UK - Ambersphere Solutions has announced that David Martin and Ian Green have joined the company as key account managers. David Martin joins with almost 30 years of industry experience, having worked as an electrician at London Studios and as a key account manager at Martin Professional and most recently at Elation Professional. He will focus on the UK Film & Broadcast markets providing a knowledgeable contact for the gaffers, designers and rental partners for the Ambersphere range of products. Ian Green spent 10 years in theatre, first qualifying as an electrician and then progressing to chief technician, before he made his move into business development. During the next 11 years Ian used his experience at Stage Electrics in a regional role and more recently in a national role at GDS. Green will be based in Glasgow and will focus on the northern UK regi
Europe - Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) has appointed Peter Schädel as European marketing manager. Peter Schädel is a marketing and industry expert, having previously worked for Meyer Sound Germany for over 10 years as marketing manager. With his sound expertise, he will be in charge of establishing and expanding the marketing activities of AVIXA in Europe. "I am very happy about my new challenge. While AVIXA has been a fixture in the US for decades, there is still a great potential for growth in Europe. It is therefore important to further raise awareness and communicate the benefits of membership." said Schädel. (Jim Evans)
USA - Signify Entertainment Lighting has announced the return of Philips Vari-Lite veteran George Masek. Based at the company's Dallas office, Masek will look after business development for the Philips Vari-Lite, Philips Strand Lighting, Philips Selecon and Showline brands. A well-known figure in the international show lighting business, Masek has specialised in automated lighting for almost 30 years. Beginning his career in 1990 as a Vari-Lite road technician, he toured the world with leading artists, providing on-site support for Vari-Lite products from the renowned VL1 onwards. He later moved into technical support and sales, becoming Vari-Lite product manager in 2002. In 2012, Masek left Philips Vari-Lite to take the role of VP of automated lighting at ACT Lighting. In this position, he represented a range of leading manufacturers to the US market, gaining further
USA - DPA Microphones has announced that Paul Andrews and Chris Brunhaver have joined the company as the new global sales support & business development manager and regional sales manager, Pacific Northwest, respectively. "With the addition of Paul and Chris, we are adding over 23 years of industry experience and expertise to the DPA team in the U.S.," says Christopher Spahr, VP of marketing and sales, DPA Microphones, Inc. "We are excited to welcome these two highly qualified individuals and look forward to their many contributions as we continue to grow our market share and reinforce our commitment to the industry." In his new role, Andrews will be responsible for brand development and support through technical and application driven informational presentations. Andrews began his musical career as a student at the University of Denver, studying classical guitar u
UK - Pinewood MBS Lighting (PMBS) has announced Billy Smith as the first team member to complete its apprentice programme. The PMBS Apprentice Programme was introduced to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction and tuition covering all aspects of working within the electrical department. Smith joined PMBS as an apprentice lighting technician in June 2015 and has undergone training throughout each department within the warehouse, gaining working knowledge of the company’s specialist lighting equipment. Along with in-house experience, Smith also completed the necessary electrical qualifications at Uxbridge College whilst adding some additional practical proficiency via secondment with a contracting electrician. Toby Dare, PMBS operations director, says: “Billy has built up a solid working knowledge of all aspects of the lighting department. From stands to distr
Canada - Solotech’s Toronto-based Integration Division has announced the appointment of Keith Danby as senior business developer. Danby will be in charge of growing Solotech’s integration business and market share in Southern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area, developing new and existing business accounts in the corporate, government and institutional segments. Regional sales manager Rob Poretti comments: "Keith brings many years of lighting industry, sales and marketing experience to our group of professionals. We welcome him on board and look forward to expanding our industry-recognised level of service even further.” (Jim Evans)
USA - Professional Wireless Systems has announced the appointment of David Belawski to the role of technical project manager. Belawski will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of client projects including managing communications between clients and Professional Wireless Systems team members to ensure a successful event or installation. Prior to joining Professional Wireless Systems, Belawski spent 11 years working for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Athletics department, first as assistant director of video production and for the last six years as the director of production services. In that role, he managed four full-time staff members and more than 30 freelancers and student interns while being responsible for the maintenance of all hardware assets, including sound systems, the centralised video control room, and LED video boards. “The experience Da
UK - Lighting and rigging specialist TSL has announced that Jonathan 'Jonny' Tingle, has joined the team as a senior project manager. In his new role, he will focus on expanding and developing the company's work in the corporate and special events sector. Following the recent acquisition of Blinding Light by TSL, Tingle will be based at the Blinding Light office in Basingstoke, where his role will be to support existing business and grow the company's client base. Tingle comments: "I'm delighted to have joined TSL and I anticipate being here for many years to come. I will certainly enjoy working with the fantastic team of experienced, dedicated and skilled professionals, in a relaxed and friendly environment. I'm looking forward to building productive relationships with my new colleagues and with TSL's clients, both existing and new." Prior to joining TSL, Tingle
