients and traveling to the countries where I spent my career. I'm really looking forward to more downtime and enjoying the fruits of my efforts throughout the race."
John Macdonald is no stranger to the streaming industry, having spent more than 30 years with Broadcast Electronics, Thomcast and, most recently, Nautel. His entire career to date has emphasized the sales and support of over-the-air transmission systems in global markets, including the CALA region, making him the ideal candidate to fill Federico's shoes. John will report to Jay Martin, Vice President of Sales, Dielectric, effective August 3.
"I've had the pleasure of working with Federico since 2015 and it's been a privilege," Martin said. "His passion radiates whether it's meeting with clients or discussing grandchildren. He established many close relationships with the industry and is a strong supporter of Dielectric and our customers. Federico's caring and compassionate attitude is what makes him such an amazing person, and his presence will be missed. Thank you Federico and enjoy!
"It has been a pleasure to work, travel and meet Federico over the past 12 years," said Keith Pelletier, vice president and general manager of Dielectric. "He is a man of integrity, and we could always count on him to carry the Dielectric flag in his markets. He built lasting relationships and landed several large and unique jobs on his territory. The world would certainly be a better place if it had more people like Federico. It will be hard to see him leave, but we are encouraged to know that he will spend more time with his wife Melanie and his family, as he deserves."
