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Asia-Pacific - David McKinney joins the International Division of Biamp Systems to service the Asia/Pacific region. McKinney was formerly the European regional sales manager for BSS Audio and held a variety of sales management positions during his tenure. He holds a BSc in Electronic Music and Electronics from The University of Keele, Staffordshire, UK.

"David’s background is a perfect fit for our needs in the Asia/Pacific Region," says Graeme Harrison, VP of international sales. "He has a strong technical background and his experience in managing a variety of international customers gives him the necessary experience to handle the diverse markets like the Far East."

McKinney, who will be relocating to Malaysia, commented: "I am truly excited to be joining Biamp. Everything I see and hear about the new Audia line tells me that this is a good move

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USA - Martin US is pleased to announce the hiring of Tony Alhadeff as demand planning manager, a role designed to facilitate cross-functional communication within the organization. It plays a critical role in the collection of market intelligence and in the use of that information to balance supply and demand.

Alhadeff comments on the position: "As the individual in that role here at Martin Professional, I will be working very closely with the sales organization to collect the most current market intelligence available and to ensure that this information is effectively incorporated into the organization’s planning cycle. The goal is to deliver a better forecast with sufficient lead-time to drive improvements in customer service, inventory turnover, and profitability."

For the last five years, Alhadeff was employed by Rexall Sundown in Boca Raton, Florida. He wo

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France - InnovaSON, manufacturer of digital mixing consoles for live sound, has appointed Nick Cook as sales and marketing director. Cook has 25 years’ experience in the pro-audio business starting his career as professional recording engineer before joining Solid State Logic (head of sales, Western Division), Fairlight ESP (director of European operations) and Amek/DAR (sales and marketing director). He joins InnovaSON from Insonify, a development and licensing company supplying streaming media solutions for mobile telecoms, where he was commercial director.

"Nick's audio industry experience will help us capitalize on the rising demand for digital live mixing consoles and enable us to broaden our international scope and access new markets," said InnovaSON co-founder Philippe Royer. "His sales and marketing experience will be very valuable assets to establis

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Newly-launched lighting sales company Robe UK has expanded its sales team with the appointment of Andy Holland as business development manager. Holland’s interest in lighting was first sparked at the age of 14 - initially an enthusiastic hobby that led to a part-time job, and then regular semi-professional freelance work. A qualified rigger - Holland attended a BTEC rigging course at Total Fabrication in conjunction with the PSA - and is currently studying for his City & Guilds 23/60 electrician’s certificate. He also runs his own lighting company, The Mobile Lighting Company, providing lighting and sound services to the entertainment industry.

His role for Robe UK is to further develop the theatre, arts and performance markets for Robe Show Lighting’s product range. Holland has been working hands-on with Robe products for some time, owning, installing and dry hiring

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UK - George Gilbert, one of the UK's leading video projection experts, has died at the age of 79. In a career that spanned more than four decades, George was a leading expert in light valve video projectors and responsible for training many of the current generation of projection specialists. The industry continued to benefit from his expertise well past retirement age and up until his death, he was still on the payroll, although part-time, as an engineer for equipment rental firm Blitz.

Following electronics training in the army, George first began TV work at Cambridge-based Pye Television. In the 1950s and 60s he was one of just a handful of projection specialists in the UK with the skills to set up and operate the Eidophor and GE Talaria projectors. Video projection technology in this period was cutting-edge but, at the same time, temperamental. The light valve at the heart o

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UK - Keith Ferguson, who served as the general manager of the PSA for many years and was a trustee of the PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund, died on Friday 23 May. No date for the funeral has yet been set, but details will be made available as soon as we have them.

(Ruth Rossington)

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USA - Cadac Electronics Plc has announced the appointment of two new representatives in the US. On the East Coast, Thomas Bensen has been selected, whilst on the West Coast, the company has appointed GLS Marketing.

Tom Bensen is a familiar face in the pro audio industry, with over 25 years' experience across a wide variety of leading brands. His sound reinforcement expertise and market knowledge will prove invaluable in establishing the Cadac brand and providing further growth. On the other side of the US, GLS Marketing will provide the Cadac representative network with a strong mix of technical skills, plus creative sales and marketing techniques. Headed up by president Greg Hockman with Ron Thomas as general manager, the company was established in 1981 and operates out of Huntington Beach, California, in support of the Southern California, Southern Nevada, Hawaii and Arizona t

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UK - The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama has conferred a Fellowship of the RSAMD upon Francis Reid - an internationally renowned theatre lighting designer, lecturer, writer and consultant.

After studying science and psychology at the University of Edinburgh, Francis spent five years in stage and production management including Rep Drama, Touring Opera, and productions at the Aldeburgh Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Throughout the 1960s, Francis was Glyndebourne Festival Opera’s lighting director and he was subsequently responsible for the lighting design of over 300 productions staged throughout Europe. Productions of musicals such as Man of La Mancha, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Anne of Green Gables; plays such as Sleuth, Move Over Mrs. Markham, V

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Australia - Coemar De Sisti Australia has announced the appointment of David Corelli as lighting concepts consultant. David’s history includes around 20 years as a professional photographer, during which time he won several photographic awards. He then spent some years supplying equipment to the film and television industry which included working with gaffers, grips and DoPs.For the past 18 months, Corelli has been an architectural lighting consultant, working with architects, consulting engineers, developers and contractors. He is eager to get back into film and television lighting and is looking forward to meeting up again with some old friends.

