Europe - One of the industry's brightest lights dimmed on Thursday, when Fulvio Cotogni, ETC's regional manager for Southern Europe and the Middle East, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

A funeral for Cotogni was held on Saturday, where friends and family had the opportunity to share memories of him. ETC CEO Fred Foster gave a eulogy in which he noted, "I am incredibly honoured to have known Fulvio for a couple of decades, and to have been his colleague for much of that time. My wife, Susan, refers to Fulvio as an 'ancient soul', not because he was old, but because he had the wisdom and patience of the ages. It was in his eyes, it was in his rich voice and in his wry smile. Fulvio has taught us all more than we even realise."

Cotogni was known for his immense personality, sense of humour and infectious laugh. He began his career in lighting when he w

Germany - German loudspeaker manufacturer Kling & Freitag has announced the death of its co-founder Martin Kling following long-term health problems. The company statement says:

"We are mourning the passing of Martin Kling. Last weekend, the former partner, namesake and chief developer of Kling & Freitag GmbH passed away unexpectedly at the age of 54.

"Already in the early 1980s, Martin and Jürgen [Freitag] were developing speaker systems which have also had worldwide recognition since 2000 and enjoy an excellent reputation. The two founders had the greatest successes with the CA 106 compact speaker, which became a type of industry standard in sound technology. Many other speaker systems which were developed by Martin, such as the ACCESS, CA and Line 212 series and the SEQUENZA 10, are still setting standards in industry today. Over the years, we were thus also able

USA - Bandit Lites has promoted Steve Powell to rentals manager and Mark Steinwachs to general manager.

Steve Powell, who recently celebrated more than 15 years with Bandit Lites, steps into a new role as rentals manager. Now in charge of asset allocation for tours and shows, Powell will also step up efforts to rent gear to other production houses.

"I am always excited to be part of the great team at Bandit Lites and look forward to this new opportunity," said Powell.

Bandit Chair, Michael T. Strickland says of Powell, "Steve has been the rock of Nashville production, sitting in the centre of the board for 12 years. Steve is a large part of our success. This move to rentals manager will allow Bandit to become more efficient in that area. This was a part of Steve's prior role, but it has grown into a full time job. Steve is an absolute A player and an industry

France / China - Nexo is reinforcing its sales team with the addition of industry sales heavyweight Michel Brouard.

To be based in Hong Kong in the newly-created position of Greater China business development manager, Michel will play a critical role in increasing the presence and success of Nexo in the Asia Pacific area.

A well-known name in sound reinforcement circles, Michel is an industry veteran. Beginning his career in project management in his native France, he has been most prominent in the role of international sales manager for L'Acoustics, where he worked for 16 years. Most recently, he has been part of the sales team for Italian company K-Array.

Michel says: "I am really pleased to join Nexo, one of the most innovative and respected French pro-audio companies. Although I'll be working in a territory I know very well, this will be an interesting new challenge

Germany - d&b audiotechnik is enhancing its senior management team by appointing Hans-Peter Nüdling as chief sales officer. From 20 July 2015, Nüdling will be responsible for global sales and services, bringing over 25 years of sales, business development, electronics and technology experience to the team.

As a member of the managing board, Nüdling will be responsible for global sales and global services including education, application support and services. He has direct and channel sales, and business development expertise, and will help to establish solid, best-practice processes to further expand the business. In addition, Nüdling has worked in Europe, the Americas and Asia, which means he has an in-depth understanding of the international markets in which d&b does business.

"Based on Hans-Peter Nüdling's international experience, excellent sales capabilities and

UK - Audient has appointed Daniel Mills as technical support agent to assist with questions from Audient owners new and old, and brings with him youth, a passion for sound synthesis, programming and in particular, an appreciation for great sounding recording.

"I love Audient after using the ASP8024 desk hooked up to a pair of Genelec monitors during a concert at the Birmingham Conservatoire. I'd never heard audio sound that good before," he says, adding: "I also love how that same sound can be squeezed into a box as small as the iD14 and ever since I've gotten my hands on one here at Audient, I've been playing as much music through it as I possibly can."

