France - APG has announced the appointment of Rodolphe Portet to the newly-created role of sales engineer for the southern region of France. With a solid experience in electroacoustic R&D and technical support for the pro audio industry, Portet perfectly matches APG’s new sales organisation, as the company is now fostering a direct approach with integrators and rental stagers in the French territory. Grégory Dapsanse, APG’s marketing and business development director commented: “Rodolphe is the ideal profile and a perfect fit for our sales force: He brings deep knowledge in sound technologies and technics, which will prove critical to the development of the APG brand in France. He is also affable, trustworthy and honest, some key values that we advocate in our sales approach.” Rodolphe will be responsible for promoting the APG brand in the south and
UK - Polar has announced the appointment of Will Turney to the post of business development manager. With seven years’ experience in the AV industry, Will joins the company from Harman-owned AMX, a manufacturer of control and switching equipment, where he was a channel account manager concentrating on the higher education sector. A marketing and management graduate of Newcastle University, Will's role at Polar will be to bring his dynamism and expertise to grow sales and revenues in the Integrated Solutions division. Polar director, Stuart Leader, who heads up the Integrated Solutions division, comments: "Will has a comprehensive understanding of AV technologies and their application, as well as a thorough knowledge of the UK marketplace. He was a standout performer in his previous role, recognised with numerous sales awards and we're really pleased to have recruited
UK - PLASA Managing Director Peter Heath has announced that Claire Beeson has been promoted to Editor of Light & Sound International (LSi). Claire has been with LSi and PLASA for the past 10 years, serving as LSi’s Deputy Editor before becoming Acting Editor earlier this year. Peter comments: “I am delighted to announce that Claire Beeson is now the Editor of LSI. Claire has been with the company for nearly 10 years and has made a massive contribution to the magazine and its success. LSi is a prized product within our company and I know it’s in good hands. We look forward to witnessing her personal journey and growth along with the continued success of the magazine.” As well as working on LSi, Claire is a judge for the Concert Touring & Events category of the prestigious Knight of Illumination Awards, and is a member of the organising committee for the po
Germany - Fohhn Audio AG has announced a change to its supervisory board as Heinz Schwarz steps down after 16 years at the helm. He is to be succeeded by Richard Nestel. Schwarz‘s involvement with Fohhn Audio dates back to the company’s foundation in 1993: Since that time, he has held various positions and played an influential role, for example in the area of controlling and through the introduction of an innovative manufacturing strategy. After Fohhn’s conversion to a public limited company in 2001, Schwarz became chairman of the supervisory board alongside Winfried Baumbach and Prof. Dr. Jörg Knoblauch. He has since acted in an advisory capacity on all major strategic decisions, including the development of a successful digital strategy and the fundamental system concept that applies to all Fohhn products. At a small in-house ceremony held in the Fohhn
UK - UK - The Knight of Illumination Awards 2017 (KOI), which celebrates the creative talents of international lighting and digital content designers working in the UK, has announced the appointment of a new chair of the Concert Touring & Events category - Jess Allan. Well-known in the industry, Jess has worked in professional show lighting and event production for almost 20 years, gaining extensive experience of both technology and design while working in various roles for companies including Martin Professional and TAIT. In addition, Jess has been a member of the organising committee for Showlight, the prestigious quadrennial lighting conference, for the past eight years. Most recently, Jess has launched Productionomics, a company providing specialist consultancy services to the event production industry, including data research, product launch, strategy planning
UK - The Prolight Concepts Group, distributors of LEDJ, Equinox, Global Truss, eLumen8 and Clever Acoustics, has appointed Arenna Matthewson as regional sales manager for London and the South East. Arenna joins the team at a time of expansion for the group and is already a familiar face, having previously worked for Avolites and TMB. “Arenna is looking forward to meeting our existing customers, and welcoming new clients,” says group managing director, Andrew Jeffrey. (Jim Evans)
USA - EAW has added Marilyn Fernandes to the engineering project management team. The announcement was made by Geoff McKinnon, engineering manager for EAW. Fernandes, who has a BS in Chemical Engineering from [the] University of Massachusetts, Amherst, brings more than 15 years of experience in both manufacturing and engineering environments where she established a strong track record in managing complex projects to success. In her new role, Fernandes will be responsible for the successful execution of products including planning, budgeting, oversight and documentation. “Marilyn is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of manufacturing engineering,” explains McKinnon. “Our team will benefit from her expertise and analytical skills. We are delighted to have her join EAW.” Prior to joining EAW, Fernandes was project manager for Dorel Juvenile.
