UK - PLASA has promoted Christopher Toulmin to the role of commercial director. In this newly created position, Chris will oversee all sales and marketing activities in the organisation, driving the success of its commercial divisions which includes its event portfolio (PLASA Show, PLASA Focus Leeds and PLASA Focus Glasgow) and leading publication Light & Sound international (LSi). The announcement follows one of the most successful PLASA Shows in recent history, where Chris had a major contribution in his role as director of events. In his new position, he will support the organisation’s strategy to grow both its events and media divisions, whilst exploring new products PLASA can deliver to further support the industry. Chris’s career in the industry spans more than 35 years, which has taken him from a respected lighting designer, industry innovator thr
Italy - Proel has announced the appointment of Elio Caia to the position of international sales manager for the company's Axiom professional loudspeaker brand. Effective from the beginning of October, Caia will be responsible for growing and coordinating all of Axiom's export markets in the EMEA, APAC, and North American regions. Caia comes to Axiom with a solid background in professional audio, having worked as part of an export team managing distributors, developing markets, and providing specialised technical support to export markets for a noted pro audio sound systems manufacturer. He has travelled extensively in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, and is very familiar with multiple cultures. "Elio has a fine balance of experience and skills to address the different facets of today's world-wide pro audio market," commented Axiom business unit manager Daniele Massacce
UK - PRG has appointed Caroline Hill and Mark Davies to its UK TV & Film account management team. Caroline joins from Panalux Broadcast and Events where, for five years, she oversaw the delivery of a diverse range of events including fashion shows, television series, rigging for feature films, and, most recently, the lighting and rigging elements of the factual show World War One Remembered: Passchendaele for the BBC. She is now based in PRG’s Covent Garden, London office. Caroline is an addition to the already bolstered TV & Film account management team that welcomed Mark Davies earlier this year. Since joining PRG as a lighting project manager over 10 years ago, Mark went on to head up his department before moving into this current account management role. TV & Film market leader Kelly Cornfield commented: “Caroline and Mark are great ad
China - LOUD Audio has announced the appointment of John Li to the position of China general manager and VP global operations, based in Shenzhen. Prior to joining LOUD, Li held positions with Harman Professional and BOSCH Automotive Products with comprehensive operations experience including managing P&L, sourcing, supplier development, planning and quality management. Li also holds two Bachelor degrees and a Masters degree. “In discussions with the LOUD leadership team,” commented Li, “I was impressed with their strategic view of the future and desire for growth. For myself, this is a perfect time to join a great company with its distinguished brands and I look forward to investing all my efforts to driving improvements in supply chain quality and efficiency, and developing my team to achieve our goals.” Commenting on the appointment, Mark Graham LO
USA - Kraig Knight and Joe Adams have joined Elation Professional’s growing sales team as regional sales representatives. Kraig and Joe come to Elation from manufacturers rep firm Professional Sound and Lighting Products (PSLP), where they represented Elation products for years. Kraig Knight serves as Elation’s new regional sales representative for the Rocky Mountain region while Joe Adams covers Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Kraig and Joe bring years of valuable industry experience with them, as well as a thorough knowledge of Elation’s product range. Both started in their new position on 1 October. Kraig is a 28-year veteran of the lighting industry with the last 21 years spent at PSLP, where he served as president since 2013, managing the company’s outside sales staff along with the day to day operations of the busines
UK - David Boxall, co-founder of Baldwin Boxall, is the first recipient of the Warren-Barnett Technical Innovation Award. The Warren Barnett Technical Innovation Award, named after former ISCE Presidents Hayden Warren and Peter Barnett, was established to recognise the innovative talent of ISCE members and to acknowledge their contribution to the industry. David Boxall was nominated by Peter Mapp to receive the new ISCE award. Boxall said: "I am thrilled to receive this award – it was totally unexpected. It is a real honour to receive recognition for my work, especially as it is linked with Hayden Warren and Peter Barnett, both of who I knew well and held in such high esteem." Boxall's career in the PA industry spans more than 45 years during which he designed many innovative products ranging from 100V line amplifiers, hearing loop amplifiers, PA & VA,
USA - Mojo Barriers US office has appointed Dan Gormley as vice president, joining fellow US vice president Jordi van Berkum. Gormley states: “I am delighted to be joining Mojo Barriers as the company prepares to introduce new product ranges into the US market. I have the utmost respect for Mojo and relish the challenge to continue to evolve and improve our effectiveness and reach, expand the offering to clients, while developing and further strengthen our brand.” Gormley's eight years’ experience working in live entertainment has given him a deep understanding of promoter cost containment requirements, along with the development of both new processes and new products to reduce overhead production costs. Previous roles have spanned festival site development to design and construction of new live event facilities. He will work from Mojo’s Los Angeles base.
