Savant names former Barnes & Nobles boss William J. Lynch as its new CEO, with founder Robert Madonna stepping down from leadership duties to "help steer Savant's innovation" as chairman of the board.
“To take the innovative Smart Home platform the Savant team has built and refined over 8 years, and be able to offer to a broader consumer audience for the first time is an incredible opportunity,” Lynch remarks.
Lynch is best known as the man behind B&N's transition to digital via the Nook brand. He resigned from the bookseller on July 2013, following declines in Nook tablet and eReader sales. Prior to B&N Lynch held executive positions at HSNi, IAC and Palm.
But why would the high-end custom installation likes of Savant hire a CEO with a mainstream CE background? The answer lies bringing to the masses, or at least less wealthy customers. As Madonna puts it,"William’s history of success with breakthrough product innovation, and his proven ability to connect consumers with sophisticated, yet easy-to-use technology in a meaningful way, make him ideally suited to lead Savant Systems."
"We’ve established leadership in the high-end residential segment, and will offer the same Savant quality experience to create smart homes in the broader market,” the Savant founder continues.
The company gives no word of specific plans for the near future, beyond hints of "incredible home automation" launching on Spring 2014. But as home automation takes a turn towards the mainstream, expect Savant to follow suit.
