freedman electronics

Former Australian politician Joe Hockey joins Freedman Electronics board of directors

Freedman Electronics, parent company of RØDE Microphones, has appointed former Federal Treasurer of Australia and Australian Ambassador to the United States, Joe Hockey, to its newly established board of directors.

The new board comes as part of a period of significant expansion for Freedman Electronics. The company recently opened a new R&D facility in Europe, while also expanding its operations in China and the US. 

Meanwhile, RØDE has significantly ramped up its operations in Sydney with the addition of a new 15,000 square-metre production and logistics hub, as well as new high-tech manufacturing facilities, which will be commissioned in the coming months.

Hockey’s association with Freedman Electronics stretches back to 2014, when he visited the RØDE campus in Sydney. Since then, he has written the foreword for Freedman Electronics’ 50th-anniversary book in 2017 and was the guest of RØDE founder Peter Freedman on his first visit to the proposed site of the Momentary – a contemporary arts space in Bentonville, Arkansas of which RØDE is a founding funder – during his time as Australian Ambassador to the United States.

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“I am very pleased to appoint Mr Hockey to the Freedman Electronics Board of Directors,” said Freedman. “He has been a trusted advisor on many occasions since we first met in 2014 and has played a significant role in several key milestones for the company, including our partnership with the Walton Family, founding owners of Walmart and the Momentary.”

He continued: “The past 24 months have been a period of momentous growth for the company and this appointment is a significant step in the next phase of our expansion as we look to increase our global presence, develop our operations here in Australia, and continue making innovative, world-leading audio products. Mr Hockey is a tremendous leader and global business facilitator, and his presence on the Board will help guide RØDE on its path for future success.”

Commenting on his appointment, Hockey added: “RØDE is a true Australian success story – a story of innovation, investment and resourcefulness that proves that Australia can be the best in the world in any field. I have witnessed first-hand the strength and capabilities of the team Peter has assembled and look forward to playing an active part in the continued expansion and success of this iconic global brand.”

Hockey is the first person to be added to the Freedman Electronics board of directors, with more appointments expected to be made throughout the year.

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