To mark International Women’s Day 2026, PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, celebrated the achievements of women across its global business while highlighting the growing role of female talent in the AV industry.
A long-standing advocate for equality and diversity in the workplace, PPDS continues to support individuals in building successful careers regardless of background, beliefs, or gender. Reflecting positive progress across the sector, the company has reported a steady increase in the number of women pursuing careers in AV, alongside greater representation in leadership roles across its international teams.
As of International Women’s Day 2026, women represented 29% of the PPDS workforce.
Among those helping shape the future of the business is Suzanne Racz, Global Product Marketing Manager at PPDS. With more than 20 years’ experience in audio visual and imaging technologies, Suzanne has built a respected career working with some of the industry’s most recognised brands, including Cisco.
Suzanne’s journey reflects the opportunities available for women building careers in technology and AV. Beyond her role in product marketing, she is also a qualified life coach, supporting and mentoring professionals as they navigate their own career paths.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, Suzanne reflected on her own career journey and offered advice for women looking to enter, or progress within, the AV industry.
• What was it that first attracted you to pursue a career in AV?
The AV industry drew me in because it sits at the intersection of technology, communication, and human experience. It’s a dynamic and quickly evolving space where innovation directly shapes how people connect, collaborate, and learn.
• In the beginning, how would you describe the representation of females in the industry and how has that changed today?
When I started in the imaging industry, female representation was rather low. It wasn’t unusual to be the only woman in the room. Today in tech, the numbers are still not balanced, but the shift is real. Companies like PPDS now have close to 30% female representation, and more women are entering technical, commercial, and marketing roles than ever before. Progress is steady, even if the industry still has work to do.
• Before joining PPDS, did you experience any obstacles or adversity in your career that you would put down to gender?
Not at all. Visibility and encouragement make a difference. All companies where I worked in the past were working to create an inclusive culture.
• At PPDS specifically, how would you describe the representation of females and how has this changed in the time you have been there?
PPDS has made meaningful progress. At 29% female representation globally, the company is ahead of some peers in the AV sector. In my time here, I’ve seen more women join across departments and promoted into manager roles. The culture genuinely supports equality – not as a slogan, but as a practice. Indeed, for sales there has been a shift in some countries in particular, and certainly in our DACH region with 45% females, in France with 50% females, and UK, which is now at 55% females. In our headquarters the ratio is even more, for instance in our marketing team we have over 80% females.
• What do you enjoy most about being a leading member of PPDS and the AV industry as a whole?
AV technology shapes how people work and communicate, and being part of that evolution is energising. At PPDS, I do extremely value the openness – the ability to collaborate, share ideas, and help shape global product strategy. It’s not about who or what you are, we work as one team.
• There have been a growing number of events and initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, such as those held at ISE and InfoComm. How do you feel about those?
They’re incredibly important. In an industry where women are still quite underrepresented, these events create visibility, community, and momentum. They give women a platform, help build networks, and signal to the wider industry that inclusion isn’t optional – it’s essential.
Likewise, events such as the Hackathon at ISE inspire the next generations into the industry. As sponsors of the Sustainability Track, we have been genuinely enthused by the number of young women taking part. And watching the engineering pathways in many industries inspiring many more females to enter, the trend looks set to continue.
• What would your advice be to females looking to advance their careers in the AV industry?
Be confident in your expertise, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to take up space. Build relationships, seek mentors, and keep developing your skills. Don’t hide in the shadows. Bring your perspective; it’s valuable.
• Many initiatives today, like those held at ISE and InfoComm are, of course, for people already in the industry. Do you think more should be done to encourage or at least help younger females understand the career opportunities available via the AV industry?
Many young women simply don’t realise how diverse the career paths can be. Indeed, talking to many peers – male or female – people fall into this industry by chance, rather than setting out in that direction. Outreach to schools, universities, and early career programs would make a real difference. The earlier we show what’s possible, the more balanced the industry’s future will be. We at PPDS are focusing on these activities within the frames of activities such as the annual hackathon at ISE, as well as offering opportunity for students and interns to gain experience with us around the world.
• If you could speak to a classroom of young females today, what would your message to them be?
Technology needs your voice. Don’t let the current gender balance discourage you – let it motivate you. The AV industry is full of opportunity, creativity, and innovation, and there is space for you to thrive and shape the future.
