AES, IES Announce Key Leadership Promotions

	Graham Kirk and Brienne Willcock

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and Audio Engineering Society (AES) have promoted two senior staff members to newly created associate executive director positions, effective January 1.

Brienne Willcock has been named associate executive director, strategy, standards, and industry engagement at IES. She currently serves as director of education and standards at IES.

Graham Kirk has been promoted to associate executive director, strategy, events, and industry engagement at AES. He currently serves as director of marketing and business development at IES.

"Brienne and Graham have been invaluable in helping IES achieve significant milestones over the past several years," says Colleen Harper, CEO and executive director of IES and executive director of AES. "These promotions recognize their leadership and expertise while positioning both organizations for continued innovation and growth. As we integrate our management structures, having leaders of their caliber focusing on strategy and industry engagement will be essential to serving our respective technical communities."

"I'm excited to return to AES and help stabilize and grow an organization with such a rich legacy," Kirk says. "AES has long been known for its exceptional educational events and publications, and I look forward to building on that foundation to serve the audio engineering community and strengthen the society's position as the leading voice in pro audio."

"I'm honored to step into this expanded role and continue advancing IES' work at the intersection of education, standards, and industry collaboration," Willcock says. "As IES evolves, aligning our strategic initiatives with the needs of the lighting community is more important than ever. I look forward to helping guide that direction and ensuring our work remains both rigorous and deeply relevant."

Both appointments are designed to support the strategic vision of IES and AES to maintain their distinct identities while leveraging operational synergies through shared management. The new roles will focus on advancing each organization's strategic priorities, strengthening industry partnerships, and enhancing member value.

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