Italy - Shure Incorporated has strengthened its marketing and sales operations in Europe with the appointment of Emanuele Luongo, a new integrated systems market development manager for Italy. Luongo will assume the position on 1 December. He will be based in Milan and will concentrate on the Italian integrated systems market, working closely with Shure distributor Prase Media Technologies. Luongo’s background is in sound engineering, acoustics and wireless audio. He has held sales and product management positions at Shure’s Italian distribution partners as well as live sound engineering positions for notable artists. “We are pleased to appoint Emanuele to this key position, supporting our market development activities in Italy,” comments Rob Smith, senior director, integrated systems sales Western Europe at Shure. “As Shure continues to expand globally
Denmark - Pascal has announced two executive appointments to its management team, positioning the company for a new phase of strategic expansion. Gorm Eichenberger has been appointed as CFO, following the retirement of Henrik Gunst Smith, the company’s director of finance since 2013. Also joining the company is Gustaf Høskuldsson, taking up the newly created position of COO. Both come to Pascal with extensive experience with audiology market leader Widex, where Eichenberger held the position of head of operation finance and Høskuldsson vice-president, global supply chain. The appointments follow a year of sustained investment by the company, during which personnel, and R&D and operations facilities at its Copenhagen HQ have expanded by more than 30%. “In continuing to manage the growth process and maintain an exceptional rate of expansion, we are seekin
India - Martin Audio’s APAC representative Generation AV has appointed Sanak Pandit as applications engineer. Based in Bangalore, Pandit has been working in audio since the age of 14, having completed his studies in the Bangalore School of Audio under the training of Vishnu Pandit, one of the most respected technical experts in the touring & rental market in India. In addition to working with his family companies of V&P Sound and SD Audio, the new recruit also served as a freelance sound engineer for a number of Indian artists. Generation AV founder David McKinney, comments: “I am very excited to have Sanak in the team; he has the technical abilities to support all the brands in Generation AV and I believe will be a great asset to our business in Asia. With his strong background in the touring market he is able to hit the ground running.” Martin A
Israel - Kramer Electronics has announced the appointment of Itzhak Bambagi as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Bambagi has held key executive roles at IBM and Digital/Compaq over the past 18 years. Among the various projects and technologies on which he worked, he also led IBM’s IT transformational experience using cloud technologies and various digital workplace initiatives across EMEA. “I am both proud and honoured to be joining Kramer as their CEO,” declared Bambagi. “For the past four decades, Kramer has led the way with advanced AV solutions and the Kramer brand is known and respected worldwide. I have been a long-term admirer of Dr. Joseph Kramer’s dedication, work and vision and look forward to working with the global Kramer teams to further enhance the company’s evolution and making Kramer even greater.” Dr. Joseph Kramer sai
USA - Atlona has announced the appointment of four new members to its sales team. Three new regional sales managers and a new inside sales representative have joined the company. Robb O’Brien has been named as regional sales manager, commercial, for the Southwestern United States, while Patrick Smith takes on a similar position for the North Central United States region. O’Brien brings with him 15 years of experience in professional AV sales, most recently as a regional sales manager for Kramer Electronics. Smith is also an AV industry veteran, with 30 years of background in sales engineering and management including roles at Visitec and Crestron. The new commercial RSMs will represent Atlona’s portfolio of innovative solutions including the Velocity AV control and OmniStream networked AV platforms. The duo joins six other nationally-placed sales team membe
USA - Newly-elected ESTA board members are Todd Spencer, PSAV, for president; Alan M. Rowe, IATSE Local 728, returns for his second term as organisational director, and Joe Aldridge as individual director. These terms of office begin on 1 January 2020 and run through 31 December 2022. ESTA and its members wish to thank outgoing board members Jules Lauve of Theatre Projects Consultants and Dana Taylor for their dedicated service.
