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21 January 2025

Europe - Astera has announced Agata Birn as the company’s new head of sales. Agata Birn brings over 12 years of experience in international business development and distribution strategy. With a track record of handling motion picture equipment, including four years as international sales and business development manager at DoPchoice, Birn is positioned to help strengthen Astera’s international relationships and streamline the customer experience.

Chief sales officer Sebastian Bückle commented: “Agata’s extensive expertise and dynamic approach make her an outstanding addition to our team. Her leadership will undoubtedly help us serve the film and event communities.”

In her new role, Birn will oversee Astera’s global sales strategy, while delivering exceptional service to its existing partners, clients and customers. She will also focus o

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21 January 2025

UK - PRG UK has appointed Phil McMichael as UK sales & business development director, with Miles Hillyard promoted to commercial director as the company continues to focus on growth.

McMichael has over 20 years of experience in the event industry, working with high-profile clients and growing their accounts. As sales director at Blitz, he focused on corporate accounts and agencies including Boeing, Temenos and Karla Otto. He then co-formed JLLive that later merged with JLLighting and JLUSA to form JLGroup, where he worked with the likes of Pico+, 2Heads & Disney.

“I’m thrilled to take up my new role at PRG UK, forming part of the leadership team and supporting both our strategic development plans and growth ambitions across all sectors of the live event, sports, television, theatre and music industries,” says McMichael. “With a backgr

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21 January 2025

USA - Media server technology company tvONE has appointed Jonathan Begleiter to the position of director of sales North Central and South America, and Alex Jerome as director of marketing.

Begleiter is promoted to the director of sales (NCSA) following 13 years at tvONE, most recently as SE regional sales manager. He brings more than 35 years’ experience in the AV industry, working within successful distributors and manufacturers, and offers considerable commercial and residential integration experience.

“I have proven results attaining revenue in my SE regional roles and a track record of providing superior customer support,” says Begleiter, who is based in Florida. “I’ve showcased this through all aspects of the design and implementation of projects, working with integration channel partners, consultant specifiers, and in end user system

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17 January 2025

UK - Audio-Technica has recently expanded its UK commercial audio sales team with two new appointments, Craig Higgins and Sonny Sloggett, reflecting the company’s increasing activity in the integrated audio and live sound verticals.

The new roles ensure dedicated support for customers across the UK, with Higgins and existing team member Tom Ackroyd taking up positions as business development managers, live sound for northern and southern regions respectively. The company’s Integrated Audio team now comprises business development managers Sloggett (North) and Jack Spenn (South).

In addition to expanding its commercial sales team, Audio-Technica has introduced project support services to offer customers designs and recommendations from Audio-Technica’s brand portfolio. Further, Audio-Technica has launched a B2B trade portal, which allows customer

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17 January 2025

USA - Bandit Lites recently honoured lighting designer Chaz Martin for marking more than 40 years with the company, and recognised Don Lockridge, Rick Munroe and Rick Herndon as they retired from the renowned lighting company, marking the end of an era. They have been integral in shaping the company’s success as their decades of experience helped innovate lighting designs, train the next generation of technicians and foster a legacy of creativity, precision and excellence.

Chaz Martin joined Bandit Lites in 1984 when he came to the United States with R.E.M. as their lighting designer. His storied career includes working with Jimmy Buffett, System of a Down, Beck, The Cowboy Junkies, Faith No More, OMD, Dan Fogelberg, Jewel, Tears for Fears and Hugh Laurie.

“Chaz and I became the best of friends in 1984 and have remained that way ever since,” sa

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16 January 2025

Germany - GLP has announced the appointment of Mark Ravenhill to the board of directors of the GLP Group.

Ravenhill will form part of the executive leadership of the company, adding focus to its relationships within the global design community while addressing its future product requirements, says the company. Based in the US city of Nashville, Ravenhill will also lead the sales and marketing of the GLP US subsidiary.

GLP managing director Udo Kunzler comments: "I am excited to have Mark join our executive leadership. We know him well, of course, and he brings a great level of knowledge and experience with him."

