PPDS names Nicole Rutherford as Event Marketing Specialist

PPDS has appointed Nicole Rutherford as Event Marketing Specialist, expanding its North America marketing team.

Based in Hudson, Florida, Rutherford reports to Megan Lipinczyk, Director of North America Marketing at PPDS. She will focus on event marketing, partner engagement and sales support as part of the team's day-to-day work.

Her remit includes coordinating trade show and regional event logistics, managing marketing assets, supporting digital and social content, and working with national and regional partners. An early assignment will be helping to plan PPDS's exhibition activity for a major industry trade show, including stand design and logistics.

Rutherford moved into business-to-business marketing in 2021 after beginning her career as a teacher. Her experience includes project management, stakeholder communications and event execution.

Outside her corporate work, she is also co-owner of a family fishing business, where she has used marketing across digital and physical channels to support a tackle shop and charter operation.

The appointment comes as PPDS continues to expand its marketing operation in North America. The company, which supplies Philips Professional Displays and related products, is adding Rutherford as it sharpens its event and partner marketing activity.

Rutherford said the company's reputation drew her to the role and called it the right next step in her career.

"I am delighted to have become part of the PPDS family and to join the incredibly talented team on the next stage of the company's growth journey," she said.

"While I'm new to the AV industry in a formal sense, I bring extensive hands-on experience with technology and events that translates well to professional AV marketing. Much of my career has been centred around leading initiatives, guiding teams through change, coordinating large-scale educational events, developing digital and social content, and translating technical information into clear, audience-focused messaging. It feels like all my experience and everything I've learnt to date has been leading to this point."

Lipinczyk highlighted Rutherford's organisational skills and event planning background.

"Since walking through the door, Nicole has demonstrated a highly organized, proactive, and detail-driven approach to marketing execution, with core strengths in event planning, cross-functional communication, and attention to detail," she said.

Bruce Wyrwitzke, Senior Director North America at PPDS, said the hire reflected a focus on transferable skills rather than sector-specific experience.

"As we grow and evolve as a business, so do our approaches to our communications and the way we present ourselves to the market. It's not about bringing in the person with the most experience in AV; it's about adding the best talent for our needs. Nicole's background and extensive interchangeable skills made her the ideal candidate for this important role and have shone through ever since. On behalf of the team, I welcome Nicole to the company and wish her every success."