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USA - DiGiCo USA has appointed Ivan C. Schwartz as US national sales manager to further organize the company's rep/dealer structure within the US and provide high quality service to the regional markets.

Having been involved with sound reinforcement since the late 1970s, Schwartz brings to DiGiCo a wealth of real-world product knowledge as well as an extensive management background in the pro audio industry. Previous positions included corporate director of product and market development at Mackie Designs, director of marketing at EAW, and general manager of Mark IV Pro Audio Group. Schwartz holds a BS Industrial Technology from WWU and is a member of the AES, IEEE, and NSCA.

"We're delighted to welcome Ivan aboard," says Eric Wade, CEO of DiGiCo USA. "We've known him for many years and his experience with dealer networks, as well as his vast industry knowledge

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UK - Martin Professional has announced the return of Chris Hale to the company, where he will provide technical support for the stage, studio and event segment. Hale, who has 12 years of lighting industry experience, returned to the company in September, from Coemar UK, after a year and a half absence.

Hale started his lighting industry career as a freelance programmer, operator and service engineer, working mainly in clubs, and worked freelance for a short time in the US. His previous employment at Martin UK included work as a service engineer/programmer and product manager for lighting and control. He also worked in Martin's educational program, Martin University, and was involved in planning and setting up of exhibitions for Martin UK and worldwide for the company's headquarters. Hale has extensive programming experience having programmed numerous large shows and several larg

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USA - Production Resource Group (PRG) has announced that Steven Cullipher has joined the company's Systems Integration team as a business development executive, based at PRG's Orlando office.

Cullipher has been involved in numerous high-profile projects during his career, including the installation of area lighting systems at Universal's Citywalk in Orlando; the construction of the MSNBC Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey; dimming and control systems for a wide range of sites including for four theatres at the State University of New York (SUNY), The Phil Donahue Show at Manhattan Center Studios in New York, NBC affiliate WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., The Golden Moon Casino in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and the Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC.

Bill Groener, head of PRG's System Integration Group, has known Cullipher for many years and previously worked with him at Bar

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UK - Martin Barbour has been appointed as systems engineer at BSS, reporting to Richard Rowley. Barbour already has wide experience of BSS products, having worked for many years as a freelance engineer. He is best known as a key member of the sound crew at the Millennium Dome in London, installing, programming and taking care of the BSS Soundweb installation.

Barbour has also worked as in-house sound engineer for live TV stations 'Whereits.at' and 'NOW', where he looked after broadcast and stage sound for visiting artists, and on installation projects with Live Business International, including the Milton Keynes SnoZone refurb and the cruise ship Thomson Spirit. He has spent the remainder of his time as a freelance Pro-Tools engineer working on various music projects across London and in his own Pro-Tools edit/mix facility, Doghouse Studios.

(Lee Baldock)

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Germany - Jean-Michael Benseler has taken over the coordination of Electro-Voice's microphone marketing in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Benseler, is well-known and respected within the industry, having enjoyed success on the road with Electro-Voice in the mid-seventies. After many years gathering experience in leading positions with a number of well-known audio firms, Benseler returned to EVI Audio two years ago.

(Lee Baldock)

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Denmark - The Entertainment Sales Division at Martin Professional's Danish headquarters has appointed four experienced and highly qualified Martin personnel to the company's International Entertainment Sales team. All four bring with them years of company experience.

Kasper Gissel joins the Division as business development manager. As former head of corporate finance, Gissel has a strong insight into the global rental market. In addition to strengthening the company's global rental position, Gissel will continue to be involved in sales, pricing and credit policy.

Karsten Petersen has been appointed leisure segment manager. Petersen is a former CFO of Martin US, current project manager for Martin's newly-opened China factory, and manager of the company's cruise line activities, and brings a mix of financial and sales skills to the Entertainment Sales team.