Ravenhill adds: "I am looking forward to re-joining the company in this expanded role. GLP has a strong reputation for product innovation and creative solutions which I look forward to being a continuing part of. These are exciting ti

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15 January 2025

Italy - Powersoft has announced the appointment of Cristiano Traferri as a house account professional leader. With over 25 years of industry experience across audio-video, commercial, and power electronics sectors, Traferri brings the expertise to strengthen client relationships and drive growth with increased emphasis on sustainable products and practises.

Throughout his career, Traferri has held key roles in marketing, key account management, and business development, collaborating closely with clients worldwide across diverse industries.

“For me, joining Powersoft is the perfect opportunity to bring together the skills and expertise I have developed over the years,” he says. “It is undoubtedly the ideal environment for me, particularly due to the uniqueness of our products and the company’s values.

“I aim to implement best practi

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14 January 2025

UK - PLASA has announced changes to its Executive Board and Membership Governing Body (MGB). After seven years of dedicated service as chair, Adam Blaxill of Stage Electrics steps down to join the association’s Executive Board as a non-executive director, replacing fellow former chair, Ed Pagett.

Having previously served as PLASA’s treasurer, Matt Lloyd of 3LR Lighting Ltd now becomes chair, with Koy Neminathan of Elation Professional B.V stepping into the role of treasurer, having previously been PLASA’s manufacturer representative. Adlib’s Andy Dockerty continues in his role as vice-chair. Joining the MGB, Mark Cooper of SES Entertainment Services Limited has been appointed as PLASA’s new manufacturer representative, while Chris West of West Training Services Ltd has been elected as the educational and training representative.

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13 January 2025

USA - Elation has announced that Peter E. Schmitt Co (PES), an independent rep firm in the entertainment technology industry, has been named the new representative of Elation products in the Northeastern USA, including the New York City area and New England. The partnership includes the Obsidian Control Systems and Magmatic atmospheric effects lines.

Located in northern New Jersey just west of New York City, PES delivers lighting solutions to a wide array of clients. Operational since 1926, and now in its fourth generation of ownership, PES is not only well-established but also one of the most respected in the Northeast, known for its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The company has served as a representative for the Elation brands since 1 December 2024.

To support the new partnership, PES has announced the hiring of James Suit as

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10 January 2025

USA - As the new year begins, ACT Entertainment is marking two promotions and a retirement in the company’s technical service department.

CTO Mario Collazo retires from the firm, while Ryan Kanarek has been promoted to director of technical services and Dustin Barnes has been elevated to the role of software support manager.

Mario Collazo retired after 29 years of service at ACT Entertainment; he joined ACT in 1996 and became CTO three years ago. One of the company’s longest tenured employees, Collazo leaves in place a roster of experienced technical personnel who ensure that ACT’s service and support will continue to be best in class.

“The technical service and support at ACT Entertainment is not only critical to our customers but vital to our culture as a company,” says ACT CEO Ben Saltzman. “We have been lucky to have leadershi

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09 January 2025

Europe - Michel Arntz has been appointed as global sales director for the Robe Group, a role involving oversight of all sales-related activities for the manufacturer and its associated businesses and brands, including Avolites, Anolis, LSC Systems and Artistic Licence.

Arntz has been working for Robe for the last two years as a key account manager for Europe, dealing with high-profile distributors and subsidiaries and integrating with Robe’s business MO and lively, people-focused management style.

“It is an extremely exciting time for Robe,” says Arntz, referring to a string of acquisitions over the last 18 months which position Robe to offer clients entire lighting and visual control solutions, from the luminaires, consoles and media servers to power distribution and complete systems integration.

“I look forward to managing the growt

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07 January 2025

USA - Bandit Lites rang in 2025 with its Annual General Meeting, a gathering of its team members to recap the previous year, celebrate milestones and forecast the upcoming year. Bandit Lites chair and founder Michael T. Strickland addressed Bandit’s continuing successes and robust career opportunities.

Multiple Bandits celebrated milestone anniversaries with the company, including Carter Hopkins and Jesse Poreca for five years, Sarah Eucker, Carter Fulghum, Craig Richter and Ty Veneziano for 10 years and Scot Sepe for 15 years. World renowned designer Chaz Martin reached the 40-year mark at Bandit in 2024.

“Bandit stands alone with full-time employees and longevity is our key,” stated Strickland. “We have numerous 20, 30 and 40-year Bandits. By providing a career rather than a job, Bandit is able to provide the same people every year for our

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07 January 2025

China - Wharfedale Pro has welcomed Marko Jovanović to its International Application and Solutions team. Based in China, Jovanović will support local customers while contributing to the team's global strength.

