Published on 30^th June, 2026

The professional audiovisual industry lost one of its most distinguished professionals Kelvin Ashby-King (1962-2026), who passed away last week, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to influence the AV community he served.

After discovering his passion for lighting, sound, and set design during his university years in New Zealand, Kelvin worked for various theatre companies and travelling productions in New Zealand, Australia, and England, and also as a freelance designer completing over 50 Major productions in Musical Theatre, Opera, Ballet, and Drama. In 1985, he joined Selecon New Zealand Limited as Director of Sales for Asia.

Kelvin has been based in India for almost three decades. When T2 Consulting Group (T2) which he founded in 2010 in Bengaluru, was sold in 2021, Kelvin setup Clarity Consulting which has a presence in Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Dubai.

Kelvin's exceptional contributions earned him more than 20 prestigious industry awards throughout his career, including AVIXA "Lifetime Achievement Award" (2016) and AV-ICN Excellence Award 2023 for "AV Architect of the Year", recognising his outstanding contributions to the professional AV industry. These accolades represented not just professional recognition, but acknowledgment of Kelvin's dedication to raising industry standards and pushing the boundaries of what professional AV could achieve.

Some of his prestigious projects included – National Judiciary Museum & Archives that was recently inaugurated by 50th CJI, Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Ballroom and Crystal Ballroom of Taj Hotel Mumbai integrated with lighting and AV, Khalsa Heritage Museum – Punjab integrated with AV, Lighting and Acoustics, India’s First NOC at Infosys Campus, and Airtel Network Experience Centre in Delhi, which is one of the world’s largest single video wall.

Kelvin's influence extended far beyond the projects he designed or the companies he built. He elevated the entire industry through his unwavering commitment to excellence, education, and mentorship. His passion was contagious, his expertise was generous, and his impact was profound. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life that made the professional AV community stronger, and more connected.

In loving memory of Kelvin Ashby-King and honouring his remarkable life, unwavering dedication to the Audio-Visual and Lighting industry, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him, a memorial gathering has been organised of July 1^st, 2026, at Fellowship of Physically Handicapped, Banquet Hall, 5^th Floor, Lala Lajpatrai Marg, Haji Ali, Entrance next to Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai.

PALM AV-ICN Expo extends heartfelt condolences to Kelvin's family, friends, colleagues, and the countless professionals whose lives and careers he touched throughout his extraordinary journey.

May his soul rest in peace.