Long-time industry analyst, Jim Bottoms, has been appointed to spearhead Blu-ray Disc Association's local and industry activities throughout Europe. Bottoms, who also serves as the Executive Director for the newly-established MESA (Media and Entertainment Services Alliance) Europe, will work with both industry groups "to drive synergies and help continue the positive outlook for Blu-ray disc and other physical and digital entertainment platforms."

"There are a lot of new initiatives aimed at extending the road map for Blu-ray and I look forward to playing my part in helping to drive the format forward in Europe" said Bottoms, formerly with Futuresource Consulting. "Through my links with MESA, and now the BDA, we plan to strengthen the voice of the industry and build collaborative environment that drives revenue across the spectrum of delivery platforms and fosters growth and expansion into exciting new areas such as 4K."

The Blu-ray Disc Association's Global Promotions Chair, Victor Matsuda, highlighted the work still to do in Europe and spoke of the BDA's commitment to continue raising awareness with consumers and other industry groups to promote and grow the format. "Blu-ray Disc has been a tremendous global success, but there is still room to educate consumers and grow the format," said Matsuda. "Jim works with every key segment of the industry and as such, his relationships with today's thought leaders and his insights into the overall direction of home entertainment are invaluable to ensuring a uniform industry voice."

The BDA recently re-structured its activities to reflect the changing industry dynamics, with the BDA in the US and its PR agency, Hoog+Associates, taking on a bigger role in driving the Association?s activities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Bottoms has been a frequent commentator on regional and global market trends in the home entertainment and technology industries. Through the company he recently set up, Gifla Associates, Bottoms wants to play "a hands on role in supporting the home entertainment industry and in driving greater co-operation in order to ensure common goals are met."

Story filed 22.04.13