UK - With an expanding portfolio of performing projects across its three offices in London, Hong Kong and Sydney, Theatreplan has added Matt Kingslake to its growing team of consultants. Matt graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in 1989 and went on to work for Holiday on Ice, touring the world for eight years within their electrical department rising to the role of chief electrician. After returning to the UK he was technical manager at Grimsby Auditorium before becoming the first technical manager for the Grove Theatre, Dunstable. Matt comments: “I worked closely with Theatreplan during the construction and commissioning of the Grove Theatre and am delighted to be part of a team I’ve long admired.” Theatreplan director, Mathew Smethurst-Evans, says: “With a 25-year career working in a variety of technical theatre role
UK - Illumination specialists LED Creative has welcomed Tim Rees to the role of projects assistant as part of the small but growing team at their Hertfordshire base. Having spent over 10 years delivering a broad range of production solutions, with a particular focus on lighting, Tim’s experience encompasses client liaison, budgeting and supplier management and is augmented by in-depth working knowledge of production equipment and IT systems. Speaking about the new appointment, LED Creative’s Adam Howard says: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Tim to our team. We pride ourselves on being able to offer the very highest levels of support to our clients - Tim’s technical understanding and strong project management skills are a fantastic addition to the LED Creative service.” Commenting on his new role, Tim adds: “The opportunity to join such a dyna
France - Peerless-AV has announced the addition of Cédric Leoture to the position of channel account manager – France. Based near Paris, Cédric is responsible for stimulating existing channel relationships and driving new partner-based development activities to enhance Peerless-AV product knowledge and brand awareness in the rapidly growing French AV market. “France is a major growth market for us so maintaining and strengthening our routes to market is crucial,” commented Melinda Von Horvath, vice president of sales EMEA, Peerless-AV. “Cédric is a great new addition to the export Sales team with an impressive background working with several of our French customers. His experience in AV and IT distribution means he has a solid understanding of channel sales and a high level of technical expertise, which will be instrumental in taking us to the next level in the re
UK - GES has announced the appointment of Mike Phillipson as managing director of its Blitz|GES event production business with immediate effect. Phillipson will be part of the GES EMEA executive team, reporting to Jason Popp, EVP of international at GES. Phillipson is the former CEO of the creative communications agency group, Cogent Elliott and started his career working at global creative agencies Saatchi and Saatchi, Lowe and then JWT, before moving client-side to head up the marketing for the award-winning 24-hour bank, First Direct. With the addition of Phillipson, industry veteran Paul Hutton, who has been with the business since 1989 and previously served as managing director of Blitz|GES, is taking on a new role. Hutton will now focus on agency partner relationships which are key to the business and its customers. Popp commented, “I am delighted that Mi
UK - With over 25 years’ experience working in the professional audio industry - for companies such as Martin Audio, EAW and Bose, and more recently the Music Group - Kevin McNally has joined Old Barn Audio as the company’s new business development manager. Seeking a return to his roots of installation and professional sales, he was approached by OBA owners, Phil Clark and Neil Kavanagh, whom he has known for many years, with the new position in mind. “We are thrilled that Kevin has agreed to join us and expand our ever growing business,” states Clark “His knowledge and connections within the industry will greatly boost our next five-year plan and ensure that our growth continues.” The role of business development manager will encompass not only the growth of OBA’s successful install business, but also that of professional audio dealers for many to
UK - Kevin Thorborn has been promoted director of Mojo Barriers UK, following his role as UK manager for the past 17 years. Having started at Mojo Barriers in 2000 Kevin has managed the provision of stage and crowd safety barriers to over 1,000 festivals, from their local Medway Castle Concerts to Glastonbury Festival. His diverse experience spans venues from student unions to the O2 Arena, supplying concerts and European tours, which this year have included Bruno Mars, film premieres, award shows such as the Brit Awards, major public and sporting events and he has even supplied police forces in riot situations. Mojo Barriers CEO Alex Borger states: “We are delighted at Kevin’s progression since joining Mojo, particularly over the past two years when he has delivered consistently impressive results and expanded the UK business. I am sure this promotion to UK direct
