UK - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Russell Dunsire, founder and chairman of LSI Projects. Creating the company over 30 years ago, Russell was the initial driving force behind LSI.
Having previously served as international sales and marketing director at Rank Strand Lighting for almost two decades, Russell left Strand to create Lighting Systems International in 1991. Appointed as the UK distributor for ADB Lighting and based out of the Siemens office complex in Sunbury-on-Thames, Russell helped build ADB Lighting into one of the strongest theatre and television lighting brands in the country.
With his global experience in overseas markets, ADB entrusted more regions to LSI with the developing Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions creating opportunities that allowed LSI to open offices in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai.
Ever keen to better serve the market, Russell spear-headed the transition from LSI as simple distributor to a solutions-based company where product, technical expertise and professional project management could be provided to support opportunities big and small around the world.
Projects such as the Shanghai Grand Opera, Malaysian National Theatre and BBC Television Centre helped propel LSI Projects into a globally respected lighting integration company.
Having identified the value in providing customers with a full, turnkey solution, Russell went on to build a dedicated Sound & AV team within LSI in the early 2000’s, allowing the business to grow exponentially as the company brought its expertise to such cultural landmark projects as the Royal Opera House, Muscat, the Dubai Opera House and more recently, the new Cairo Opera House.
“His passion, determination, and integrity shaped everything we are today,” says LSI. “Whilst our loss sits heavily upon us, we take solace in the fact that his legacy will live on in the culture he helped build, the people he mentored, and the countless lives he touched, both within and beyond LSI.
“Further information, including ways we can collectively honour Russell’s memory, will be shared in the coming days. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Russell’s family and loved ones during this sad time. Rest in Peace Russell.”