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UK - Deco Leisure Group has further strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Jamie Kitson as area sales executive. Kitson, who was previously with R.W. Salt in technical sales, is more than familiar with the audio industry: prior to joining R.W. Salt, he worked for Stage Craft Systems for 10 years and has a thorough understanding of audio sales.

Commenting on his move to Deco, Kitson told PLASA Media: "As Dare Pro Audio and QAD are unique to the pro audio industry, I am looking forward to developing the products within the pro-audio market." Kitson's appointment closely follows that of Alex Kay, who joined Deco as technical manager, and also that of Carl Robinson, who recently joined as production manager. Robinson's experience with mineral composites fibreglass, as well as metal and wood laminates, will prove useful for Dare Pro Audio, whose innovative en

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UK - In a move that brings the two brands closer together and heralds the direction of the company for the future, David Cooper has been appointed to the new position of sales and marketing director for Midas and Klark Teknik worldwide. Reporting to managing director John Oakley, Cooper will head up the company's sales and marketing activities on a global basis.

Based at company HQ in Kidderminster, Cooper will maximize business opportunities by marketing all products under the Midas and Klark Teknik brand names. He will also manage customer accounts and be accountable for the smooth running of the extensive Midas and Klark Teknik distribution network.

After six years in the position of Midas sales manager, as well as previous roles within the Midas engineering and manufacturing departments, Cooper has extensive experience in console sales and distribution management and is al

Doughty - Banner - from 6 June 2025

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UK - Wigwam Acoustics has appointed Jon Sugden as client manager. Sugden is an experienced audio professional: after working and touring with Wigwam on Lord of the Dance, Ronan Keating and numerous events over a 10-year period, he decided to head south, where he spent time working for Cinevideo in Borehamwood, and most recently at Gearhouse Broadcast in Wembley, one of the UK's top broadcast rental companies.

Sugden's role with the latter company saw him establish a highly successful broadcast audio division, where he built an impressive client roster, including the BBC's Parkinson show, Channel 4 Cricket, Carlton 021 The Club and Granada TV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! on location in Australia. Sugden's specialist knowledge of radio mics and broadcast equipment allowed Gearhouse to establish itself firmly in the audio market.

"I have gained vast knowle

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Canada - TC-Helicon Vocal Technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Alexander to the position of CEO and managing director. Kevin will join the Victoria, BC based Joint-venture Company in October, 2003. Kevin's experience spans live-sound and recording, sales, product development and project management, including work with companies such as Roland Canada and IVL Technologies Ltd. Fred Speckeen, chairman of the TC-Helicon board of directors said: "We are delighted with Kevin's appointment to this role. His enthusiasm, skills and experience will serve the company well in its next stage of growth."

TC-Helicon Vocal Technologies is jointly owned by TC Group and IVL Technologies Ltd. and is one of the world's only audio companies dedicated exclusively to tools and solutions for the speaking and singing human voice. The company markets voice-processing pr

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USA - Alan Caskey, formerly of Fakespace Systems Inc, has joined SEOS on a consultancy basis to concentrate on North American visualization sales opportunities and to contribute to the overall market strategy of the company.

Caskey brings with him 22 years experience at senior executive and sales level within the electronics, manufacturing, system integration and service industries. Beginning his career at Christie Digital Systems, he progressed to vice-president, managing the sales force and distribution channels, whilst fostering relationships with customers and resellers. Most recently, as vice-president of sales and marketing at Fakespace Systems, Caskey developed a sales force alongside long-range strategies to streamline the sales and marketing processes. His appointment follows the announcement last week that SEOS has recruited Martin Howe as vice- president of visualizat

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UK - CCT Lighting has announced the appointment of Bill Jones as general manager, following the retirement last month of managing director David Manners. Jones started his career in the industry with CCT lighting 16 years ago. Before re-joining CCT, he worked for Harman UK, Lightfactor Sales and Stage Electrics, in both sales and sales management positions. He returns to CCT with total determination to lead the company in a very changing industry, promoting the company as one of the top manufacturers in the business. His plans for the future include changes to the current pricing policies and development of exciting new products.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - tsg, the Sheffield-based media programming and systems provider has promoted Steve Dunn to the board. Dunn, formerly head of marketing, now becomes marketing director, a strategic position that allows him to make use of skills developed whilst achieving the MBA at Sheffield Business School. Dunn has been employed by tsg for six years and was previously with Jamo and Wharfedale.

