PlayNetwork

{{Infobox company

| name = PlayNetwork, Inc.

| logo = Corporate logo for PlayNetwork, Inc.png

| logo_caption =

| type = Private

| parent = Mood Media

| foundation = Seattle, WA, United States ({{Start date|1996}})

| key_people = Ross Honey, CEO

Tony Plesner, CFO

Quentin Gallet, CTO

Marc Felsen, CMO

Pam Shoenfeld, SVP, General Counsel

Luke Ferro, EVP, North American Sales

Evan LaVere, SVP, Music and Systems

| location = Redmond, WA

| industry = Marketing and Entertainment Media

| num_employees = 235

| products = {{unbulleted list| Music for Business

Digital Signage|Audio/Video Systems|Licensed Music Distribution|Brand Development|Music Supervision|Original Video Production|Innovation|SiriusXM|Messaging|Advertising Networks|Systems Advantage}}|

| homepage = http://www.playnetwork.com|

}}

PlayNetwork, Inc. is a provider of in-store music and entertainment for retail, restaurant, and hospitality environments.

PlayNetwork merged with TouchTunes in May 2017, but in September 2021, TouchTunes sold PlayNetwork to Mood Media.{{cite web | url=https://www.clubindustry.com/press-releases/mood-media-acquires-playnetwork | title=Mood Media Acquires PlayNetwork | date=28 September 2021 }}

History

The company was founded by Kevin Robell in 1996. As a music programmer for the Tom Selleck-owned nightclub Black Orchid in Honolulu, HI during the 80s, Kevin noticed "the synergetic relationship between customers, music, and their environment"; He went on to establish PlayNetwork in Seattle with brother Gordon Robell as a digital music provider for businesses.{{cite web| url = http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2000/03/13/story5.html?page=all| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140429155956/http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2000/03/13/story5.html?page=all| archive-date = 2014-04-29| title = VC sounds OK to PlayNetwork - Puget Sound Business Journal}}

In 1996, Adam Brotman, who was a consultant to Kevin Robell, became CEO. Adam went on to become Starbucks’ Chief Digital Officer in 2009.{{Cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-square-adam-brotman-2012-8|title = Meet the Digital Guru Who Got Starbucks to Take Square|website = Business Insider}}

In 1998, PlayNetwork began a partnership with Starbucks to provide digital music systems and service to over 1,800 retail locations in North America. By 2001, the company was providing services to more than 3,500 international locations.{{cite web |url=http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=25144 |title = Mi2n.com}}

In 2003, PlayNetwork is named one of the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies.{{Cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20031007005242/en/Sustained-Success-Lifts-PlayNetwork-500-List-Fastest-Growing#.U1GWu-ZdVcM|title=News}}

In 2005, Executive Chairman of the Board, Lon Troxel is appointed as CEO. PlayNetwork acquires Crows Nest Entertainment (digital signage and advertising).{{Cite web|url=http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2002359382_bizbriefs06.html|title=The Seattle Times | Local news, sports, business, politics, entertainment, travel, restaurants and opinion for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest}} PlayNetwork is named one of the Deloitte Technology Fast 500.{{Cite web|url=http://digitalsignagenews.blogspot.com/2005/10/deloitte-ranks-digital-signage-firm.html|title=Deloitte ranks digital signage firm PlayNetwork on Washington state Technology Fast 50|date=9 October 2005}}

In 2009, PlayNetwork acquires custom in-store television network developer Channel M.{{Cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091102005674/en/PlayNetwork-Acquisition-Channel-Official#.U1GcA-ZdVcM|title = News}}

In 2013, offices in London and Hong Kong open.

In May 2017, PlayNetwork merged with TouchTunes Interactive Network and the combined company's headquarters was reported to be located at New York City and Seattle.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vendingtimes.com/articles/touchtunes-and-playnetwork-complete-merger-promise-9236|title=TouchTunes And PlayNetwork Complete Merger, Promise Accelerated Innovation, Launch Background Music Service {{!}} Articles {{!}} Vending Times|website=www.vendingtimes.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-09}}

=International expansion=

PlayNetwork continues to expand internationally with the opening of office locations in London and Hong Kong, with an additional office in Santiago, Chile in 2014.

References