(Jim Evans)

The Netherlands - Albert Deltour has been appointed commercial director at Creative Technology Holland.

Deltour's career has included senior roles at De Hallen Studios in Amsterdam, Backbone International, Natura Artis Magistra in Amsterdam and as founder and owner of the Amsterdam Convention Factory and the events communications agency; Deltour & Waerts.

"Throughout his impressive career Albert has proved to be an experienced practitioner and manager who fits in an organisation like Creative Technology," said Christ Elsten, managing director CT's Holland operation. "We are very excited that Albert is joining our company."

Albert Deltour added, "I am looking forward to working with Creative Technology. The company produces fantastic audiovisual projects around the globe many delivered from its Dutch base. The challenge for me - along with the CT coll

UK - The Theatres Trust, the National Advisory Public Body for Theatres has announced the appointment of Claire Appleby as the Trust's new architecture adviser to provide expert advice on the architecture, design and heritage conservation of theatre buildings.

Claire will deliver high quality theatre building architecture, design and heritage conservation advice to theatre owners, operators and developers, members of the public, and local authorities. Her role involves advising on theatre-related capital redevelopments, refurbishments, restoration and rebuilding projects, providing one-to-one advice, and delivery of the Trust's Advisory Review with the advisory team.

As architecture adviser, Claire will also have a lead role in co-ordinating and advising on work to secure theatres at risk, in association with our Theatres Adviser.

Director Mhora Samuel, said, "I am deli

UK - The UK's entertainment technology industry is mourning the tragic loss of Dave Cartwright, who passed away in July after suffering a stroke in late June. He was just 46 years old.

Dave's employer, Stuart Gibbons of Le Mark, issued the following statement on behalf of the company:

"It is with the greatest of sadness that Le Mark announce the death of a respected colleague and friend. Not only within the company but also the UK entertainment industry. David Cartwright passed away on Sunday 12 July 2015 at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. Dave suffered a severe stroke on the evening of Thursday 25 June, having spent a 'usual day' with friends and colleagues at the ABTT trade show. He had returned home that evening to his partner Kirsty Fisher, in St Ives, Cambridgeshire where he was taken ill. To say that Dave will be sorely missed by many would be an understatement.

APAC - Clear-Com has appointed Hans Chia to the role of regional sales manager responsible for Southeast Asia. Hans' responsibilities will include expanding Clear-Com's market reach in the APAC region by managing and developing local channel partners and championing the company's broad range of industry-leading intercom and connectivity solutions.

With over 11 years of pro audio industry experience, Chia joins Clear-Com Systems from Sennheiser Audio where he held the role of integrated systems product specialist, developing, establishing and maintaining contacts with new and existing clients in Southeast Asia. Prior to this he worked at Riedel Communications Singapore office.

Chia commented, "My real-world experience of working on large-scale deployments throughout the region will help me build on Clear-Com's already strong foundation in Southeast Asian markets. I am exci

Singapore - GLP has appointed lighting industry veteran, Søren Storm, as the company's new Sales Director for Asia Pacific, based in Singapore.

Søren, who has worked in the industry for the last 18 years, both for Martin Professional and Robe Lighting s. r. o., will take responsibility for sales across the entire region.

"I am looking forward very much to being a part of GLP's extremely professional team," stated Søren. "GLP has a very good reputation in the pro market due to its high quality products and service, so I am really excited by the opportunity of helping them to gain an even bigger presence in the region."

GLP managing director, Udo Künzler, added, "We are very pleased to welcome Søren to GLP. At a time when our product range is expanding so quickly, this gives us a far greater, and much needed level of suppor

Germany - Lawo has appointed Chas Rowden to head up strategic sales within Lawo's global team. Prior to this move, Rowden was employed by Calrec Audio to develop business in Europe, Middle East and African territories.

With 30 years' experience in senior sales roles within television live-to-air broadcast, film/video post-production, music production and radio, Rowden has a wide-ranging knowledge of broadcast and media production industries.

Rowden commented on his new position, "My fundamental ideas on where the industry and technology are moving match perfectly with Lawo's. This synergy was the impetus behind my decision to join the company. It's great to be part of a team that has the commitment, the passion, the right people, and crucially leading edge audio, video and networking technologies to meet the rapidly evolving demands of our clients."