The company has also announced that Ivan Marsden, formerly operations director, has taken on the position of business director. Marsden's new role is to further develop the sales strategy which has seen tsg secure record levels of business. In fact, the company has enjoyed a long and successful history as a media programmer and system designer. In 2002 its music brand Candy Rock celebrated 20 years of programmed music supply to the UK's leading retailers.

(Ruth Rossington)

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USA - The Stanton Group has announced that audio industry veteran Dave Froker has become the company's new CEO. Froker's background in the audio industry and strong track record make him the natural choice for the CEO position at the Stanton Group, where he will oversee the company's four brands - Stanton Magnetics, KRK Systems, Cerwin-Vega and Coemar.

Recently general manager of Digidesign, he tripled its revenue while its flagship product, ProTools, became an industry standard audio workstation. "The opportunities at Stanton attract me," Froker remarked. "This is a company with a diverse product offering, innovative engineers and an aggressive attitude towards marketing. I look forward to being a part of the company's future, and see potential for rapid growth."

Froker will also become president of Stanton Magnetics, the company's DJ products brand. &qu

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USA - American Audio, a division of the American DJ Group of companies, has expanded its management team with the addition of three new executives. Alfred Gonzales has been appointed as national audio sales manager, Joey Corral becomes the new audio technical director and Danny Cabrerra joins as consumer and artist relations manager.

"We're very pleased to make this announcement," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. "Alfred, Joey and Danny bring a great deal of talent and experience to their positions. Working with the rest of our team, they'll help ensure that American Audio's excellent products are backed up by great service, marketing and customer support."

As it has done since it was founded more than six years ago, American Audio will continue to sell its products only through authorized dealers, and never direct t

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UK - McKenzie Group recently announced that Steve Forster has been promoted to MKG group operations director. Forster spent three years as general manager of Carling Academy Brixton, before two years as group operations manager, during which he successfully oversaw the opening of Academy venues in Bristol and Glasgow. Forster has been instrumental in the recent growth of McKenzie Group with September launches of two more sites - Carling Academy Liverpool and Carling Academy Islington (London). His appointment as group operations director will ensure the consistency of operations across the Group and maximize the commercial potential and growth for each venue.

Commenting on the appointment, managing director John Northcote said: "Steve has shown both the talent and application necessary to ensure that McKenzie Group's venue stock has a consistent reputation for all that's be

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USA - Loud Technologies announced two additions to its worldwide sales organization - longtime pro audio sales professionals David Christensen and Kurt Metzler. As director of international sales, Christensen, involved with pro audio most of his life, will be responsible for directing all international sales efforts for the entire portfolio of Loud Technologies brands including Mackie, EAW, Tapco and RCF. Christiansen brings extensive industry experience in building successful international sales organizations within the professional audio industry including Solid State Logic, Sony and Euphonix Inc.

Frank Loyko, senior vice president of sales at Loud Technologies commented: "Export markets make up a significant portion of Loud's current revenue and hold great potential in helping us to realize our sales goals in 2004. In order to realize this potential, we chose a senior le

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UK - Coastal Acoustics announced the appointment of Chris Hollebone as general manager in a move to strengthen its sales and marketing resource. Coastal and sister company Harris Grant Associates, have completed a number of highly prestigious assignments this year and with an eye on significant expansion in 2004, this was the appropriate time to make a move.

Hollebone has previously held senior management positions at Sony Broadcast & Professional, TimeLine and DTS. Latterly he has been running his own sales and marketing consultancy and providing articles for a number of trade publications. Neil Grant, MD of both Coastal and HGA commented: "We asked Chris to review Coastal's portfolio and provide suggestions on how to maintain this momentum. One of the conclusions was that we needed additional sales, marketing and general management support. Who better than Chris himself.&

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USA - Martin Professional has announced two new appointments at its West Coast office in Simi Valley, California. Joining Martin Architectural as Western regional sales manager for the US market is Mike Case. Case's lighting background includes four years at Lithonia Lighting as Western regional manager for lighting controls and 13 years with Premier Lighting as vice-president of sales. He joins Martin Architectural from Pro Sound & Stage Lighting where he was also involved in sales.