Claus Jensen has be

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UK - TMB has announced the addition of Rob "Lucky" Ludlow to the UK sales department. Although young in years and energy, Rob is a veteran of the industry. Originally from South Africa, Ludlow moved to London, where he worked for ETC Europe and then for White Light. From this background as both a TMB vendor and customer, say TMB, Ludlow developed a platonic relationship with Paul Hartley and many other TMB folks. Not put off by hard work and recognizing the inevitable, Lucky decided to take the TMB challenge.

'Lucky' is well liked in the entertainment lighting industry and, in addition to sales, TMB will utilize his talents to research and help develop new and innovative products. Even his nickname has TMB origins: "Anyone who confuses a pack of Lucky Strikes with a pack of something else and has the honesty to talk about it," says TMB European general manage

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UK - On 12 December 2003, during ETC's festive bash at the Crypt of St Martin's-in-the-Fields, London, LD Mark Johnathan presented Richard Pilbrow with a Fellowship of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) - an organization of which he was a founding member. Pilbrow has long been a guru of theatre lighting and is respected throughout the industry for his achievements as a lighting designer, author and theatre consultant.

His first book, Stage Lighting Design, can be found in many a theatre school library and has been as a bible to countless aspiring lighting designers and theatre technicians working today. Pilbrow revolutionized stage lighting in Britain and created Theatre Projects - the first independent lighting design consultancy in the UK - which, of course, has continued to grow and is still going strong today as Theatre Projects Consultants.

(Sarah Rush

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UK - The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) has appointed the senior management team for the New Wimbledon Theatre, as the venue prepares to re-open next month. The venue closed in June 2003 and was taken over by ATG in September.

Among the newly-appointed team is general manager Maralyn Sarrington. Most recently, she was general manager of Hampstead Theatre, where she supervized the organization's move to a new, multi-space public venue following its successful Lottery bid. From 1996 - 2001, she was general manager at Shakespeare's Globe, which included managing its opening season in 1997.

David Holder has been appointed theatre manager, in charge of front-of-house services and customer care. David has spent the last four years with ATG, as theatre manager of the Theatre Royal in Brighton and before that, as customer services manager at its flagship venue - The Ambassadors comple

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USA - A.C.T Lighting Inc, the North American distributor of MA Lighting, Zero 88 and Artistic Licence, has announced that Mike Falconer is to leave the company at the end of the month. Falconer, who many in the UK will know from his time at AC Lighting in High Wycombe, has worked in technical sales and support at A.C.T and has been a key member of the company's support staff under technical manager Mario Collazo.

"Mike has been a valuable member of our team", said Bob Gordon, the company's president and CEO. "I am sorry to see him go, but I wish him the best and I hope to continue our close personal and business relationship."

Falconer is leaving the company to pursue a career in technical writing and is starting his own company called Doubleplusgood Media. "Writing has always been a passion for me and something that I have enjoyed immensely" sai

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UK - VLPS Lighting Services has announced the arrival of industry veteran Philip Norfolk. He has taken on the role of regional sales manager, joining Simon Roose and Colin Brooker. Norfolk will be looking after the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia territory.

Simon Roose, European sales manager commented: "Of course, Philip is well known in the industry and is a valued addition to our sales team. Sales of Vari-Lite Product have grown rapidly since the launch. With the most recent success of the VL3000 Series and the imminent arrival of the quiet version of the VL3000, the timing of Philip's appointment could not be better."

Norfolk commented: "Vari-Lite have always had the passion to create truly innovative product and has their core in providing lighting professionals with the perfect tools for the job. I am delighted to join the team here at VLPS sales and look forw

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USA - Crown International has named Larry Baker as market director for Portable PA, Recording and Broadcast. The appointment was announced by Mark Graham, Crown's vice-president of marketing and product development.

Baker brings diverse experience to the position, with more than a decade of business development and strategic marketing experience with major consumer and high tech B2B companies. He has spearheaded numerous product line strategies including re-establishing RCA audio products in the US, launching the distribution and sale of GE Communication products internationally, and establishing Unicru as the leading hiring management system in the US. Larry received both his BS Chemical Engineering and MBA from Purdue University.