Peter Kemp, Coemar De Sisti’s managing director, said: "I believe David’s experience and talents gained over the years in TV, film and architectural lighting will be an excellent asset to the company and we are p

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USA- Further news from Ballantyne of Omaha, this time concerning the appointment of Daniel E. Faltin, 46, as executive vice-president and chief operating officer.

As COO, Faltin will oversee day-to-day operations at the company, assuming those responsibilities from Brad French, who added those duties to his chief financial officer role during the company's restructuring process. French will continue to serve as CFO, a position he has held since 1996.

Faltin most recently served as an executive consultant to Ballantyne's senior management team. Prior to this, he was president of Chief Automotive Systems Inc, a Nebraska-based manufacturer of collision repair equipment for the body shop industry, which was acquired by Dover Corporation in 1988. In this role, he oversaw the introduction of several new products, thecreation of a successful product trade-in programme and the implem

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UK - SCV London has appointed Eamonn McGonagle to the newly created position of UK sales manager for PA and installation products. Julian Blyth, SCV London managing director, says: "As we are continually expanding the PA and installation market side of our business, we needed to find the right person to manage our rapidly increasing portfolio of products. We believe Eamonn fulfils the role perfectly."

McGonagle was previously national sales manager for Celestion Pro Products, and before that he was the marketing manager for Van Dam Cables.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - The funeral of Keith Ferguson, the former general manager of the Production Services Association (PSA), will be held this Saturday 7 June, at 11.20am at Putney Vale Crematorium, Stag Lane, London SW15. Ferguson, who also served as a trustee of the PSA’s Welfare & Benevolent Fund, died in his sleep during the night of Friday 23 May. He was 56. Freddie Nyathela of the South African Roadies Association (SARA), who worked closely with Ferguson, described him as "a gentle giant - a man with a soft heart and vision."

He leaves a son, Guy, and a daughter, Meredith. The family has requested that flowers be sent from family members only, while anyone wishing to contribute should send a donation to the family’s chosen charity, Diabetes UK, c/o the Funeral Directors at: Fred K W. Paine, 24 Old London Road, Kingston, Surrey, KT2 6QG.

Following the service, a Mem

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UK - After seven years at Metier, Duncan Sones has announced his intention to stand down from the post of chief executive to work in a freelance capacity in education, training and regeneration projects.

Matthew Griffiths, chief executive of PLASA and also the Chair of Metier commented: "On behalf of the Board I’d like to express my thanks to Duncan for his achievements since his arrival in May 1996. During this time he has overseen considerable changes in Metier's fortunes and has been instrumental in raising the annual turnover of the organization from £250,000 to £1.5m. We believe that Duncan has been instrumental in bringing £10m to the sector - a large proportion of this has been invested in partnership projects helping to support the viability of around 35 other organizations."

Metier has made the successful transition from a National Training Organiza

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USA - Cerwin-Vega and KRK have added Gustavo Afont to its team as international sales manager. Combining his experience as an international marketing manager with Sony Broadcast and international sales manager with Alesis, Afont brings over a decade of international sales experience to Cerwin-Vega and KRK.

"Gustavo's years of experience in MI International sales makes him a valuable addition to our team," said Cerwin-Vega/KRK president Dave Rice. "He will be an integral part of our International presence."

Based in Simi Valley, California, Cerwin-Vega Inc has been a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of loudspeakers for the home, mobile and professional audio markets since 1954. Also based in Simi Valley, KRK Systems is known for its design and manufacture of high-quality studio monitors.

(Ruth Rossington)

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UK - The Soundcraft Group has appointed Alex McDonald as its new quality manager. He brings with him the necessary pedigree, having previously worked as worldwide operations quality manager at Pace Micro Technology, where he served for more than 13 years. Prior to joining Pace, Alex held a similar position at Systime Computers, and also spent time with British Olivetti. His primary aim at Soundcraft will be to obtain ISO 9001:2000 certification, which he sees as essential to advance the company’s quality culture even further.

(Ruth Rossington)

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Czech Republic - Harry von den Stemmen has been appointed international sales manager for leading European moving light manufacturer Robe Show Lighting s.r.o. The appointment follows the launch of Robe as an independent brand, and its impressive international growth over the last 12 months. "It’s great to have Harry onboard," says Josef Valchár", co-owner and managing director of Robe Show Lighting. "His appointment will ensure we maintain the highest levels of proactivity and detail in dealing with our international customers."

Von Den Stemmen’s impressive CV includes 20 years’ commercial experience in the pro lighting industry. He’s been involved in theatre, entertainment and architectural sectors - from cruise ships to large building projects. He joins Robe from Martin Professional, where he was business development and archit

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UK - Tryka L.E.D. Ltd has appointed Sabrina Marenghi as marketing manager. This is a newly-created position which comes in response to Tryka’s fast expansion since its launch in October last year.