Case told us: "I am happy to be a part of one of the industry's up and coming architectural lighting divisions and look forward to the challenges ahead. As a previous Martin dealer, I have first hand knowledge of Martin's product line and have been impressed with the rapid developments in the architectural range."

Martin's West Coast branch manager, Frank Montero, commented: "Bring

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UK - TC Group announces the appointment of Fred Speckeen to director of business development. In this new position, based at Tannoy Ltd (Scotland), he will be responsible for enhancing overall Group business practice, acceleration of technology transfer between companies within the Group, and the coordination and growth of future business direction. Speckeen leaves his position as CEO / Managing Director of the TC joint-venture company TC-Helicon Vocal Technologies (Victoria, BC, CANADA) after successfully establishing that company in 2000.

Fred Speckeen will be working closely together with TC Group CEO Anders Fauerskov, who comments: "We are very pleased to be able to add Fred to the team of high achievers within TC Group. Through his previous functions at IVL and, more recently, as Managing Director responsible for the successful start-up of TC Helicon, Fred has continua

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USA - Los Angeles-based A.C.T Lighting Inc has announced that Mike Carr has joined the company as an account manager. Carr, who was formerly with one of the largest flightcase manufacturers in the US, has over 10 years' experience in corporate sales. "His specialist knowledge of both lighting and special effects as well as flightcasing requirements makes him an ideal addition to our team," said A.C.T.'s Bob Gordon. "We welcome Mike to the family and believe that his unique perspective can only add to our already top of the line staff."

A.C.T Lighting is the exclusive distributor for the MA Lighting grandMA range of consoles, Zero 88's Frog range of consoles and Artistic Licence products, as well as being a major force in the cable assemblies market.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Triple E has announced the return of Tony Jenner to the company, in the role of sales and project manager. Jenner, who previously worked for Triple E from 1988 to 1994 as technical manager, was most recently project manager for Howard Eaton Lighting Ltd for nine years.

Although several new products have been introduced in his absence, Jenner's in-depth product knowledge being put to immediate use on a track installation at Harrods for its Christmas window displays.

David Edelstein, Managing Director of Triple E, said: "Triple E has an expanding order book, so I am delighted that Tony has decided to rejoin us. His theatre experience and organising skills plus his technical knowledge of product design and assembly will be invaluable."

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - QSC Audio Products Inc has announced two new appointments. Paul Kenline takes the position of senior technical trainer, while Shawn Watts joins the company as systems specialist for installed sound.

Kenline joins the Marketing Services team after four years as an engineer in QSC's R&D division. His in-depth knowledge of QSC's products makes him the ideal person to spearhead the company's education and demonstration initiatives, say QSC. Kenline's responsibilities will include conducting informational seminars, overseeing technical marketing support material, and co-ordinating the development of QSC's new education and demonstration programs. These programs are part of QSC's effort to distribute product and background information to each specific vertical market in a manner that is consistent with the company's drive for excellence.

Prior to joining QSC, Shawn Watts held

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Belgium - Philippe Raymakers has recently been appointed director general of Videohouse, a technical facilities company in the audio-visual sector. He has a degree in commercial engineering and has been active in the AV sector for many years now, both in the video world and the film industry alike.

Raymakers will report to Ludo Maes, managing director of Videohouse. Luc Meertens will remain active within the company, but as an independent consultant, continuing his task of supervising and guiding the administrative and financial departments. He will also carry on with his current project to further develop the French market. Videohouse's executive board thanked Meertens for the important contribution he has made in the past towards the company's successful development.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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Germany - Siegmar Pröbstl has been appointed head of the Osram Photo-Optic Division with effect from 1 October 2003, replacing Bernd Schaefer in Berlin who is retiring after 15 years as head of the division. Pröbstl was previously managing director of Osram in Great Britain, prior to which he worked for Osram in Turkey, South Africa and Korea. His career with the lighting manufacturer began in 1985 at the Osram head office in Munich.