USA - Lawo has continued its expansion in the Americas with the appointment of Jeff Smith to the post of vice-president of sales, Americas. Smith’s career in broadcast began in 2006 at Canadian broadcast equipment and solutions manufacturer Evertz, where he first worked as regional sales manager before becoming director of sales (sports and entertainment) this year. Jamie Dunn, Lawo’s head of global sales, comments: “We are seeing rapid growth in the Americas based on our ability to deliver full IP broadcast infrastructures. This region has become our fastest-growing global territory. Jeff’s experience and background with these technologies makes him a natural choice to lead our sales organization there. I am delighted to welcome him to our team.” Smith adds: “I have always had a deep passion for technology and science and what Lawo is doing with IP technol
UK - Technical production supplier Blitz has announced the appointment of Martyn Hunt as theatre and sound project development manager. Hunt will work towards growing the company’s portfolio within the theatre sector. He will also act as technical support on a daily basis for all theatre productions. Hunt has worked worldwide designing and engineering sound in theatre, live events and broadcast. He started out in in regional theatre 30 years ago and quickly moved to the West End. Hunt has since held the role of head of sound on a number of long-running productions. Aron Ross, sound director of Blitz, comments: “It is a real pleasure to have Martyn as part of the team here at Blitz. His wealth of industry experience and technical expertise will prove invaluable as we grow our client base. He also brings a fantastic work ethic and sense of humour to everything
South Africa - DWR Distribution’s SOS Charity Fund has helped finance the hand surgery of Vibe Audio & Backline owner Vincent Joubert, with further financial backing promised by DWR. Joubert, who has worked at festivals and alongside South African artists Jo Black, Ray Dylan, Liezel Pieterse and Deon Groot, developed septic arthritis in a joint of a finger he injured a decade ago. “Ten years ago, I hurt my finger and the joint was damaged,” Joubert explains. “Initially, the doctor was going to amputate, and I was actually relieved as I was in such immense pain. It was difficult to function.” The surgery, which could not have taken place in a government hospital, was enabled by an SOS Charity Fund donation of R7,000 (£400). Joubert adds: “People in the industry, including artists I work with, and DWR Distribution’s SOS Charity Fund have b
UK - Corporate and event audio professional Dave Woodman of DWA has agreed to act as a senior project manager on a wide range of live events for London audio rental company RSH Audio. Woodman has over 20 years in the live audio industry and is responsible for audio design and engineering on a series of high-profile events and productions. DWA’s rental equipment tailored to the corporate events market is now integrated within the RSH hire fleet. Joe Haycocks, RSH managing director, comments: “Dave brings his knowledge and experience to our team at a time of rapid growth for our business. Combining his equipment, projects and skill with ours provides a broader resource for the benefit of all of our customers.” RSH recently made a series of significant investments in d&b audiotechnik audio equipment to grow and diversify its rental stock. The business is
USA - Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) has announced the appointment of entertainment lighting executive Brian Friborg as head of its Entertainment Lighting Group. The appointment of Brian, an experienced leader with a deep understanding of the unique requirements of the entertainment lighting business, is a clear signal of the company's commitment to this specialist sector, says the company. Danish by birth and a United States resident, Friborg has over 25 years of business experience, including 14 years at Martin Professional in North America where, as president and CEO, he had an outstanding track record in developing sales performance. After the company's acquisition by Harman, he played a key management role in the integration and in establishing the Martin by Harman brand. "I am excited to join Signify and to help fulfil its enormous potential in our wonderfu
UK - J&C Joel has announced the appointment of Alan Jackson as UK sales manager. Jackson has more than 35 years’ experience in the industry including working for Hawthorn for 14 years, most recently as their installations director. He will work closely with the UK sales team to develop inclusive relationships with customers, drive a focussed approach to the UK market and raise awareness about the broad range of products J&C Joel provide. Jackson comments: “As a Yorkshireman, it’s great to go back to my roots and work with a fantastic Yorkshire based company. I’ve had a long connection with J&C Joel and I’m really looking forward to developing the UK sales team, meeting customers and raising the profile of the team and the company’s products and services.” J&C Joel CEO James Wheelwright adds: “Alan is a great addition to our senior
Europe - Didier Streel has been appointed vice-president of business development, for Solotech’s Rental Division, Europe, as the Montreal-based company continues to expand its international reach. Didier has more than 30 years’ experience in the entertainment technology industry, which has earned him a solid reputation in the European market. He will be instrumental in implementing Solotech's expansion strategy in the European market, overseeing the setting up of service points to support Solotech's commercial activities in Europe, as well as ensure the development of new European client bases in the tour, corporate and special events market segments. He will be based in Brussels. (Jim Evans)
USA - L-Acoustics has appointed Jeff Rocha, formerly head of market development for North America, to the newly created position of director of product management. As a member of the L-Acoustics board of directors, Jeff accompanies the product development lifecycle end to end, liaising with key stakeholders across geographies and functions to recommend and implement processes and systems that allow L-Acoustics to identify and address new business opportunities effectively and deftly. This role encompasses market intelligence and identification of key opportunities; crafting product portfolio and technology roadmaps cross-functionally in collaboration with R&D, applications, sales and marketing teams; development of marketing and sales collateral and training; and coordination of communication around products and services. “Since joining L-Acoustics, Jeff
