Key Things to Know
- Pro Audio Technology (PRO) and Theory Audio Design (Theory) have appointed Rafael A. Nevares as president.
- Nevares brings more than 35 years of executive experience, including president and CEO roles at AudioQuest, Audio Research Corporation, MartinLogan and Gold Peak’s Kinergetics Holdings (Celestion and KEF).
- He holds mergers and acquisitions expertise and has worked alongside private equity and angel funds.
- Nevares is fluent in English and Spanish and brings extensive domestic and international buy- and sell-side experience.
- He started August 1 at the PRO and Theory headquarters and Experience Center in Lake Forest, California.
Who Is Rafael A. Nevares?
Rafael A. Nevares is an audio/video industry veteran with more than 35 years of executive experience leading premium audio brands. He has held president and CEO positions at AudioQuest, Audio Research Corporation, MartinLogan and Gold Peak’s Kinergetics Holdings, which includes Celestion and KEF. Across those roles, he built a reputation for guiding organizations from early-stage concept to successful execution. the company says.
What Is Nevares’ New Role?
Nevares takes on the dual role of president for both Pro Audio Technology and Theory Audio Design, effective August 1. He’ll focus on market-driven brand strategies, cross-functional team alignment and customer-centric scaling as he leads the next phase of growth for both companies. He’s working out of the PRO and Theory headquarters and Experience Center in Lake Forest, in Orange County, California.
What Experience Does Nevares Bring Beyond Audio?
Beyond his technical background in the audio/video market, Nevares brings deep institutional business knowledge to the position. He has held senior advisory roles at international firms including Quadrivio SGR Silver Economy Fund, Beaumont Governance S.A. and JC Koinon.
Fluent in English and Spanish, he holds extensive domestic and international buy- and sell-side experience along with post-acquisition mergers and acquisitions expertise working alongside private equity and angel funds.
What Does Nevares Say About the Appointment?
Nevares says he sees the move as a chance to build on the reputation both brands have earned for engineering and performance. “I am thrilled to join Theory Audio Design and Pro Audio Technology during such a pivotal era for the brands,” Nevares says. “Both companies have built incredible reputations for engineering excellence and disruptive performance. I look forward applying my global experience and industry expertise to scale our operations, grow our talented team, and expand our market presence while continuing to deliver exceptional value to our worldwide partners.”
Why Did PRO and Theory Choose Nevares?
PRO and Theory chose Nevares for his business and leadership track record, according to CEO and founder Paul Hales. “I’ve known Rafael for a long time and have been consistently impressed by his business and leadership acumen,” Hales says. “Rafael is just the kind of no nonsense, experienced business leader we need to capitalize on the brand and product foundation we’ve established since introducing Theory a few years ago. We’re poised to accelerate growth and continue to solidify the brands as market leaders worldwide. I cannot think of anyone more uniquely qualified to lead that expansion than Rafael.”
What’s Next for PRO and Theory?
Both companies are positioning for growth under Nevares’ leadership. The brands aim to scale operations, grow their teams and expand their market presence worldwide while building on the engineering foundation Hales established with the introduction of Theory. Nevares’ appointment signals a clear focus on scaling both brands for their next chapter.
