(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
SLS International, Inc. has appointed R. Steven Hicks and Dell Furano to its board of directors. Hicks is currently Chairman of Capstar Partners, LLC while Furano, is CEO of Signatures Network. Based in Springfield, Mo., SLS International is a 30-year-old manufacturer and developer of new patent-pending ultra-high fidelity Ribbon Driver loudspeakers, Patented Evenstar Digital Amplifiers and sound systems for the commercial, home entertainment, professional and music markets.
"I am pleased to join SLS International's Board at such a key juncture for the company," said Hicks. "The company has invested heavily to develop promising technology that offers a unique audio experience for both consumers and industry professionals. I look forward to sharing my experience in developing other entertainment companies to help SLS as it expands."
"Today, SLS has the technology, manufacturing capability and product mix to attract wide-spread consumer interest," said Furano. "I look forward to working with John and his team as they continue to develop the market. After listening to the speakers, I am even more convinced of the potential for the products and the company."
Prior to forming his new venture, Capstar Partners, LLC, which specializes in assisting early stage technology companies with growth strategies and investments, Hicks was vice chairman of AMFM Inc., the nation's largest owner and operator of radio stations across the US. The company merged in August, 2000 with Clear Channel Communications, Inc.
In 1996 Hicks founded Capstar Broadcasting Corporation. Capstar Broadcasting's strategy was to be a leading consolidator or middle market radio stations across the US and by 1998 was the nation's largest holding company with 350 stations. In 1998, Hicks led Capstar Broadcasting to a successful initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1999 Capstar Broadcasting merged with Chancellor Media Corp. and in a stock swap valued at $4.1 billion.
Hicks has been a member of the board of directors of XM Satellite Radio, HealthTronics and numerous private companies. During over the past 33 years, he has developed extensive relationships throughout the Broadcast and entertainment industry.
Furano is presently the founder and CEO of Signatures, a merchandising and promotional company that has the rights to market products for over 125 entertainers including, U2, The Beatles, Jessica Simpson, Alan Jackson and Jennifer Lopez, among others. Prior to forming Signatures Network, Furano was the founding CEO of Sony Signatures, Sony Corp.'s entertainment, merchandising, licensing and consumer products division. While at the helm of Sony Signatures, he quickly built the division into a major entertainment licensing and branding powerhouse. Before joining Sony Pictures Entertainment, Furano teamed up with Bill Graham to co-found Winterland Productions, a music merchandising company. In the mid 1980's he sold Winterland to CBS Inc.
"I am pleased that we were able to attract two outside Directors with such stature in the entertainment industry," stated John Gott, president and CEO of SLS International. "I look forward to working closely with them to receive their expertise and assistance in all elements of our business. Their reputation for success in our industry should create many new opportunities for us among retailers and industry professionals." –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
