Riversong: the firm that sells to 1/5th of the world

This year, Riversong celebrated its 5th anniversary - and over those 5 years, they've been able to bring their smart gadgets to more than 200,000 retail stores and 60 countries globally. Now they’re looking to bring that success to the UK, creating new jobs, bringing fresh investment and helping to boost UK retail. 

Riversong CEO and Forbes council member Haitham Kalakesh joined Technology Magazine to reveal how he sees great potential in the projected 64.9 million smartphone users by the year 2025, the growing consumer-based wearable technology market and in particular, ear-worn devices, of which 270 million units are forecast to be shipped in 2023. 

Can you tell us about your role and responsibilities?

As a CEO I’m responsible for managing the company’s operations. I supervise from the production and development level to the marketing strategy until we deliver the right product to the market. My goal is to always deliver the right product for the right value to our customers. I always put quality and innovation first.

What technology are you most looking forward to using more of?

I would say the battery cells. Our generation became extremely connected to technology,  everything needs to be charged so you can keep up with your normal routine, from the phone,  smartwatch, power banks and so on. That is why Riversong developed our own battery cell technology to guarantee full compatibility and up to date service to the latest devices on the market.

What has been your career highlight prior to your current role?

I don’t usually look back at my career and identify a highlight moment. My career paths since the 2000s were always connected to technology. I was honoured to have previously worked with international brands such as Nokia and Samsung. From that, I collected knowledge which led me to be the CEO I am today, transmitting all my expertise into Riversong’s success journey.

What is your leadership style?

For sure, trusting and shaping the right team. I believe that the right motivation and the right people can achieve every ambition you have projected for your company. It’s important to keep having an entrepreneurial mindset. We always strive to keep creating new things.  

What exciting plans do you have coming up as an organisation?

There are a lot of new things happening and new stuff to come up on the market.  But I would have to say our new NFT campaign is rather challenging and ground-breaking. Riversong is emerging to the hype, co-branding with the NFT concept and offering its consumers an exclusive opportunity to get NFTs. It is a way to connect the artificial intelligence world with the real world. We are one of the first organisations to come up with this kind of initiative. When buying a smart wearable or audio product you’ll get a US$50 NFT value artwork.