Rainer Kunzi, d

UK - Well known lighting industry professional Karl Lawton has joined the team at TSL as head of production engineering.

Karl was originally bitten by the lighting bug at school and subsequently graduated from Rose Bruford College with a BA Hons degree in lighting design. Karl has built a reputation as a highly skilled freelance crew chief and engineer, over the past 12 years, with involvement with a wide variety of concert, touring projects and large scale special events.

Karl will be taking overall responsibility for the coordination of TSL's full time and freelance crew and resources and overseeing all aspects of pre-production and project planning. Karl will also be actively involved on-site with the delivery and implementation of TSL's full service projects.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Minerva Hearing, the specialist British manufacturer of in-ear hearing protection technology, has appointed Sue Harris to the position of business development manager.

With over 20 years experience in healthcare services and associated industries, Sue Harris will now be working on further expanding the UK client-base of Minerva which was founded in 1930.

The company provides custom-made In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) for musicians and broadcast presenters, as well as hearing protection used throughout industry and sport, including Formula 1 racing, motorcycling, gun clubs, swimming and surfing. The company also provides sleep plugs for people kept awake by their partner's snoring or neighbourhood noise.

Minerva Hearing is also one of the leading suppliers of earmolds for hearing aids to NHS hearing clinics.

Kevin Davies, operations director of Minerva Hearing said, "Sue

UK -Triple E reports that its design engineer, Alex Kusztelan, has successfully been awarded his Engineering PhD research degree. Alex is part of Triple E's team working alongside founder and managing director, David Edelstein.

"I joined Triple E at a very exciting time," says Alex. "Last year, the company celebrated three decades of innovation in design and things are far from slowing down. In fact we are working on a wealth of new products and upgrades to existing track and motor designs, as well as ModTruss, which is now ready for action in the UK. We're looking firmly to the future."

David Edelstein comments: "We're thrilled to have Alex on board. He brings an enormous amount of knowledge and passion for design to Triple E, which is already proving invaluable. Together with Alex, we look forward to bringing more of the innovative track and motor so

UK - Paul Williams has joined FIX8Group as project director. Paul joins the team following eight years as managing director of Integrated Audio Visual Ltd - a company which he built from start up to provide AV services to end clients and production companies. Prior to that, he spent five years as a freelance AV engineer.

"After working closely with FIX8 on various jobs over the past four years, it was obvious that the synergy created through those close working practices could be strengthened and leveraged for forthcoming projects," says Paul. "My responsibilities as project director will focus on supporting the delivery of our work.

"This will include streamlining the processes for project delivery, with an overview of compliance and training within the company. I will also take on project management roles on some specific projects, as well as working clos

UK - Friends and colleagues of Dave Cartwright, who tragically passed away in July aged just 46, are organising a gathering in London this Friday to remember Dave and celebrate his life. The get together will take place this Friday, 21 August, in The White Hart, on Drury Lane, from 6pm. All those who knew Dave are welcome to attend.

Dave, a 20+ year veteran of the industry, passed away in July after suffering a massive stroke in late June. His employer, Stuart Gibbons of Le Mark, said: "To say that Dave will be sorely missed by many would be an understatement.

"His career in the entertainment industry had encompassed many skills and experiences from his early days with Stage Electrics through to his time at Lighting Technology, before joining Le Mark in 2010.

"Dave had enjoyed many successes during his career. To become a part of the London 2012 Olympics Openi

USA - Ashly Audio has hired Ed Czarnecki as its applications engineer. Czarnecki will report to Scott Leslie, Ashly's executive vice president, and will wear many hats in his new position. Among his duties, Czarnecki will work with consultants, integrators, and distributors to provide information and training about Ashly products, both pre- and post-sale, as well as solutions to design challenges.

He will convey the evolving needs of Ashly's customers to the various divisions that maintain Ashly's reputation for building affordable, reliable solutions. Czarnecki is based at Ashly's headquarters in Webster, NY and will visit consultants, integrators and installation sites for training, consultation and assistance.