South Africa - DWR Distribution has announced the appointment of Nicole Barnes to the marketing team. Barnes was previously employed as the editor at etech magazine. “We are very pleased to welcome Nicole on board,” said Duncan Riley of DWR. “Being a vibrant people’s person, we know that she will fit right in. Our brands have grown over the years, and with her help, we look forward to being able to offer an additional service to our clients and suppliers in terms of press releases and marketing ideas.” (Jim Evans)
Italy - Giovanni Barbieri has taken on the role of general manager of Italian pro audio manufacturer dBTechnologies, part of the RCF Group. Barbieri joined dBTechnologies' sales force as export sales manager in 2009. In 2011, he became business development manager and since 2012 has served as sales and marketing director. The new appointment was announced by the CEO of dBTechnologies and RCF Group, Arturo Vicari, who commented: "The group is expanding, we have several interesting projects to carry out and it is natural to consolidate the organisation of a company that in recent years has shown not only to create quality products, but also to be able to propose and distribute them to an increasing number of users. Over the years, Giovanni Barbieri has demonstrated many qualities, first of all the ability to transmit to the market who we are and what we can do. This make
UK - Industry veteran Andrew Smith has joined CUK Audio in the newly-created role of director of business development. Smith, who spent the last 11 years at Kramer Electronics UK in a number of roles including chief operating officer, will be championing CUK Audio’s growing portfolio of video and control products. Commenting on his career move, Smith says: “I've known Stuart and the team at CUK Audio for many years and am delighted to be joining them at such an important point in the company’s development.” Managing director Stuart Thomson adds: “Andrew will be a huge asset to our company. With his extensive industry knowledge, technical skills and sales ability, I know Andrew will help us deliver our ambitious growth plans over the coming years.” (Jim Evans)
UK - The Autograph Group has announced the departure of long-serving Financial Director, Duncan Bell. Bell joined the company straight from school aged 18 and worked his way up to the position of Group Financial Director. He had established himself during the ‘80s and ‘90s as a respected Production Sound Engineer working on many high-profile theatre productions in the UK and abroad. His slavish attention to engineering and economic detail was what set him apart and marked him out for his future role within the companies. Bell went from coiling microphone cables to running the financial fortunes of a group of companies that have a combined annual turnover of over £10M. “A month’s work experience in 1984 has led to a 35-year journey as part of an incredible company and family” says Bell, “but I have decided that the time is right to find a new challen
UK - Green Hippo has strengthened its product development and logistics teams with the appointment of three new members of staff at its London HQ. Joining as supply chain manager is Tosan Kogoro (pictured, left), who brings a wealth of experience in supply chain and distribution processes. Kogoro, who is fluent in English and German, arrives from DHL Global Forwarding where she was responsible for major clients including WH Smith and Argos. Specialist media server and control systems engineer Leon Dickens (centre) joins as product support technician. Leon has three years’ direct experience of Green Hippo’s range of media servers in training, operations and troubleshooting. He was most recently employed as an event services technician at PRG. Joining the R&D team is Pratik Mankawde (right). An experienced software developer, Pratik joins Green Hippo from
UK - Audiologic has promoted David Smith to the position of senior business manager, completing a management restructure recently instigated by MD, Andy Lewis. Smith, who previously served as business development manager, will now take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the company’s external sales team, providing “a clearly defined link to the directors, whilst retaining some hands-on sales accounts”. Lewis comments: “In the time Dave has been with us he’s clearly demonstrated what an excellent operator he is. His knowledge of the industry is second to none and his management experience in previous roles has equipped him with all the skills necessary to run a cohesive and effective team. We’ve enjoyed significant growth in recent years and it’s vital that we establish a robust and dynamic management structure to meet the challenges ahead. D
Europe - Nexo’s Celso Papadopulos has moved into the role of European sales manager. Papadopulos has been part of Nexo’s sales team since 2003 as LATAM sales manager, tasked with building the company’s export network and sales in Mexico, Central and Latin America. His first task as Europe sales manager will be the development of Nexo’s European commercial department following the departure of Alain Boone. Papadopulos comments: “It’s a new challenge, and challenge renews life,” says Celso. “In South America, I was working in many different countries with different cultures, so I recognise that every place offers new opportunity. he skills of distributors are critical to our success, and I hope to boost our outstanding network to achieve great things, drawing on my own wide-ranging background in both of NEXO’s main markets, touring and fixed installation.”