"We are excited to have Larry join our team," said Mark Graham. "Larry's extensive skills in market analysis and business developmen

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UK - The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) has announced that Diane Grant of DHA Lighting and Andrew Bishop of Carlsbro Electronics have been elected PLASA chairman and vice-chairman respectively, with Tim Brown of Apple Sound re-elected as PLASA treasurer. The Association's previous chairman, David Hopkins (OBE) of Audio Design Services remains on the PLASA committee, but former vice-chairman Sammy de Havilland steps down, having completed his term in office.

During the year ahead, the new committee will focus on several key themes, including improved services for the membership and greater emphasis on safety and training.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - MC2 Audio is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Bradshaw-Smith as a Director with the company. Having started his working life outside the pro audio industry, Robert has been with MC2 Audio for just over eight years and has worked with huge commitment throughout that time, taking on whatever task has been required as the business as grown and developed, whilst acquiring a broad knowledge of electronics at the same time. Managing director, Ian McCarthy says: "Rob is an asset to MC2 Audio and Terry and I are delighted to have him alongside as a director."

The company has also announced the appointment of Stuart Down as UK sales engineer, beginning on 1 February. Down has been with MC2 Audio for just over a year, before which he spent 10 years working as a sound engineer in theatres and on live music productions.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Ray van Straten has been promoted to serve as QSC's new MI/Retail market manager following 15 months spent with the company giving guidance to retail market development. With over 20 years of experience in the retail sector to his credit, van Straten is a self-described "gear hound" who lives and breathes new technology.

"Ray has been out in the field for months, talking with sales people and listening to customers," says QSC global sales manager Greg McLagan. "As the technologies, end-users, and methodologies for doing business have rapidly evolved, he has been on top of things with his finger right on the pulse of what's happening. The wealth of experience he brings to this assignment is invaluable, plus he has solid plans for leading us into new channels not traditionally associated with retail."

An accomplished musician and published son

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USA - Loud Technologies Inc (formerly Mackie Designs) has appointed Mark Madison as group manager for the newly-created EAW Commercial division, with responsibility for defining and implementing sales and distribution programs for the new division. Madison will also serve as the primary link between field sales, marketing and the EAW Commercial product development team with full responsibility for sales strategy, policies and procedures, promotional activities, customer relationships, product applications, and presentation standards.

Madison has over 25 years of experience in the audio-visual world, having worked in broadcast, production, sound reinforcement, studio recording, video conferencing, and all forms of sound and video contracting and systems integration. He has designed and managed over 1,000 projects with ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars for

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USA - Allan Nichols has been appointed as central regional sales manager for DiGiCo LLC. He will also manage the new DiGiCo sales office at the SoundCheck facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Nichols joins DiGiCo after a four-year stint as sales director for Allen & Heath USA. Previously he has worked for a number of audio console companies as director of sales and marketing for Crest Audio, vice-president of sales and marketing for Soundcraft/AMEK USA and six years as national sales manager for Klark-Teknik, DDA and Midas.

"I worked with Allan at Midas, so it's great to have him back as he truly understands audio mixing products," said Ivan Schwartz, sales manager for DiGiCo LLC. "This makes him the ideal candidate to help further grow DiGiCo's very successful business here in the States."

Nichols comments: "DiGiCo offers exceptional technology for touri

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UK - Theatre sound specialist Orbital has made three new appointments to its technical support, accounting and stores divisions. With over 12 years of experience mixing some of the top musicals in the capital, Nihal Bidak ('Sweep') is a well-known face in London's West End. She joins the technical support department to offer vital administrative and client liaison support.

