Bill Woods - retiring after 35 years in pro audio
UK - Funktion-One says farewell to Bill Woods as he announces his retirement following 11 years with the company and 35 years in the pro audio industry. Woods' departure marks the beginning of a new chapter for Funktion-One as the company welcomes its new director of business development, Andrew Low.
During his time with Funktion-One, Woods has played an important role in the company’s international growth, particularly in Asia. His sales expertise and rapport with customers have helped to develop relationships across the global Funktion-One network and throughout the wider pro audio industry.
Funktion-One’s Ann Andrews said: “Bill’s retirement comes with mixed emotions, as his departure marks the end of an era for Funktion-One. We are very grateful to Bill for the contribution he has made to the business since joining us in 2012. Over the last three months, Bill and Andrew have worked side-by-side to ensure a seamless transition. We look forward to a new chapter with Andrew as director of business development and wish Bill a very happy retirement.”
Woods' journey in the pro audio industry is a testament to his affability and professionalism. After leaving school in 1974, he began his career in the building trade and after a spell with a local insurance company, Woods entered the world of sales when he joined Kimberly Clarke, a company renowned for its sales training programmes.
It was his passion for music, combined with his sales experience, that made him the perfect candidate for a role he spotted in a 1988 edition of The Grocer magazine. The ad, anonymously posted by a pro audio distribution company, sought an FMCG trained sales professional with an interest in music. Woods' lifelong involvement in bands as a sax player, together with his classic sales training, made him an ideal fit for the role, securing him a position at Shuttlesound.
Over the years, Woods continued to make his mark in the industry, holding senior sales positions at Turbosound, VDC, and XTA/MC2. In 2012, he joined Funktion-One, where he further solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the pro audio world.
Reflecting on his retirement and departure from Funktion-One, Woods said: “I am incredibly fortunate to have been a part of Funktion-One's journey. The dedication, talent, and innovation I have witnessed within this company is remarkable. Funktion-One is a truly amazing company whose clients have been an absolute pleasure to work with.
“I would like to express my gratitude to my colleagues, partners, clients, and friends throughout the industry for their support over the years. I have also had amazing support from my family; without whom none of this would have been possible.”

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