Jovanović has extensive experience as a live sound engineer, specialising in FOH and stage monitor mixing for events and festivals in Eastern Europe before continuing his career in China since 2015. His expertise in live sound engineering includes system design for large-scale events and also encompasses his role as head of dept for the world's largest immersive audio system in Shanghai.

"Marko's experience will be a great asset for us here at Wharfedale Pro," says Danny Clarke, sales director. "With his extensive European background and expertise in immersive audio, he brings a wealth of knowledge that will greatly strengthen our global sup

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06 January 2025

UK/Ireland - Entedi closed out the year with major announcements that set the stage for continued growth in 2025 and beyond, including an expanding team and the announcement of a new Board of Directors.

Founder Cally Bacchus reflected on the year, saying: “2024 was a whirlwind of everything I love about this industry. Our team has grown, our partners continue to amaze us with their boundary-pushing innovations, and we’re thrilled to be backing the next generation of industry talent through our technical partnership at RADA.

“I’m delighted to announce some key updates to our team and the launch of our Board of Directors to guide us into this exciting new chapter." Cally Bacchus will step into the role of CEO; Erik Lynas will become managing director; and Marcel Wijnberger will transition to technical director.

“These changes in our s

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18 December 2024

UK - At the Annual Lighting Lunch held on Monday 16 December, the Association for Lighting Production and Design (the ALPD) awarded four new fellowships to Peter Hunter, Steve Huttly, Nick Peel and Alan Luxford.

Introducing the new fellows, chair of the ALPD, Johanna Town, said: “This year our ALPD fellowships go to four very dedicated lighting individuals, who have spent a lifetime’s career in our amazing industry.”

Peter Hunter: After training at LAMDA Hunter spent a season at Chichester, before moving to the Redgrave Theatre, Farnham, where he rose to become chief electrician. In 1980 he moved to Salisbury Playhouse as lighting designer and chief electrician. Now retired, he continues to be generous with his time, knowledge and support of the next generation.

Steve Huttly: Huttly started his career i

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17 December 2024

UK - HH Audio, part of the Headstock Group, has announced the promotion of Emma Thompson to the position of marketing manager with responsibility for developing and executing HH Audio brand campaigns globally.

Headstock Group CEO James Laney comments: “Having started at Headstock Group on our marketing apprenticeship programme in 2022, Emma quickly demonstrated an aptitude for adding value to the business, bringing a critical eye to brand aesthetics and a dynamic approach to content creation. Having been promoted to a marketing associate role 12 months ago, Emma has been very productive working across multiple campaigns and different brands within the group.”

Thompson adds: “I’m excited to be taking up my new position, especially given the exciting product launches that we have planned for 2025. It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward

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09 December 2024

UK - Audiologic has appointed Mark Flanagan as head of marketing. Flanagan, who has spent the last decade with a global laboratory technology firm, comes aboard as part of wider additions to the sales and marketing team and a move to new premises including a customer-facing training facility, in tandem with the company celebrating 20 years in business.

Responsible for driving marketing activities in support of Audiologic’s key brand portfolio as well as developing brand identity and reach for Audiologic itself, he’ll be leaning on 25 years’ experience in various technology marketing roles. Over a dozen of those years were spent in audio, having spent six years at Tannoy and Lab Gruppen (under TC Group ownership) and seven years prior at MI & Pro-audio chain Sound Control & Turnkey.

“Audio technology is in your DNA I think, once you di

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06 December 2024

UK - HH Audio, part of the Headstock Group, has announced the promotion of Kyle Watson to the position of divisional sales manager Europe. Watson will be responsible for the growth of HH Audio in the territory and will work closely with the company’s European partners, leading the release of new ranges and helping to determine what products should be next in development.

Headstock Group CEO James Laney comments: “Having started at Headstock just over two years ago, Kyle quickly proved his capability in technical support and after-sales duties. His diligence, ambition, and knowledge of audio products prompted the opportunity to include him in our HH Audio product development committee, where he quickly became project manager for the development of several new products due for release in 2025.