Asia - To better serve its expanding market in the continent, Chauvet has appointed industry figure Desmond Kwan as its Asia business development specialist. Kwan brings extensive experience in entertainment lighting to his new position, having served in various sales and management positions at Harman Professional for 15 years. During that time he acquired a reputation for his product knowledge and commitment to customer service. “Desmond’s track record is extremely impressive,” said Stéphane Gressier, international sales director at Chauvet. “In addition to possessing an extraordinary level of expertise, he also has a genuine dedication to putting the customer first. This has earned him an excellent reputation throughout the markets he serves. It is also very much in keeping with our own philosophy at Chauvet, so he will fit in very nicely with our corporate
UAE - Creative Technology Middle East has appointed Lee Forde as the new general manager of its Dubai branch. Lee is an industry veteran with over 33 years’ experience and has a strong technical and managerial background. Lee will play a crucial role in overseeing the day to day operations while further assisting Andy Reardon implement strategies to enhance and expand CT Middle East. Andy Comments “It is an exciting time for the Middle East as we continue to grow and expand our team of professionals. I am looking forward to working closely with Lee and wish him all the best going forward.” Rob Turner has joined as the integrated networks technical manager. Rob has joined CTME to develop the newly established communications and networking division, with over 24 years experience in the AV industry, 10 of which he spent at Delta Sound. (Jim Evans)
Europe - Radio Active Designs CTO James Stoffo has announced the appointment of Jim Bakker to the position of EMEA sales and technical support director. Bakker is based in France and will manage the sales and distribution of Radio Active Designs products throughout Europe as well as the Middle East and Africa. Well known for his sales representation and strategic consulting capabilities, Bakker will spearhead efforts to increase sales and distribution for Radio Active Designs UV-1G wireless, analogue intercom systems as well as the company’s catalogue of wireless intercom accessories. "Radio Active Designs is fortunate to have someone with Jim's experience championing our products in the region," explains Stoffo. “We are excited to have him on our team and are confident he will contribute greatly to the company's growth world-wide." Bakker, who is also the s
Spain - Chauvet has announced that Jose ‘Alberto’ Barja has been appointed as its business development market specialist for Spain. Barja brings extensive experience in many facets of the entertainment lighting industry to his new position, having worked for 20 years in executive positions at manufacturers Traxon, Osram and Siemens, as well as at the distributor Stonex, Bofill & Asociados. At Chauvet, he will be working closely with the company’s Spanish distributor ACSON and Jon Petts, the company’s brand development manager for Western Europe. “The addition of Alberto to a team that already includes Jon Petts and Goran Doncic, business development manager for Western and Eastern Europe, greatly strengthens our position in this market,” said Stéphane Gressier, Chauvet’s international sales director. “Alberto brings a depth of knowledge about
Europe - d&b audiotechnik has announced the appointment of Alain Richer to serve as managing director in France, succeeding Didier ‘Lulu’ Lubin who retired in September having founded d&b France in 2000. In his new role Richer will be responsible for all aspects of business and market development of d&b in France as well as the day-to-day operations throughout the country. He will report to Phill Coe, territory manager, EMEA. Richer comes to d&b from Sennheiser where he held the role of European marketing director. Commenting on his appointment Richer stated, “Throughout my career in the professional audio industry, I’ve always had deep respect for d&b’s commitment to quality and industry leading acoustic technology. I look forward to being part of d&b Group and lead the team that will create the next phase of growth in France. “In
USA - Gobos, colour filters and lighting manufacturer Apollo Design Technology has appointed Paul Cook as production technician and Ashley Gladin and Chance Parker as customer care representatives. Avid Labs, a sister company to Apollo Design has announced the appointment of new engineers, Josh Thomas, and Andrew Trenton. Paul Cook holds a diploma in Graphic Design from the International School of Business, and a B.A. in Social Studies from Tri-State University. “We appreciate Paul’s work ethic and willingness to help out wherever he is needed,” states Keersten Nichols, president of Apollo Design. “With 17 years at Apollo in the Art Department as Graphic Artist, we look forward to Paul’s contributions in Production.” Ashley Gladin is a graduate of New Albany High School in southern Indiana. “Ashley works with most of our AV dealers and is a key co
