Gryphon Audio Designs, founded in 1985, has set the standard for high-end audio with its minimalist, high-performance gear. Under CEO Rune Skov, the brand has grown globally, continuing to push the boundaries of luxury audio excellence.
Founded in 1985 by Flemming E. GrRasmussen, Gryphon Audio Designs was born out of a passion to bring the purest essence of live music into people’s homes. The company’s pioneering CEO Rune Skov has been named “Best Executive in High-End Audio Technology” & “Growth Strategy CEO in Luxury Goods Industry” in the Business Worldwide 2024 CEO Awards. Here we learn about the company’s journey so far.
Originally an offshoot of 2R Marketing, Gryphon’s first product—the now-legendary Gryphon Head Amp—began as a personal project for Rasmussen’s own system. But after receiving widespread acclaim at the 1986 Chicago Consumer Electronics Show, including a “Best Buy” nod from the Japanese audio press, demand for the Head Amp led to the formal establishment of Gryphon Audio Designs as an independent entity. By 1993, Gryphon had ceased all import activities, allowing Rasmussen to focus solely on the brand.Gryphon quickly earned a global reputation for its state-of-the-art performance, intuitive ergonomics, and luxurious design.
Since joining Gryphon in 2015, Rune Skov has played a key role in the brand’s evolution. In 2018, after a brief tenure with another company, he was invited back to join the executive board as Global Sales Director, becoming a shareholder too. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping Gryphon’s global strategy and fostering relationships with partners and customers. He believes that high-end audio is not just about the product but about building trust, integrity, and lasting connections. Ensuring that Gryphon remains approachable has been a priority, establishing strong client and partner relationships through open communication, attentiveness, and respect.
His approach to leadership is founded on vision and innovation. Since his return, he has implemented a strategy that has elevated Gryphon from an esoteric brand to one recognized for its exclusivity. Drawing inspiration from a Portuguese architect’s philosophy — “To think outside the box… break it, re-shape it” — he believes true leadership is about inspiring and guiding others toward a shared vision, building a community of followers both within the company and among external partners and customers.
Expanding Gryphon’s reach
A significant milestone in Skov’s career was the creation of Gryphon Audio NA Inc., a fully-fledged distribution and marketing subsidiary in the U.S. With Skov now serving as President and CEO, this new venture has significantly contributed to Gryphon’s growth and brand recognition in North America. Skov says that much of this success can be attributed to the strong personal support system he has at home, especially from his wife, whose unwavering partnership has enabled him to balance extensive travel and family life.
Gryphon’s unique philosophy
Gryphon stands apart from other high-end audio brands with its minimalist, no-frills design philosophy. Each product is engineered to maintain the integrity of the input signal, without adding or subtracting any colorations. Features like wide bandwidth, high slew rates, and ultra-wide frequency response ensure that the systems can reproduce soundscapes with remarkable precision. The company’s designs are heavily focused on Class A amplification, frequently incorporating zero negative feedback and dual mono configurations to guarantee optimal sonic performance.
This is a brand that ignores trends and sets its own. Much like Lamborghini in the automotive world, Gryphon is unapologetically unique, fully aware that their style and approach isn’t for everyone. However, Gryphonistas — the brand’s loyal customers — are fans for life. They appreciate the company’s commitment to pure sound and personal, communicative customer relationships. Many choose Gryphon as their complete audio solution, building entire systems from Gryphon electronics, cables, and loudspeakers.
A day in the life
When not travelling to meet partners, clients, or attend events, Skov’s day begins early with a 90 minute drive to the office, where he takes time to clear his head and prepare for the day ahead.
“Travelling is essential to my role, and around 150 days a year are spent on the road meeting people, building relationships, and expanding Gryphon’s presence. While it demands long hours and endless flights, seeing different parts of the world fuels my passion for the industry and inspires me to drive the company forward” he explains.
Leadership and philosophy
As a leader, Skov is competitive, driven, and constantly striving for improvement. He fosters an open environment, encouraging creativity and collaboration, with diverse perspectives valued within the team. He believes in flexibility and problem-solving, approaching challenges with a positive mindset. Compassion, empathy, and authenticity are central to his leadership style, both professionally and personally.
While more focused on the bigger picture than on finer details, he prefers to innovate and inspire rather than get bogged down in minutiae. His ultimate goal is to inspire others — whether colleagues, friends, or family — to dream big and achieve their goals.
Looking ahead
The vision for Gryphon’s future is one of growing influence in the ultra-high-end audio scene, with plans for significant expansion in key markets such as Asia and the U.S. Skov’s aim is for Gryphon to become the most coveted brand in the world of ultra-high-end audio, beloved by audiophiles and music lovers alike.
Skov is deeply proud of his journey with Gryphon and excited for what the future holds. Gryphon has always been about pushing boundaries, and with curiosity and courage, the company will continue exploring uncharted territories. Together, Gryphon will deliver the ultimate audio experience to its loyal Gryphonistas, as he looks forward to leading the brand into new and exciting directions.
To find out more visit the company’s website at https://gryphon-audio.dk/