Marenghi previously worked for Pulsar for almost 10 years, and has wide experience of all elements of marketing. Chris Rolph, managing director of Tryka comments: "Tryka has expanded at an outstanding rate since its start at the end of last year and I am confident that getting Sabrina on board will enhance our activities and market presence even further."

(Ruth Rossington)

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UK - Industry stalwart, Richie Rowley, has rejoined the BSS Audio team as regional sales manager (for Europe). In his original three-year stint with The Soundcraft Group, Rowley was involved in the development of the Omnidrive and Varicurve platforms. After six-and-a-half years with Martin Audio as product manager, he returns to join a new team, leading an ambitious product initiative.

Of the vigorous BSS R&D programmes in place, Rowley notes: "Some of the modifications will be in evidence by PLASA, while some brand new products will be introduced during the course of next year. For me, the timing couldn’t have been better."

Another man returning to the Soundcraft Group this month is sales engineer Richard Ayres. He spent 13 years handling technical support for all brands, interfacing with dealers and distributors before leaving a year ago to join system integr

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UK - Keith Watson has been appointed to the new position of marketing director for the Soundcraft Group, worldwide. The appointment, confirmed by new Group managing director Andy Trott, is designed to increase the momentum of the Soundcraft, BSS Audio and AMEK brands.

As the company embarks on a vigorous programme of product development, Watson’s primary aim will be to raise brand profile and manage an expedient design-to-market delivery, as well as establish a number of new customer facing initiatives.

Originally a student of engineering and now, with over 20 years experience across a full range of marketing and communications programmes, Watson brings an impressive pedigree to The Soundcraft Group. Since the mid-eighties he has held senior positions responsible for every aspect of marketing, spanning advanced technology, B2B and consumer brands. He also includes band a

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UK - Robbie Wilson, former head of operations at Gallowglass Ltd, and previous owner of his own event staging and barrier production company, has joined Elstree Light and Power (ELP) as special projects manager.

This new position has been created specifically to develop First Facilities - a service brand within the ELP group which will specialize in the design, manufacture and operation of custom-built solutions to mobile event problems. "Robbie has over 30 years’ experience within events, including a successful career as a tour manager in the live concert and production industry," explains ELP MD Ronan Willson. "He is the ideal man for the job and I am delighted that he has come on board."

The company is not intent on becoming another staging/rigging/event management brand, but is aiming to supply those specialist companies in each field with fully t

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USA - To better service the theatrical market nation-wide, Multi-Lite USA - a subsidiary of Europe’s largest distributor of SSTV lamps - has appointed new staff to its Burbank, California office. Chad Jakeway, who joins the company as general manager, comes from the lamp manufacturing industry, while Anthony Vivolo, who takes the role of account executive, comes with extensive theatrical production and installation experience. Meanwhile, the company’s former general manager, Harald Wehnert, has been promoted to director of operations, USA.

Multi-Lite USA has also announced a planned Open House at its Burbank office on 10 July, between 5:30 - 9:00pm. The company is based at 160 So. Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502. Anyone wishing to attend should RSVP to the e-mail address below by 4 July.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Carlsbro Electronics has appointed Jason Woodcock as marketing and business development manager. Woodcock was previously employed by the Hard Rock Café, as sales and marketing manager, during which time he was responsible for the implementation of Midlands Finest band competition, which gained the support of DEP International (UB40’s management company) and has just completed its second year of placing the Midlands’ unsigned talent in the spotlight.

Woodcock spent several years in Ibiza and Greece sampling the highs and lows of life as a club 18-30 rep, during which time he became the regional manager and was involved in the launch of the Sundance festival and the Beaver Espana campaign. Woodcock commented: "In the past three years I have watched with interest the re-structuring and development of Carlsbro. The company has moved forward at an alarming rate

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Belgium - L&SI has learned of the recent death of Marc Phlippo, one of the founders, along with his father Jos, of Phlippo Showlights - which grew to become one of the largest lighting production rental companies in Belgium. Marc, who was especially well known in Belgian TV and theatre, died early last week after losing a two-year battle against cancer. His funeral took place on Saturday 21 June.

(Ruth Rossington)

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UK - London-based Light Projects Group has appointed Neil Young as divisional manager for the Australian-manufactured Intralux range of lighting systems. Young has spent the past eight years working for a major lighting manufacturer and Light Projects believes that his expertise and experience will help advance the Intralux name in the UK. His understanding of landscape, architectural, indirect cove and pelmet lighting are also welcomed by the company, which specializes in providing lighting technology and systems to those markets.

Since the two organizations formed an alliance last year, Light Projects reports an overwhelming interest in these high quality and innovative products. The range of luminaires includes the latest Kove family of T5 systems, which range form low-cost base products, through to fully-controlled RGB colour changing systems.

(Lee Baldock)

  1. Stephanie Kilburg joins TMB
  2. Lars Frederiksen joins d&b
  3. Jeff Ravitz is nominated for an Emmy Award
  4. Mackie announces new CFO
  5. Henrik Holm is new area sales manager at Martin Professional
  6. New European RSM for Switchcraft
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