USA - Powersoft has appointed industry veteran Tom Knesel to the position of general manager, North America. Knesel, who will be located at the company’s US headquarters in Kearny, NJ and who will start on 7 October, will report directly to Luca Giorgi, sales & business development director, Powersoft. The announcement follows the successful relocation of Powersoft’s North American headquarters two years ago, and coincides with the company’s increased focus on the systems integration market and launch of the Mezzo amplifier platform earlier this year. “We are very pleased to welcome Tom into the Powersoft family,” commented Luca Giorgi. “Two years ago, we began a significant restructuring of our U.S. operations, which included relocating our headquarters to the east coast, hiring new operational and sales staff, and realigning our entire North American sales
USA - Fulcrum Acoustic has announced the appointment of loudspeaker designer Kirk Lombardo to its expanding engineering team. An industry veteran, Lombardo has experience in professional and consumer audio, working with companies including Electro-Voice, Altec Lansing, and Velodyne. In addition to his design work, Lombardo has worked in other roles including product management and contract manufacturer/supply chain management. “We are happy to have Kirk join our team,” comments David Gunness, Fulcrum's CTO. “We have many product and technology goals established for the next several years. Experienced staff like Kirk are essential in bringing those to market.” “I'm thrilled to have this opportunity,” adds Lombardo. “I've known David since we worked together at Electro-Voice. I look forward to working together again as part of the Fulcrum team.”
Denmark - Pascal’s CEO and co-founding director Lars Rosenkvist Fenger has been shortlisted for an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is a unique global program that recognizes entrepreneurial achievement among individuals and companies that demonstrate vision, leadership and success - and work to improve the quality of life in their communities, countries and around the world. Fenger and Pascal are nominated in the Copenhagen region, home to over half the country’s commercial enterprizes. In less than 10 years the company has risen from a start-up to rank among the kingdom’s top 0.07% highest performing companies, in the process becoming the number one supplier of amplifier electronics to the pro-audio industry. The EY award program focuses on spotlighting the world’s most successful and innovative entrepreneur le
UK - Shure UK has appointed Giuseppe ‘Peppe’ Mallozzi to its UK pro audio team. Mallozzi will work with new and existing customers and build brand awareness in the concert touring, theatre and broadcast markets. He joins Shure UK after eight years at Autograph as technical sales engineer, where he was responsible for large-scale wireless projects across the UK and wider entertainment industry. “I am very excited about my new venture at Shure UK, a company of which I have worked with for many years,” says Mallozzi. “I look forward to working with customers in London and the South and developing new relationships in an industry I am proud to be a part of.” Stuart Moots, associate director, pro audio at Shure UK, adds: "Peppe's knowledge and experience make him an ideal fit for this role. As a trusted face within our industry, he is able to hit the grou
UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) has announced the appointment of well-known industry figure Dave Ball in a newly-created audio sales executive role. Joining AC-ET’s specialist audio division, Ball’s primary focus will be on developing business for the Dynamic Audio Device (D.A.D.) professional audio brand, which is exclusively distributed in the UK by AC-ET and in the ROI by sister company, AC-ET Ireland. Operating out of AC-ET’s Northern sales office in Leeds, he will spend most of his time on the road visiting clients and carrying out product demonstrations. Ball will also represent AC-ET’s other key audio lines, as well as complementary services such as Tourflex Cabling custom cable assembly. Ball previously held technical sales and business development roles for speaker brands and pro-audio distributors including RCF, Polar Audio, LMC a
