International Women’s Day 2026 isn’t just a date on the calendar for PPDS (the global provider of Philips Professional Displays); it’s a benchmark for progress. The company has long been a vocal advocate for workplace equality, and the latest figures prove that their “people-first” philosophy is yielding tangible results.
As of March 2026, PPDS reports that women now make up 29% of its global workforce. While the tech and AV sectors have traditionally been male-dominated, PPDS is outpacing many of its peers, particularly in regional leadership roles.
A Regional Deep Dive into Diversity
The shift toward gender balance is most striking when looking at specific regional teams and departments within the company:
- United Kingdom: Leading the way with 55% female representation.
- France: Balanced at a perfect 50%.
- DACH Region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland): Boasting a strong 45%.
- Global Marketing (HQ): A powerhouse team where over 80% of members are women.
Insights from the Frontline: Suzanne Racz
To mark #IWD2026, Suzanne Racz, Global Product Marketing Manager at PPDS, shared her journey through an industry she has served for over 20 years. Having previously worked at giants like Cisco, Racz is now a central figure in bringing Philips Professional Displays to the global market.
On the Evolution of the Industry
“When I started… it wasn’t unusual to be the only woman in the room,” Racz notes. Today, she sees a “real shift,” with more women entering technical and commercial roles than ever before.
On the Importance of Visibility
Racz credits the rising visibility of women at major trade shows like ISE and InfoComm for changing the narrative. She specifically highlighted the Sustainability Track Hackathon at ISE 2026, where a significant number of young female engineers and students participated, signaling a bright future for the next generation.
Suzanne’s Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders
For those looking to break into or advance within the AV world, Racz offers three pillars of advice:
- Claim Your Space: “Be confident in your expertise… don’t hide in the shadows. Bring your perspective; it’s valuable.”
- Stay Curious: The intersection of AI, communication, and human experience is constantly changing—keep learning.
- Seek Mentorship: Relationships and guidance are key to navigating the corporate landscape.
The Road Ahead: Reaching the Next Generation
A major challenge remains: many young women “fall into” the AV industry by accident rather than choice. PPDS is actively working to change this through:
- Outreach Programs: Engaging with schools and universities.
- Internships: Providing global opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience.
- Hackathons: Sponsoring events that show the creative and societal impact of AV tech.
The Takeaway: For PPDS, diversity isn’t a slogan—it’s a competitive advantage. By fostering a culture where 80% of a core team or 55% of a regional office can be female, they are proving that the “AV man’s world” is officially a thing of the past.