RIP dear friend: PPDS pays tribute to Martijn van der Woude, VP of Global Business Development and Marketing

PPDS, a specialist in Philips TVs, digital signage, LED displays, videowalls, software etc. has announced the unexpected passing of Martijn van der Woude, VP of Global Business Development and Marketing.

He joined the company in 2019, and enjoyed a career spanning more than 25 years in business development, sales and marketing, and general management.

Prior to that, he was co-founder and CEO of a Hong Kong and China-based dvLED manufacturer for the sport, media and events markets globally, and before this decade in Asia, he founded and owned a Dutch-based international software and consultancy company.

van der Woude was also a passionate advocate for driving and promoting sustainability in the AV industry, steering PPDS' sustainability strategy and commitments to bringing more environmentally conscious solutions to market. 

"It is with great sadness that we confirm the unexpected death of Martijn van der Woude, VP Global Business Development and Marketing of PPDS, who passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Monday 21st April 2025," a spokesperson for PPDS said.

"A colleague, a dear friend, and a true business leader, Martijn has been an intrinsic, highly regarded and respected member of the PPDS and wider TPV Technology team since 2019. He will be remembered as a transformational and entrepreneurial enabler  - a champion in the AV community globally.”

“Martijn will be truly missed by us all. In his private life, a pilot in every sense of the word, a devoted husband and father with a love for the skies. Our thoughts are with all in Martijn’s family."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Digital signage will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.