UK - Theatre consultancy firm Theatreplan has welcomed on board Chris Needle who joins the company as an intern after graduating with a BA in Technical Theatre Arts from London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Needle opted for the theatre technology pathway within the course which covered lighting, sound, automation and production management. During his three years at Guildhall, Needle was given training in many areas of technical theatre, but he specialised in electrics in his third year working as lighting designer for The Crucible, Herons and The (Imaginary) Misogynist, as well as being the production electrician for Balm in Gilead and Opera Makers. Needle took part in work placement with BDP Lighting working on the restoration of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, before joining Theatreplan in October 2017. (Jim E
UK - Illumination specialists LED Creative has appointed Charlie Jeff as design engineer and Jonny Daily as LED technician. Having gained professional experience working with some of the entertainment industry’s most respected brands, both Charlie and Jonny bring ‘a valuable depth of knowledge to their new roles and are already actively participating in the development of the company’. Charlie is a graduate of Nottingham University, where he achieved a first in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Since completing his degree, Charlie has undertaken a number of freelance opportunities working in design and repair for the likes of Pinewood MBS Lighting and Version2. In his new post with LED Creative, Charlie will be helping expand the company’s product range and handle custom design projects. As a qualified electrical installation technician, Jonny joins
USA - GLP US has appointed Jim Gregory as regional sales manager for the south east. He brings more than 25 years of industry experience to GLP, working with touring, local productions, house of worship, as well as special and corporate events. Gregory comments: “When the opportunity arose, I jumped to work for such an industry leading company. GLP products are of the highest quality and hold up to the test of time. I wanted to work for a company with excellent products, first and foremost, and the quality of the GLP staff is top notch.” GLP US president Mark Ravenhill adds: “We are very happy to welcome Jim to GLP. His experience, combined with his understanding of customer service are at the top level and he will be an absolute great fit to the team.” (Jim Evans)
UK - Audio-visual consulting company Consultancy Team UK has appointed a PR manager and a technical specialist. Amy Harker has become business public relations manager and will manage the company’s public relations and marketing as well as contributing to their business development strategies. With 20 years’ experience in the media industry, Amy comments, “Consultancy Team UK are strongly committed to continue to offer a full spectrum of highly regarded audio-visual consulting, design and installation services and I look forward to driving forward global growth whilst maintaining a strong history of high standards.” Emrys Jones has been appointed as technical specialist and will be overseeing all elements of design, installation and production for numerous projects within the company’s portfolio. With 20 years industry experience Emrys has led many key accoun
UK - Natural History Museum has bolstered its specialist in-house events team with the appointment of Nikki Fhalora filling a maternity cover. Nikki will be managing event enquiries, client liaison and overseeing the delivery of both internal and external events over a busy festive 2017 following the refurbishment of the Hintze Hall space. She comments: “The Natural History Museum is one of the most iconic venues in London and it has always been my dream to work here, having studied history at university I am so lucky to be able to combine my love for the subject with my passion for events in such a varied and interesting role. My favourite space in the Museum is Fossil Way which can be dressed so delightfully by our suppliers for any event from champagne receptions to intimate sit-down dinners.” Robert Wetherell, head of venue hire at the Museum adds: “I
UK - Automation and motion control specialist and manufacturer Kinesys has announced three new appointments in digital marketing, software development and workshop technical at the company’s HQ in Hampton, Middlesex This is a result of a busy year to date and a surge in business following the launch of a new range of motion control hoists – Apex - in April, plus an expansion of the brand’s worldwide dealer network. Kinesys co-founder and MD Dave Weatherhead stated: “It’s been a strong year and we’re pleased to welcome our three new staff. Their skills and personalities are a perfect complement to the current team as we prepare for a new and exciting phase in Kinesys’ development.” Charlie Felicien joins as digital marketing & communications assistant. He will be working closely with MD Dave Weatherhead and David Bond who heads up Kinesys USA t
