Rise Diversity Expands Leadership Team to Drive Growth Across Broadcast and AV Industries
Rise Diversity has announced the appointment of Purminder Gandhu and Daryl Clarke to its board, reinforcing the organisation’s leadership expertise as it continues to expand its influence across the global broadcast and audiovisual (AV) sectors.
The appointments reflect Rise’s ongoing commitment to strengthening diversity, leadership development, and career opportunities for women while supporting the organisation’s growing international presence and industry initiatives.
Purminder Gandhu Brings Over 30 Years of Broadcast Technology Experience
Purminder Gandhu joins the Rise board with more than three decades of experience in the broadcast technology industry. She began her career at the BBC, working in live studio and outside broadcast operations before moving into advanced technology and strategic development through BBC Research & Development’s Edge group.
Throughout her career, Gandhu has played a key role in pioneering initiatives focused on next-generation production workflows and 5G-enabled remote production technologies. Her contributions to IBC Accelerator projects formed part of a multi-award-winning collaboration, including recognition with the prestigious NAB Best Paper Award.
Today, she leads her consultancy, KAURWAVE, while continuing to serve as a respected moderator, speaker, and contributor at major industry events including IBC, NAB, MPTS, and SVG.
Having supported Rise for more than six years as both a mentor and panel contributor, Gandhu brings significant industry expertise along with a strong commitment to improving opportunities and visibility for women across the broadcast and media sectors.
Daryl Clarke Joins with Extensive Commercial and Leadership Expertise
Joining the board alongside Gandhu is entrepreneur and business leader Daryl Clarke, one of the AV industry’s most respected commercial executives.
Over his career, Clarke has founded, scaled, and successfully exited several businesses within the audiovisual and integrated technology sectors. Formerly Senior Vice President EMEA at Diversified and founder of Digitavia, he has led international organisations through periods of transformation while maintaining a strong focus on innovation, company culture, and client experience.
Beyond his commercial achievements, Clarke has become widely recognised for mentoring emerging talent and supporting leadership development across the AV industry.
In 2024, he was honoured with the Peter Jones Foundation Mentor of the Year Award for his contribution to developing future business leaders and is also a recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
New Board Appointments Support Rise’s Mission for Diversity and Leadership
Speaking about her appointment, Purminder Gandhu highlighted the importance of improving access, visibility, and sponsorship opportunities for women within the industry.
She noted that while talent has never been lacking, creating pathways for recognition and leadership remains essential, adding that Rise continues to play a critical role in breaking down barriers and creating meaningful opportunities.
Daryl Clarke also expressed his commitment to supporting stronger and more diverse leadership pathways, emphasizing that investing in people and leadership development is vital for the future growth of the AV industry.
Rise CEO Welcomes New Board Members
Sadie Groom, Founder and CEO of Rise Diversity, welcomed both appointments, describing them as an important milestone in the organisation’s continued growth.
She stated that Gandhu and Clarke bring exceptional experience from across the broadcast and AV sectors, alongside a genuine commitment to mentoring and supporting others.
According to Groom, their leadership will strengthen the board’s expertise while helping Rise continue its long-term mission of creating greater opportunity, increasing visibility, and enabling more women to build sustainable and successful careers within the industry.
She also noted that the expansion of Rise AV reflects the organisation’s growing ambitions and future vision.
Rise Continues International Expansion and Industry Impact
The appointments come during a period of significant momentum for Rise following the successful launch of Rise AV and the continued international expansion of its mentoring and leadership development programmes.
Through strategic partnerships, mentoring initiatives, and leadership programmes, Rise continues to support women at every stage of their careers while promoting greater representation, retention, and leadership across the global broadcast and audiovisual industries.
As the organisation expands its global reach, the addition of experienced leaders like Purminder Gandhu and Daryl Clarke is expected to further strengthen its mission of building a more inclusive and diverse future for the industry.