UK - Wirral-based Lift Turn Move (LTM) has reported two of its apprentices have now joined the company as full-time staff members. Jonathan Street also joined as an apprentice on an engineering apprenticeship. Charmaine Pude came to LTM in 2016 to gain office experience and work towards her NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration. She has recently passed her NVQ and subsequently been given a full-time job at LTM as a sales and purchasing assistant. Joshua Field-Baines approached LTM in 2015 wanting to work in engineering. He has since completed his apprenticeship and is working towards his advanced apprenticeship qualification in BTEC HNC in Engineering which includes an NVQ Level 4 and he is also doing his LEEA foundation training. John Jones, MD of LTM, comments: “We are very lucky to have gained two valuable team members at LTM. We know how important it is
UK - The International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference has confirmed its final keynote speakers. Joining the array of confirmed speakers from around the world is founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), Elizabeth Diller, whose New York-based design studio practice spans the fields of architecture, urban design, installation art, multi-media performance, digital media, and print. Her appearance on Monday, 4 June 2018 will be complemented by co-founder of the Bridge Theatre and former National Theatre executive director, Nick Starr CBE, on Tuesday, 5 June 2018. (Jim Evans)
USA - QSC has announced the appointment of Aravind Yarlagadda as chief technology officer and executive vice-president (product development). He will oversee all aspects of product development for QSC. Yarlagadda has over 25 years of product development experience and joins from Schneider Electric, where he held senior executive roles in product management, research and development, marketing, strategic partnerships and new business initiatives. He also held senior leadership roles at Invensys, Tyco and Quest Software. Joe Pham, president and CEO of QSC, comments: “Over the past years, we have continued to make large investments into our product development organisation, and as a result, we now have a sizeable organisation poised for continued innovation. Aravind’s new role will allow us to organise product development as its own major function under one senior ex
Europe - AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, has announced the appointment of Chris Lavelle to the position of senior director of development Europe. Lavelle takes on the role having spent nine years as regional director for UK and Ireland. He will lead the team based in Munich and the UK. “It’s a real pleasure to be given this exciting opportunity, and I look forward to getting started in my new role,” says Lavelle. “There has been some fantastic work done by our team in Europe, and there is a strong desire and commitment from AVIXA to do even more to deliver our message, liaise closely with our existing members and further drive membership growth.” The move will be effective 1 June. Current senior director of development Europe, Pam Taggart, will be moving into a global position with AVIXA as senior director of strategic relations
USA - GLP US has strengthened its team with two new members. Brandon Jeffrey takes on the role of central regional sales manager and Brad Haynes joins in the newly created position of SceneX Lighting brand manager. GLP US president Mark Ravenhill comments: “Brandon has a fantastic combination of skills and energy that will really support our customers and their projects in a very solid way. We can’t wait to get him fully embedded into his new position.” Jeffrey adds: “I am excited to begin work with the great team that GLP is putting together, I can’t wait to hit the ground running and help the company grow within the central territory.” Haynes joins GLP in a newly created position to promote and strengthen the company’s SceneX brand of LED solutions that it promotes in the North American markets. A 20+ year industry veteran, Brad will add his
UK - Flashlight has appointed David Manister to a directorship role within the company. Manister joined Flashlight in 2013 and had since spearheaded its business development. He comments: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to play my part in the continued growth of Flashlight. I’m lucky to work with a great team of highly motivated, industry professionals who help us to make sure we continue to deliver the highest level of service expected by ourselves and our customers." Flashlight founding directors Andy Dodd and Rob Williamson comment: "We're delighted with David’s progress within the company. His enthusiasm allows us to continue to be in front of end users and support new business with a strong presence." Flashlight supplies lighting equipment to the broadcast, motion picture and theatre industries from its Manchester and London bases. The comp
USA - Ashly Audio has appointed Noel Larson to serve as vice-president of marketing and business development. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Larson will work with Ashly engineers and strategic partners on new product development and will report to Ashly CEO Jim Mack. Larson most recently served as Harman Professional’s global director of retail solutions - signal processing, mics, and connected PA. At various points, Larson had oversight of the dbx, Lexicon, BSS, Digitech, AKG, and Soundcraft brands during his seven years there Larson said. “I was looking for an opportunity where I could make a real impact at a company that’s ready to grow fast and that has a management team that fully supports that vision. Ashly has CEO Jim Mack and a cast of talented people, and Jim has successfully piloted rapid company growth in his past endeavours and n
Asia-Pacific - Adamson Systems Engineering has announced the appointment of Ayumi Hanano as education & support coordinator for the Asia-Pacific region. In her new role, Hanano will be assisting Adamson’s APAC team with technical support and is now the first point of contact for all training inquiries and initiatives in the region. “Ayumi has already proven herself to be a valuable addition to our diverse international team,” says David Dohrmann, Adamson’s technical director for the APAC region. “She’s incredibly smart, a strong brand ambassador, and will be a major asset as we continue gaining traction in the Asian markets and increase our global focus on education and training.” Hanano has already overseen the delivery of Adamson’s Applied Certification training for hundreds of attendees in several countries and will soon begin presentin