USA - Audio industry veteran Chris Caiazzo has joined Orlando-based Professional Wireless Systems as technical sales manager. In his new position, Caiazzo will be responsible for sales, technical support and project management. The announcement was made by Jim Van Winkle, general manager for Professional Wireless Systems. “I am very happy to be working with Chris again,” said Van Winkle. “His vast experience in the industry, and knowledge of wireless systems integration will be invaluable to our customers. I am very confident that he will be a key part of our growth for years to come.” Caiazzo began his career working for Van Winkle at Masque Sound, parent company of Professional Wireless Systems, in 1994. He began his own audio company, Technically Sound LLC, in 2006. Since then he has provided a variety of sound reinforcement services in the broadcast, corpo
UK - Award-winning creative video studio Lightrhythm Visuals has expanded its senior team with the addition of Tom Bowers as head of strategic innovation. His role will be to develop the global footprint of the business, leveraging his extensive broadcast and social TV and fan engagement expertise. Founder Ben Sheppee comments, “Tom brings a skill set that means new and existing clients can capitalise on his in-depth knowledge of engaging large audiences.” Bowers has worked on major shows including The Brit Awards, where he innovated the first regulated live global social vote, as well as championing the first wave of socially dynamic TV advertising in the UK. He has conceptualised end-to-end broadcast experiences, strategies and standout fan engagement deployments for leading media companies such as BskyB, ITV, Channel 4, BT Sport, 4Music, MTV, RTE,
UK - TSL has appointed Greg Westwood as a project manager. Westwood graduated from the University of South Wales in 2015 with a BSc in Lighting Design & Technology, since when he has been working in a sales role for leading equipment manufacturer Robe. He will be working closely with TSL’s MD Sam Tamplin, on project management and business development across a wide range of customers, projects and rentals. (Jim Evans)
The Netherlands - Integrated Systems Europe has announced that Carlo Ratti, the leading architect, engineer, inventor, and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will present the ISE opening address on 5 February 2018. Ratti’s speech will follow shortly after the conclusion of the Smart Building Conference during which Ratti will participate in the one-day conference’s closing roundtable discussion. Ratti commented: “I am delighted to be giving the opening address at ISE 2018. Social and technological developments in the evolution of smart cities and smart buildings are quickly shaping how we must plan to work and live in the future. I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences with the ISE audience.” At MIT, Ratti directs the Senseable City Lab, a research group that explores how new technologies are changing the way we und
UK - Nadine Wray has been appointed as senior account manager by AVT Connect, the live event and digital communication specialists. Wray will be based at the company’s Brighton head office, working with clients in the pharmaceutical, membership and educational sectors. Director of client services Becky Deo said: “Nadine has extensive events experience having worked both in-house and agency side. She has deep knowledge in all aspects of event project management and planning with a particular emphasis on the international pharmaceutical industry. Her enthusiasm and dedication is obvious straight away and she has already delivered global projects to the very highest standard." Originally from Yorkshire, her significant overseas and UK event experience was gained through working for companies such as Astellas, DePuy Synthes and GSK. (Jim Evans)
UK - Bristol Music Trust, the organisation that runs Colston Hall, has appointed Clare Jack, the development director at Bath Festivals, as chief operating officer. Clare will start at the organisation in October. An experienced arts manager, Clare brings with her over nine years’ experience in the arts industry, following an extensive career in private sector change management. In her new role Clare will be working closely with Louise Mitchell, chief executive of Bristol Music Trust, to take a strategic overview of the financial, commercial and operational competitiveness of the organisation. As chief operating officer, Clare will be responsible for driving forward the financial imperatives of the business in order to support, develop and sustain the charitable objectives of the Trust. Clare joins the senior management team at Colston Hall, who are responsi
