LONDON—Rise WIB and Rise AV, advocacy groups that champion gender diversity and professional development in the broadcast and AV sectors, have announced key leadership updates and organizational changes that they said will help them expand their reach and impact across the industry and worldwide.
Although it has always operated as a not-for-profit organization, The Rise Group reported that it is now formally incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, a structure commonly used by U.K. charities and membership bodies. This transition strengthens Rise’s governance and ensures all funds continue to be reinvested to support its mission of advancing gender diversity and professional development in the broadcast and AV industry, the group said.
A company limited by guarantee does not have shareholders, so Rise’s current nonexecutive directors will be named as guarantors to form its leadership board. The new structure will be fully operational from April 2026, aligning with the start of the organization’s new financial year.
In addition, the Rise Group announced that Jon Sidwick will join its leadership board.
An AV industry veteran, Sidwick had previously worked as head of LCD sales at Sharp; senior vice president at TD Synnex/Maverick AV Solutions; president of Collabtech Group; co-owner and chief storyteller at Blue Touch Paper; and currently serves as a board member for InfoComm Asia. He also served on Avixa’s Leader Search Committee (LSC) for a number of years as vice chairman, board chairman and finally as chair of LSC and officer.
Rise said that Sidwick brings extensive experience and is a respected pro AV industry voice, which strengthens Rise AV’s ability to drive equality, inclusion, and career development in the field.
He joins existing Leadership Team members Nicki Fisher, Sadie Groom, Samantha Harrison, Claire Da Silva, Namata Sahmah, Tim Williams and Charlotte Wheeler, who represent key areas of the broadcast and media technology landscape, helping to ensure Rise’s initiatives continue to serve all parts of the industry.
Rise WIB also announced that Nicki Fisher will be stepping down as U.K. chapter advisory board lead, with Abigail Hughes, director of sales operations for global partnerships, ITV Studios, taking on the role.
Rise WIB will also exhibit for the first time at NAB Show New York and both Rise AV and Rise WIB will exhibit at ISE 2026, continuing its mission to advocate for diversity and inclusion on an international stage. Following the success of the Rise AV U.K. mentoring program, the next chapter will launch in 2026 in APAC. Rise WIB will also launch its eighth chapter in Canada with further territory growth planned for 2026.
