Welcome to d&b audiotechnik. Our management.
Our company is led by a dynamic and experienced management team, with each member contributing unique perspectives, industry experience, and leadership skills.
We invite you to find out more about the people who, together with the entire d&b audiotechnik team, work passionately every day to secure the success and future of our company.
Jaakko Kaivonen
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
Jaakko Kaivonen leads d&b as CEO, focusing on strategic growth, global market expansion, and the continued strengthening of the company.
Before joining d&b, Jaakko held leadership positions at global B2B companies such as ASSA ABLOY Group and KONE Corporation, gaining strong international perspective and extensive P&L responsibility. He previously served as d&b’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), bringing experience in managing global sales structures and high-growth business areas. As CEO, he applies this background to drive innovation, optimize customer-centric solutions, and guide d&b towards sustainable, long-term success.
years. It's great to be working with this talented team to drive growth, expand our global reach,
and deliver exceptional solutions to our customers.
Nicola Wagener
CPO (Chief People Officer)
Nicola Wagener is an experienced executive with strong business expertise and a focus on transformation and strategy. In her dual role, she plays a fundamental part in orchestrating d&b for its next phase of growth, placing people and sustainability at the heart of shaping a future-ready and responsible business.
For more than 20 years, she has worked at the intersection of business, strategy, and people — first as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, then driving corporate strategy at thyssenkrupp, and later leadership advisor at ghSMART. Across these roles, she has consistently helped organisations turn strategy into action and guided teams through complex change.
James Gallagher-Powell
CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
As CFO, James Gallagher-Powell is responsible for shaping and executing the financial strategy of d&b. He oversees financial planning, performance management, and M&A initiatives that support growth and long-term value creation. He ensures financial stability, identifies strategic investment opportunities, and strengthens d&b’s market position.
Before joining d&b, James held several leadership positions in strategy and finance at renowned companies such as PwC and CSM Sports & Entertainment/Wasserman Group.
presence and continuously developing new ways to deliver exceptional audio experiences. I am
proud to be part of this journey and to unlock new opportunities for growth and excellence.
Dr. Thilo Ittner
CTOO (Chief Technology & Operations Officer)
In his role as CTOO, Thilo Ittner oversees d&b’s end-to-end technology landscape: from product management and R&D to operations. He shapes the long-term technology and product roadmap, drives innovation, and ensures scalable, efficient processes.
Thilo brings extensive leadership and technical experience. Most recently, he was Managing Director and CTO at elobau Technologie, where he was responsible for end-to-end operations and strategy. Prior to that, he held several management positions at Voith Group and gained strategic and conceptual experience during his time at McKinsey & Company.
Sébastien Blaise
CCO (Chief Commercial Officer)
With more than 20 years of international experience in commercial leadership, Sébastien Blaise leads d&b's global commercial organization, uniting teams across Education and Application Support, Marketing and Business Development.
Before joining d&b audiotechnik, Sébastien held senior leadership positions at Versuni and Philips Domestic Appliances. Throughout his career, he has focused on building customer-centric organizations, developing go-to-market strategies and driving performance in complex international businesses. He now brings this experience to strengthening d&b's commercial foundation and supporting continued success for customers and partners worldwide.
Marco Baumgärtner
Territory Manager APAC
Marco Baumgärtner leads d&b's business across the Asia-Pacific region, overseeing Southeast Asia, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. He is also Managing Director of the d&b audiotechnik subsidiary in Singapore.
Since joining d&b in 2017, Marco has held leadership roles focused on corporate development and strategic growth. Prior to d&b, he worked across corporate and consulting environments, bringing broad experience in business development, strategy execution and organizational transformation. In his role as Territory Manager APAC, he works closely with regional teams and partners to strengthen customer relationships and support long-term growth.
Daniel Chan
Territory Manager Greater China
With a long-standing connection to both d&b audiotechnik and the Chinese professional audio market, Daniel Chan oversees the company's activities across Greater China.
Daniel has played an important role in strengthening d&b's presence throughout the region, combining deep market knowledge with a strong understanding of customer and partner needs. His focus is on supporting sustainable growth while ensuring customers continue to receive the high standards of performance, service and support associated with d&b audiotechnik.
Christian Orcin
Territory Manager EMEA
With responsibility for d&b audiotechnik across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, Christian Orcin brings extensive experience in professional audio, international business development and regional leadership.
Christian focuses on strengthening local relationships while maintaining a clear view across one of d&b's most diverse territories. Working with teams and partners throughout EMEA, he supports sustainable growth and helps ensure customers benefit from the expertise, consistency and long-term commitment that define d&b.
Jan Scheffels
Territory Manager Americas
Jan Scheffels oversees d&b's business across the Americas, drawing on extensive experience gained through leadership roles at both regional and global levels within the company.
After starting his career in strategy and M&A consulting, Jan joined d&b audiotechnik in 2014. Since then, he has played a key role in a wide range of strategic and operational initiatives across the business, helping drive organizational development, business transformation, and sustainable growth over the past decade.