UK - Event professional Scott Rooney-Ashby has joined Hawthorn as account director to support the development of new and existing business for the company’s live event technical production service. Formerly head of account management at mclcreate, Scott’s 20-year career has taken him through various roles from a technical project manager through to his current role as account director at Hawthorn. Clients he has worked with include: Royal Mail, JTI (Japan Tobacco International), RBS, Network Rail and the Olympic Delivery Authority. Scott said: “I’m thrilled to have joined the Hawthorn team at such an exciting time for the company, which has seen eye-catching growth over recent years. It’s clear over the short time I’ve been with the business that I’ll be working with a team of talented, experienced and dedicated technical event professionals and I’m ve
South Africa - Simon King is flying solo after working at the State Theatre in Pretoria for 28 years. He recently took a seat behind the grandMA2 to light La Traviata, performed at The Joburg Theatre by the Joburg Ballet, and complimented with the music of Giuseppe Verdi. “The ballet is by Veronica Paeper, a renowned South African choreographer from Cape Town, and Peter Cazalet, the set designer,” said Simon. “They have specific looks so when I create something they will say ‘yes or no’, or perhaps ask me to tinker. These are classic productions but I’m also given the liberty to play. Having worked with the ballet company since 1993, it’s like working with old friends.” Simon programmed the lighting on a grandMA2, what he describes as his happy desk. “It always works for me –it’s like my other limb and I’m very comfortable on it. It never
South Africa - Andrew Rodgers has joined South African based DWR Distribution. With his considerable experience in project management, technical skill and maintenance contracts, Andi will head the DWR Installation Department. Born and raised in Liverpool, Andi did various maintenance and repair contracts at recording studios such as the Ezee Studio and prior to that the Pink Studio in the UK before moving to South Africa in 1990 where he was offered a maintenance positioned at Sun City’s Superbowl. His colourful career has seen him working at Prosound in electronics design and maintenance, and he also did a stint or two as a freelancer in South East Asia where he worked on various projects including the project management for an audio recording studio for Taffix Solutions of Brunei. “Andi has been a wonderful friend for close to 20 years now, where we often
China - Creative Technology (CT) has announced that with immediate effect Chris Burke will take on the role of managing director of Creative Technology in Shanghai. Chris will also continue as managing director of CT in Hong Kong and Singapore. This appointment now puts all of CT’s Asia Pacific Business under his control. Chris has been with Creative Technology since 2009 and in that time, he has developed the necessary skills to effect the changes that will be needed to further develop the China business and expand CT’s operation in this region. Chris replaces Simon Tibble who passed away suddenly at his home in Shanghai just over a week ago. Simon was a key part of the China business and a true industry veteran whose skills helped develop the business into what it is today. He will be missed by all. Graham Andrews, president of Creative Technology North Ame
UK - Green Hippo has made four additions to its UK-based team. Jacqueline Attard is the UK HQ’s new financial controller, while Phil Blue joins as sales manager, expanding the technical sales team. Rob Moss enlists as junior production engineer, and Anastasia Nikolaou is the latest member of the London-based marketing team, securing the role of PR and marketing executive. Jacqueline Attard’s remit as Green Hippo financial controller sees her help manage the financial complexities of a global business; one with offices in the United States, as well as the UK. Jacqueline’s previous experience includes senior roles with large European and US companies, including Deloitte, Jones Lang Lasalle and AstraZeneca. Rob Moss brings significant technical expertise, having previously held the position of broadcasting engineer at the BBC, as well as time with Orange Ampl