UK - Atlona has strengthened its UK and Ireland sales team with the appointment of industry veteran Alex Moss as senior sales manager. Reporting to Atlona general manager Ronni Guggenheim, Alex will leverage his broad industry expertise to support sales initiatives across end users, partners and systems integrators as he works to expand the company’s regional presence. Alex’s trajectory has followed parallel sales and technology paths through much of his nearly 10 years in commercial AV industry. Since late 2013 until joining Atlona on 1 October, Alex held technical sales consultant and sales manager positions at various times with Cabletime, a leading manufacturer of IPTV, digital signage and media distribution products. “With the addition of AVoIP, control and wireless collaboration, Atlona’s product offering has evolved toward a full solutions-oriented appr
Europe - CUK Audio’s retail sales channel manager, Steve Barton, has just completed – and won - a gruelling 2,500-mile rally across Europe to raise money for the motor industry charity, BEN. A total of 28 teams took part in the event organised by Bilstein Group UK which took them through 10 countries in seven days via some of Europe’s most beautiful – and challenging – driving routes. Barton and his team-mate, Nik Edwards drove a CUK Audio-branded 2005 MG ZT-T diesel estate (don’t be fooled, they were pretty fast, aggressive drives in their time!) to take part in the Banger Rally that left Marden in Kent on 15 September to cross the finish line seven days later at Bilstein’s new state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Markham Vale. Sponsored by CUK Audio, the vehicle sported logos from several manufacturers in CUK’s MI/retail portfolio, namely dB Technol
UK - Wayne Howell, founder of Artistic Licence and the inventor of the Art-Net ethernet lighting protocol, has been honoured with the 2017 Gottelier award at the PLASA London show. Named in memory of Tony Gottelier, the renowned industry innovator and commentator, this annual award recognises product developers who have made significant long-term contributions to the advancement of entertainment, presentation or installation technology. Wayne Howell founded Artistic Licence in 1988. He was a major contributor to the development of DMX512-A in the 1990s, and released his free, public domain Art-Net protocol a few years later. Art-Net is now in its fourth version and has been adopted by hundreds of manufacturers worldwide. Wayne has continued to expand and diversify the Artistic Licence brand, and is well known for his books, articles and seminars. Artistic
UK - Chroma-Q has appointed Paul Pelletier as global brand manager for Chroma-Q. Pelletier is a 30 year veteran in the performance lighting industry working for industry leaders, most recently Martin Professional in the role of solution manager. Bringing with him extensive experience working with key brands, Paul has been an integral asset in brand development and marketing. He has worked closely with product development, sales, marketing and technical support to develop products, as well as to promote and sell these products within the lighting marketplace. Reporting to Jean-François Canuel, managing director for the Canadian Operations, Paul will provide the direction to promote and continue the growth of the Chroma-Q brand, with support and training for clients and users. He will also work closely with Chroma-Q’s R&D team to create forward-looking, succe
UK - Spectra Displays has made a significant addition to its team by recruiting an experienced member of the industry, Rob Marvell as operations director. With a strong background in audio Rob brings with him 15 years of experience working with Bose Professional UK, where he joined at the start of PRO-Partner to coordinate what was an industry changing distribution model focused on quality. Spectra’s MD Mike Boxall comments, “We have taken the business as far as we can and to grow we needed to expand; Rob joining the team is a great and crucial addition. Rob is a very personable, highly respected and well-connected AV Professional with a diverse skillset who will fit in perfectly with our organisation. We are already seeing growth since his appointment but the funny thing is that it took an audio guy to give a visual company perspective! At Spectra, our ethos has
