Phil Langley, Senior Vice President of Global Enterprise AV and UCC at Wesco Anixter, has been a driving force in transforming the pro AV industry for over 30 years. His journey, from substation control systems to leading global AV distribution, reflects a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic foresight, and a relentless commitment to innovation. Under his leadership, Wesco Anixter is revolutionising the traditional role of AV distribution—shifting beyond transactional product sales to a service-first model that prioritises integrator success. By offering comprehensive, outcome-driven solutions, Wesco Anixter empowers integrators and end-users to work smarter, reduce complexity, and accelerate project delivery, ultimately driving greater efficiency and profitability across the industry.
Early career and entry into Pro AV
Langley’s professional journey began at a major power distribution company. This early technical foundation gave him a deep understanding of complex systems and control mechanisms. In the mid-1990s, he took on a project management role for a UK-based Pro AV systems integrator on a high-profile hotel project in Barcelona, marking a pivotal step in his career. Tasked with integrating AV solutions into hotel public areas and premium rooms, Langley became immersed in the industry, developing a deep understanding of AV control systems and their potential.
From there, his career expanded across continents and industries. Over the years, he held key positions with renowned pro AV manufacturers such as Bose, AMX, and Harman and roles in ICT distribution and global telecommunications. One of his most notable achievements came in 1999 when he played a pivotal role in designing and integrating the first-ever videowall at London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus. This groundbreaking installation, featuring 36 Barco 3000 series LCD projectors and Stewart Filmscreen rear-projection screens, delivered 13 simultaneous streams of digital video—an extraordinary technological feat at the time. The project garnered international media attention, including a feature on the BBC’s Towards 2000, and set a new standard for large-scale digital displays.
Leading Wesco Anixter and reimagining Pro AV distribution
With his keen understanding of the market’s shifting dynamics, Langley has recognised that AV is no longer just about traditional displays and audio systems—it’s now deeply embedded in data-driven, IT-centric environments. For instance, the democratisation of command-and-control technologies has allowed these once-exclusive solutions to expand beyond emergency operations centres into corporate offices, data centres and security hubs. Similarly, connectivity and engagement technologies are reshaping the spectator experience in the broadcast industry—driving demand for high-bandwidth AV infrastructure.
While traditional distributors focus primarily on moving products from manufacturers to integrators, Wesco Anixter takes a fundamentally different approach, prioritising service, efficiency and integrator success. Instead of following the traditional distributor playbook, Langley and his team have created a model that simplifies complexity, accelerates deployment and maximises integrator profitability.
By evolving beyond conventional distribution, Wesco Anixter offers a complete range of supply chain and integration services that alleviate integrators’ key pain points. It supports partners with key services, including pre-configuration, kitting, back-of-house testing and just-in-time delivery, ensuring that equipment arrives fully prepared for seamless deployment.
This approach enables integrators to focus on what they do best-delivering high-value solutions to end customers – without getting bogged down by logistical challenges. By handling critical but time-consuming backend tasks, Wesco Anixter effectively extends the integrator’s capabilities, acting as a true partner rather than a middleman.
Beyond logistics, Wesco Anixter’s financial approach is another game-changer. The company maintains manufacturer invoices on its balance sheet until hardware delivery to either the integrator or end user location, significantly reducing the financial strain on integrators. Additionally, they handle pre-provisioned scrap returns to manufacturers, further optimising efficiency and minimising waste.
This reimagined approach to AV distribution is not just about meeting current market demands—it’s about shaping the industry’s future.
Why Wesco Anixter’s Service-First model is different
The pro AV industry is rapidly evolving, and so are the needs of integrators and end-users. Recognising this shift, Langley has championed a service-forward approach prioritising long-term business outcomes over one-off product sales.
Wesco Anixter redefines what distribution means in the modern era with a service-forward approach that is built around several key differentiators:
- Full-Service Integration Support: From pre-installation services to DOA testing and turnkey logistics, they remove the barriers that slow down deployments.
- Flexible Financial Models: Through options like OpEx, CapEx, hybrid and working capital enhancement solutions, Wesco Anixter helps integrators align with their business growth goals, reducing capital strain and improving cash flow.
- Comprehensive Supply Chain Management: By leveraging its global logistics network, Wesco Anixter ensures that integrators can access the right products at the right time – whether through just-in-time inventory solutions or large-scale procurement support.
- Industry Expertise in High-Growth Sectors: Langley has established Wesco Anixter as a leader in emerging AV verticals, including command-and-control centres, hybrid workplace solutions and large-scale sports and entertainment venues.
This holistic approach to pro AV distribution challenges the industry norm and redefines what integrators should expect from their partners. It’s not just about shipping boxes – it’s about delivering seamless, scalable, and profitable AV solutions.
