Leading the class: PPDS appoints Patrick VanTreese to spearhead education strategy in North America with ‘transformative’ Philips professional display range

ATLANTA – PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips professional TV, interactive displays, and digital signage solutions, is delighted to announce the appointment of Patrick VanTreese as its new Education Sales Manager for North America.

Located in Tampa, Florida, and reporting directly to PPDS Director of Sales, Bruce Wyrwitzke, Patrick brings vast levels of experience to the ever-growing North America team, having held Regional Sales Manager and Senior Account Executive positions at Asus (2016-2021) and Tech Data (2010-2015) respectively over the past 11 years.

Hailed by his former colleagues as a ‘distinguished’ and ‘motivated’ leader, Patrick played an instrumental role in developing and growing channel business at Asus and for Dell via Tech Data, successfully increasing sales and executing strategic initiatives across several key verticals, including education.

Attracted by PPDS’ fast-growing reputation in North America for bringing highly advanced and high quality dedicated innovative solutions to market – plus sight of its current and future portfolio –

Patrick will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s Education division for PPDS in North America. Using his extensive expertise in the EDU space, he is tasked with creating new business opportunities, partnerships, relationships, and revenue streams, while also gaining market share in the digital signage market.

‘A sleeping giant in education’

Commenting on his appointment, Patrick said: “I’m thrilled to have joined PPDS and to be entrusted with spearheading the company’s ambitions in the education market – a space in which I have worked tirelessly throughout my career and one I care about passionately.”

He continued: “PPDS is a sleeping giant in the education space, and with a game-changing range of newly launched, highly innovative products and solutions in our armory, my personal ambition is not only to help ensure this company continues to grow but to ensure it fulfills is potential in becoming a globally recognized leader for display solutions in education. I aim to empower school districts with the best technology on the market to assist their students in their daily learning practices and prepare them for their next step in their educational career.”

Technology for today’s classroom needs

Education has become a major global focus for PPDS, with the company recently announcing a number of new touch display and digital signage solutions – including the revolutionary Philips T-Line interactive range (65”, 75”). Designed to maximize collaboration, the new 4K touch range allows students – whether in class, learning remotely, or even isolating – to effortlessly view and take control of the T-line display, including manipulating content, from their own seat, using their connected device (laptops, tablets, phones) – supporting all major operating systems, including ChromeOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.

Joe King, VP, Commercial Displays at PPDS, added: “Education is arguably one of the most important verticals in the AV market. The technology and solutions that manufacturers such as ourselves bring to market have an important – arguably direct – role and influence on an individual’s performance, which could impact their future. So, we feel an immense responsibility.”

He continued: “With products like Philips T-Line, coupled with our ever-growing partnerships with some of the world’s leading dedicated software providers, we truly believe we have developed a portfolio that offers some of the best, most impactful, and transformative educational display solutions available anywhere in today’s market – and with that, it’s essential to have a great team available behind it. With Patrick on board, we have the best.”