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Bang & Olufsen exec joins ROLI to support global expansion

Music tech startup ROLI, famous for its innovative Seaboard RISE musical instrument, has hired a senior executive at Bang & Olufsen as it embarks on international expansion.

Henrik Lorensen has been appointed as the London-based firm’s new Chief Operating Officer and will work with ROLI’s current leadership team, including founder Roland Lamb, to grow the music brand internationally.

Lorensen, who has a PhD in theoretical physics and has previously worked at Lego, has led the Danish audio business’ B&O PLAY division since 2011, growing Bang & Olufsen’s range of slightly more modestly priced premium speakers and headphones aimed at the mass market.

Following his appointment Henrik Lorensen said: “I’m tremendously excited to be joining ROLI, whose products and plans are defining the future of music creation.

“The way we make music is shifting, and ROLI is at the forefront of creating a new category of music-making devices and experiences that will empower millions of people to become music creators themselves.”

London startup ROLI has grown rapidly since it was founded in 2015, with the likes of Hans Zimmer, Stevie Wonder and Meghan Trainor all fans of its Seaboard RISE piano keyboard concept.

The instrument features a touch-responsive silicon surface which allows musicians to shape sounds through pressure and other movements.

Lorensen’s appointment comes after ROLI secured $27m investment in May as part of its Series B round, which was led by Foundry Group, with the aim of growing its line up of connected musical devices.

Roland Lamb said: “I’m delighted to welcome Henrik to the ROLI team. He has led a global music brand that is custom-made for our digitally connected world.

“His experience will be hugely valuable as we expand our Connected Music ecosystem and provide a new experience to anyone who loves music.”