Phil Dormer has returned to Orbital to work alongside Eric Simpson and his busy team in the company's stores. At present he is preparing a number of systems to be dispatched into the West End, as well as a host of touring productions including The Full Monty, Whistle Down The Wind and Slam Dunk.Finally, Sam Thomas has been appointed to work alongside David Gordon as credit control and administrative support, bringing a wealth of accountancy experience to the team.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Primedia Business Magazines & Media has announced that David Johnson, long-time editor of Entertainment Design (ED) and a veteran of both Entertainment Design and Lighting Dimensions magazines for 10 years, has been named associate publisher/editorial director of the magazines with immediate effect, reporting to group publisher, Bob MacArthur.

The move comes as two of the magazine's staff leave the company - David Barbour, long-time editorial director for the magazines and publisher, Jackie Tien. "Jackie Tien and David Barbour should be proud of what they helped build here over such a long period of time," says Primedia Business senior vice-president Pete May, "and of their numerous contributions to the entertainment lighting industry. We thank them for all they have done. David Johnson will build on that foundation to bring growth and d

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UK - Millbank Electronics, designers and manufacturers of sophisticated PA/VA equipment have expanded its operation in the UK, appointing Rowland Sleap as systems sales manager. Rowland has a wealth of experience in the audio industry, having worked in the distinct but complementary pro audio industry for over 15 years. Working alongside UK sales manager, Pat Bradley, he will handle the southern region of the UK, and liaise with the new Millbank distributor network, presenting integrated PA/VA systems solutions across a diverse range of applications.

Sleap commented: "I'm delighted to have joined Millbank's dynamic team. I'm looking forward to working with the team and expanding the brand into a host of markets."

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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USA - Furman Sound, the US manufacturer of AC power conditioning systems, has promoted Steve Rose to vice-president of product development, from vice-president of operations. In this new position, Rose, who has been with Furman Sound since late 1999, will institute new marketing analysis and plans, develop and source new products, gather competitive market intelligence, and manage the company's strategic marketing plan.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - VME Ltd, the audio and lighting sales and hire company, has appointed Jane Fernihough as its new events director. Fernihough joins VME having spent the past seven years at Wigwam Acoustics where she was part of the Wigwam Events Team. Her experience with both indoor and outdoor events range from the Royal Albert Hall to some of Europe's largest parks, and televised events for Britain's leading gospel television station.

Prior to her post at Wigwam, Fernihough had worked in a variety of roles in the entertainment industry. Her responsibilities as VME events director is to extend the company's client base and to fully utilize all the facilities that VME have at their disposal.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - Having settled in to its new bases in Emerson Street, London and in Crayford in Kent, DHA Lighting has announced several new staff appointments. New to the customer services department are Eleanor Bound (née Eleanor Strathie, and known as such during her time at lighting supplier White Light), Tessa Randall and Michelle Green. They join the rest of the customer services team at DHA's London office. This team is responsible for handling all customer enquiries and, with their comprehensive knowledge of DHA's full product range, can offer advice on the best products for particular projects or for creating particular effects. DHA Lighting's accounts department is also growing, with Carol Galatola joining the accounts team.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - beyerdynamic (GB) has appointed Chris West of Whizwest Ltd to act as the company's Press and PR agent. West, who was UK sales manager of Harman Audio's Professional Products Division during the nineties, has since acted as marketing man for several other companies, including Creative Labs, Mackie, Oram Pro and Soundtracs. He also has hands-on experience as recording engineer for a variety of artists. John Midgley, managing director of beyerdynamic (GB) said: "We're very pleased to have Chris on board. His depth of knowledge and 30 years experience of the industry is valuable to us. The need to communicate the benefits of our products and to monitor the market is paramount."

West commented: "The team at beyerdynamic are fantastic. They are technically proficient, product knowledgeable and really nice to work with. The current portfolio is extensive but well ba

  1. Mission Strengthen sales and marketing
  2. New sales manager for A.C.T
  3. PASO hunts down new UK manager
  4. New sales director for Allen & Heath USA
  5. Nexo announces an American in Paris
  6. LCA launches Web-shop
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