Osram holds a strong position on the world market in special photo-optic lamps. Its products include light sources for the chip industry, cinemas, medicine, the media, theatres, airports, video projection and the home cinema.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - HFM Lighting, specialist in the design and supply of advanced lighting solutions, has further expanded its operation with the appointment of Mick Scullion as sales manager. Scullion (Jaggy) who previously headed up PSL Lighting as part of the giant PSL group of companies brings over 20 years' experience and a wealth of expertise gained across both the corporate and live touring industries to the HFM organization.

Commenting on his new role, Scullion told us: "Moving on from PSL will allow me to get back into what I enjoy most - working closely with clients from the outset of a project, providing practical and creative lighting solutions. I'm looking forward to channelling my expertise as part of HFM's experienced team and working with new clients across a variety of challenging applications."

HFM's managing director Hugh Frazer-Mann explained: "I've known J

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Germany - G-LEC Europe, manufacturer of the G-LEC LED Curtain, has taken the first step towards setting up an international sales team with the appointment of Christoph Müssener as sales director. Previously sales manager with Trendco, where he worked with major brands such as Wybron, Avolites and Radlite, Müssener brings substantial knowledge and understanding of the entertainment industry to the company. Müssener will manage international sales and act as co-ordinator for the international offices, currently France and G-LEC's UK representative office at Fourth Phase, London.

Lars Wolf, G-LEC's managing director, who will devote more time to the development of the company, said: "The G-LEC brand is growing fast. We had a tremendous response at PLASA 2003, plus we are looking forward to showing at LDI next month, and Christoph's experience and dedication will help us co

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USA - With sales of its automated fixtures reported to be at an all-time high, Vari-Lite has appointed industry veteran Charlie Hulme as regional sales manager for the Western United States. Hulme has proven success in providing entertainment lighting systems for the concert touring, theatrical, architectural, corporate theatre, retail, nightclub and houses of worship market segments.

"We hit a home run with the Series 3000 fixtures," said Vari-Lite vice-president of sales Bob Schacherl. "The demand is amazing. I've seen nothing like it in my 20 years in the automated lighting industry. Because there are so many lighting professionals out there desiring Vari*Lite products, it was extremely important that we bring in someone who understands the industry, the tight deadlines and who knows what it takes to ensure that our customers' needs are met."

Hulme has s

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USA - Brent Barrett has returned to Bandit Lites after a 22-year absence. Barrett originally started with Bandit in 1977 and toured with Conway Twitty. He continued working with the company until 1984, when he was retained by the group Alabama as lighting designer. He went on to become production manager for the group, and toured with them from 1981 until 2003.

Michael Strickland, Bandit Lites CEO, said: "Brent brings Bandit Lites a wealth of knowledge and many industry connections. I could not be more pleased to have him back home." Barrett is also pleased to be back at Bandit, commenting: "I am delighted that Michael has given me this opportunity, it feels great to be back."

Barrett's new role will be that of business development officer, working from the Bandit Lites Nashville office.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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USA - IAG is expanding its Professional audio team worldwide from 1 November 2003. After pioneering IAG Pro's launch in the US over the past two years, Lance Schmidt moves up to the role of president of IAG Professional, global sales and marketing.

Steve Woolley, IAG managing director, said: "Lance has done a great job setting up our Pro operations in the US, and has now accepted the challenge of managing our international sales and marketing to distributors worldwide. Lance has excellent experience in the international marketplace and adds a powerful dimension to our business."

IAG also announced that Tom Linklater is taking over the reins in the US as president of the professional division, IAG America. Tom is an industry veteran with extensive experience in sales, marketing and product management, in high-end pro, SR and studio. Steve Woolley commented: "We a

  1. Chip Monck to receive Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award
  2. Kluten rewarded with presidential role at IAG Germany
  3. Spector Lumenex appoints new general manager
  4. Eric Seifert rejoins Artec Consultants Inc
  5. Lee Magadini returns to VLPS
  6. New appointment at Transamerica
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