"Ed has been working on the integration side of A/V for over a decade," said Leslie. "He has worked in every aspect of the industry. He has pulled wire

USA - Momentum Audio Sales, the exclusive distributor of Audient consoles for the US market, has partnered with Kate Cardwell of Cardwell Creative Services to provide business development and support for Audient consoles.

"Besides having great sounding consoles, Audient has a great story and legacy," said Cardwell on working with Audient. "Their collective passion for music and engineering gives them a unique understanding of their market, and makes it a true pleasure to champion their products."

Cardwell will engage both the current sales force and dealer network and provide product training and customer support. Due to the custom installation nature of the audio console business, she will work with customers directly as the first point of contact for recording and mastering studios, broadcast facilities, colleges and universities.

"I enjoy talking

USA - Theatre Projects has welcomed Jim Niesel back as their newest project manager and theatre equipment/audio-video designer. Jim began his theatre consulting career at Theatre Projects back in 2001 before joining Arup in 2007, where he went on to take a leading role in the company's New York and Australasia theatre consulting practices.

While at Arup, Jim worked on a number of performance spaces including the Sydney Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera House. Now, back where he began, Jim is looking forward to the collaborative environment at Theatre Projects and having a part in the extraordinary performance spaces that they design.

"I came back for the opportunity to work in a smaller, more focused firm," Jim said. "When you're working in a firm with 300 people, you're not all going to be moving in the same direction. Each person has a different approach,

Singapore - Alfonso Zarate Takano is the new Clay Paky area manager for the Asia Pacific region (APAC), comprising all countries in the Far East, South Asia and Oceania. He will report operationally to sales manager Alberico D'Amato, and is based at the OSRAM offices in Singapore.

"The markets in Asia and Oceania are growing fast and the appointment of Alfonso Zarate Takano is a strategic move to ensure a constant fixed local presence," said Alberico D'Amato. "It will now be easier for Clay Paky to visit customers in the region and provide top-class timely technical and commercial support."

Alfonso Zarate Takano was born in Peru, but has lived for many years in Japan and in Singapore and speaks English, Spanish and Japanese. He has excellent technical experience in the industry, having worked for important manufacturers of stage and architecture lighting, a

UK - Lights, Camera, Action has announced the appointment of Spencer Newbury as international business development manager.

Spencer joins the team bringing a wealth of knowledge of the film, TV and broadcast industry and will help to develop international markets covering Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Working as a lighting technician for 25 years, Spencer has travelled globally advising on his specialty, lighting car commercials for advertising in studio or location. In the last seven years, he developed business for Litepanels in the EMEA and APAC Regions.

Nick Shapley, managing director commented, "Spencer is a well respected figure and we're excited he has decided to join our team. With his extensive knowledge of international markets we're looking forward to building up our current customer base and bring the many brands and products we represent to th

UK - Lift Turn Move based in Bromborough, Wirral, has already shown a commitment to training future engineers and this is set to continue with the announcement from director, John Jones, that they are training three apprentices this year; Joshua Baines, Brandon Gillam and Liam Shone.

Josh joins Brandon in the work shop as the second apprentice currently being trained in the LTM workshop. Brandon and Joshua are studying for an apprenticeship in Mechanical Manufacturing which will involve one and a half days of tuition at a local college to learn essential theory and 3 and a half days a week working in the hoist assembly area to develop their practical skills. They will both spend time in the warehouse receiving product training, dispatching goods and observing the other engineers at work.

Liam is joining as a sales office trainee. Liam will be studying for an apprenticeship in

UK / USA - To support the introduction of the world's fastest HQUltra switching scaling technology and its rapid growth, Calibre has appointed George Koumis as technical business development manager with focus on Calibre's OEM business and sales channels in the Americas.

Koumis is based out of Sacramento, California, USA and will focus on building OEM relationships. Koumis started his professional career in design engineering of video scan convertor boards at General Electric. He also has 20 years' experience working for Barco in business development, design engineering and product management for image processing technology including at Folsom.

Koumis enthuses: "I am excited to join Calibre due to the new breakthrough HQUltra fast switching technology. I'm looking forward to securing new relationships with OEM partners and to develop the business."

Tim Brooksbank,

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