UK - VER has announced the appointment of Katie Skelton to the position of commercial manager on their UK broadcast team. Having begun her career as part of the BBC’s Outside Broadcast team, Katie has extensive commercial management experience in all aspects of the broadcast market. Tasked with assisting in the further development of VER Broadcast, this new appointment will allow Katie to make good use of her considerable industry experience and strong relationship management skills to further enhance the support and service enjoyed by the company’s growing clientele. This newly created role continues VER’s global commitment to investing in expertise, service and innovation throughout its businesses, including the company’s recently expanded, full-support, London based operation. VER Broadcast director David O’Carroll comments, “Having the opportunity
USA - DPA Microphones has announced that Evan MacKenzie has joined the team as the new marketing and communications manager for the United States. In his new role, MacKenzie will be strategically planning all aspects of marketing and communications for new and existing product lines. His responsibilities will include branding execution, augmenting marketing collateral for the region, media planning and buying, event planning and artist relations. "DPA is one of the rare companies in our industry that has always put attentive focus on the end user experience using the highest quality materials, forward thinking technology and precise, uncompromising workmanship," says MacKenzie. "DPA is an authentic demonstration of what a 21st century brand can and should be in this era of instant and multiple customer touch points. I am grateful and inspired to be chosen to join the D
UK - J&C Joel, has announced a new sales structure. The changes come as the company looks to position itself for future growth. Oliver Marns, previously the UK, Europe and Russia sales manager, has now been appointed to the newly created role of sales manager to head up creative sales and focus on key accounts within the business. Marns has worked for the company for more than five years, and during this time has been involved in delivering several of the key creative projects the company has provided. His new role is designed to enhance J&C Joel’s existing offering to new and existing customers by giving them a dedicated person to deal with and ensure the firm offers innovative solutions whilst continuing to deliver on specification, budget and on time. Marns said: “I am delighted to take on the new role and I am genuinely excited to work even closer
USA - Gene Brian, a former long-time Bandit Lites team member, has returned to the family, as Bandit announces his rehiring as production manager. Gene was a key member of the Bandit family in the 1990s and early 2000s when life took him to another city and away from Bandit. Gene was a vital part of Bandit his entire prior career; following a stint on the road, Gene moved into the office and eventually assumed the role of general manager. “I am looking forward to returning to Bandit Lites and working with a team that specializes in the lighting field to the degree that Bandit does,” Gene said. “Bandit is known for delivering a quality product and I hope to further develop my skills as well as contribute to the firm’s respected reputation.” (Jim Evans)
UK - LTM – Lift Turn Move has announced a new structure for the Entertainment side of the business, appointing Stuart Fraser as head of entertainment products. He took up his new position in March and has made a dramatic impact on the business. Stuart brings more than 10 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, in engineering, product development and technical sales to LTM. His focus will be on further growing the entertainment market, as he brings a wealth of technical experience from his previous positions. Stuart will be the face to face contact for our key accounts, offering technical advice and helping to create solutions. John Jones commented, “We are delighted to welcome Stuart as our new head of entertainment products, with the experience and knowledge he brings we hope this will help serve our customers more efficiently and provide the expertise
UK - Focusrite has announced the appointment of Richard Johnstone as UK sales & marketing manager. Richard joins from Propellerhead where he was partner marketing manager for UK, Benelux and Germany. Johnstone formerly played UK management roles at Steinberg, Line 6 and Yamaha. Johnstone will manage the UK sales & marketing team, and work as part of the wider European team. He will report into the director of global marketing & sales Damian Hawley. Richard Johnstone says, "I am delighted to be joining Focusrite as UK sales & marketing manager. With a fantastic product line-up and exciting plans for the future, I am looking forward to working with Damian and the team to further grow and develop the UK business." Damian Hawley adds, "Richard’s extensive experience in channel marketing and management will further strengthen the partnership wi