“Given that he has spent the last year focused on bri

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29 November 2024

UK - Following another period of business expansion and coinciding with celebrating its 20th year of trading, Harlow-based UK distributor Audiologic has recently made two new appointments to its field sales team as well as augmented from within with key role changes.

Imre Csuri joins to spearhead the company’s growth ambitions in the IT reseller space; bringing with him 20 years of experience in the sector, including channel alliance roles at Sennheiser, EPOS and QSC/Q-SYS over the past decade.

“My focus has always been on customer enablement and collaborative growth, helping them to unlock new opportunities by bringing new audio solutions to the table and being there to support them at every step along the way. Hence why Audiologic presents a natural home for me, this is at the heart of the culture here,” commented Csuri.

Darren Humphr

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27 November 2024

UK - INFiLED has announced the expansion of its UK and Ireland team with the appointment of a new vice-president of sales, Nick Shaw, and a sales manager Lee Holland. This growth is in line with INFiLED’s commitment to expand the UK and Ireland market and build its relationships with potential and existing clients and stakeholders.

Nick Shaw, the newly appointed vice-president of sales, brings a wealth of knowledge with his previously held senior roles in sales, business development and operational delivery at companies including Roe Visual, Samsung, NEC and Prysm.

“I was immediately attracted to INFiLED because of its business ethos, and the camaraderie I experienced throughout the interview process. It made the decision to run the UK business easy,” says Shaw. “Given my background in establishing and growing UK operations for similar compan

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25 November 2024

UK - Audioscenic has announced the appointment of John Croteau, a veteran technology executive, as chairman of its board of directors. Croteau brings an impressive track record of driving innovation and growth in the tech sector including his roles as GM at Analog Devices, senior VP at NXP, CEO at MACOM, and currently as CEO at neural biosensor company Pison.  

Croteau's strategic guidance will be instrumental in steering Audioscenic through its next phase of technological advancement, innovation, and product integrations.

John Croteau commented: “I am thrilled to join Audioscenic at such a defining moment in the company’s evolution. With its innovative, position-adaptive 3D sound technology, Audioscenic is well-positioned to capitalise on the industry’s secular growth in immersive, 3D content.

“I look forward to collaborating with

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22 November 2024

Germany - d&b group has announced the appointment of James Gallagher-Powell as chief strategy officer (CSO).

Gallagher-Powell joins d&b group following a number of strategic and financial leadership roles with globally recognised organisations including PwC, RFRSH and CSM Sports & Entertainment, where he was Group CFO.

"I am thrilled to welcome James to our executive team and to the d&b family," says Amnon Harman, CEO of d&b group. "Our ambition has always been to address future trends and create technologies, business models and organisational structures accordingly. With James’ strategic experience he will be invaluable in helping us continue to set trends and support our customers in transforming their businesses."

Gallagher-Powell's responsibilities as CSO will span leading the company’s long-term strategic directi

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21 November 2024

USA - Powersoft has announced the appointment of Joel Majgier as its new consultants and key accounts manager in the US.

“I’ve spent over two decades in professional AV, and I see huge potential for growth with Powersoft,” says Majgier. “The reputation of the brand is exceptional, and the people within the company are committed to delivering best-in-class service to both our dealer base and the venues we work with. That level of dedication is something I’m excited to be a part of.”

In his new role, Majgier hopes to help expand Powersoft’s footprint in the US. The US market currently makes up around a quarter of Powersoft’s revenue – a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years.

Tom Knesel, general manager and COO of Powersoft US, comments: “We’re thrilled to welcome Joel to the Powersoft team. His extensive

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20 November 2024

Europe - Lighting, entertainment and cruise ship specialist Tony Perez has taken on a new position as global sales director in Robe’s Maritime division, stepping up from the business development manager role that he has held since 2022.

The cruise industry sector of Robe’s business has expanded exponentially during Tony’s tenure, a combination of his experience and first-hand knowledge of the sector, hard work and being able to offer a raft of flexible Robe and Anolis lighting products to meet exacting standards.

The agility and comprehensive nature of Robe’s worldwide distribution network has also been a vital factor in this success, resulting in several high profile maritime projects including with MSC’s World class vessels, CCL’s Sun Princess class ships and other Carnival Cruise Line brands, RCCL’s Icon of the Seas class, various Di