PPDS reports rise in women across global AV workforce

PPDS has reported a rise in female representation across its workforce and highlighted progress in several regional teams, as the audiovisual sector continues to face scrutiny over gender balance.

The supplier of Philips Professional Displays said women now make up 29% of its global workforce. It also reported higher ratios in parts of its European sales organisation and in functions such as marketing.

Gender diversity remains a focus across the wider AV and technology markets, where women have historically been underrepresented in technical roles and senior management. PPDS's figures put it close to 30%-a near-term milestone many companies cite internally, though the split remains far from parity.

Regional split

PPDS highlighted several national and regional teams where the balance has improved. Women make up 45% of sales staff in its DACH region, 50% in France, and 55% in the UK.

At its headquarters, representation is higher in some departments. The marketing team is more than 80% female, according to the figures shared.

Workforce composition has become a more visible metric in AV, particularly as the market competes with software and IT services for talent. Employers face pressure to widen recruitment pipelines and retain staff in roles that often involve travel, customer-facing work, and long project cycles.

Marketing role

Alongside the workforce update, PPDS profiled Suzanne Racz, Global Product Marketing Manager, who has worked in AV and imaging technologies for more than two decades and has held her current role for more than three years.

Product marketing sits between engineering, product management, operations, and commercial teams. The role also involves working with technology and solutions partners in a channel-heavy market spanning corporate, education, retail, and public venues.

Racz's career includes roles at large technology brands, including Cisco. She is also a qualified life coach and has been involved in mentoring and career development.

Asked what first drew her to the sector, Racz said: "The AV industry drew me in because it sits at the intersection of technology, communication, and human experience. It's a dynamic and quickly evolving space where innovation directly shapes how people connect, collaborate, and learn."

Industry shift

Racz described changes in her day-to-day experience compared with earlier in her career, while acknowledging the sector still has work to do.

"When I started in the imaging industry, female representation was rather low. It wasn't unusual to be the only woman in the room. Today in tech, the numbers are still not balanced, but the shift is real. Companies like PPDS now have close to 30% female representation, and more women are entering technical, commercial, and marketing roles than ever before. Progress is steady, even if the industry still has work to do," she said.

On gender-related obstacles, Racz said she had not faced adversity that she attributed to it and emphasised the importance of inclusive cultures. She added that visibility and encouragement can influence career progression.

Events focus

The AV calendar has increasingly featured programmes aimed at improving representation and creating networks for women in the sector. Trade shows such as ISE and InfoComm now host panels, mentoring sessions, and community events that place workplace culture alongside product launches and standards discussions.

Racz said these gatherings matter for visibility and momentum in a market where women remain underrepresented. "They're incredibly important. In an industry where women are still quite underrepresented, these events create visibility, community, and momentum. They give women a platform, help build networks, and signal to the wider industry that inclusion isn't optional - it's essential," she said.

PPDS also referenced student-focused initiatives aligned with industry events, including a hackathon at ISE. It reported strong participation from young women, particularly in a sustainability track.

Pipeline question

Recruitment remains a central issue for AV employers, many of which depend on a blend of engineering, software, design, and commercial skills. The sector has also relied on career changers and people arriving from adjacent industries such as broadcasting, IT, or electrical contracting.

Racz said many young women do not see the breadth of roles available. She said earlier outreach would influence the long-term balance of the workforce and described industry entry as often happening by chance.

Her advice to women already in the sector focused on confidence, networking, and continued learning. She also urged them to be visible in discussions and decision-making forums.

"Technology needs your voice. Don't let the current gender balance discourage you - let it motivate you. The AV industry is full of opportunity, creativity, and innovation, and there is space for you to thrive and shape the future," she said.

PPDS said it is continuing activities tied to industry events and is offering opportunities for students and interns to gain experience across different parts of its global business.