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UK - Yamaha Commercial Audio has announced the appointment of Richard McLean, who joins the team in a newly-created office-based sales support role. Working from Yamaha's UK premises in Milton McLean, Richard will be the central point of contact for all CA dealers and act as an overall facilitator handling pre and post sales enquiries, as well as booking orders.

A gigging musician, McLean first started working for Yamaha Kemble upon graduating from University in 2004. Prior to the appointment within Commercial Audio, he worked in Yamaha's Central Operations department in a dealer support role. The main focus of the new position, the company says, is to create a constant first point of contact for customers for all aspects of Yamaha's Commercial Audio Business and to reinforce the 'local service, global support' promise.

This will cover all enquiries ranging from a checking sto

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UK - Greg Oliver has joined RCF as technical sales consultant, tasked with supporting RCF's dealer and distributor network, which will include on-site demonstrations of their larger speaker ranges including Acustica, 4PRO and the newly launched TT+.

Oliver originally worked for RCF and then Mackie, before joining KV2 Audio in 2003. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time with KV2 and I felt I learned a great deal from the team," he says. With KV2's move to new offices in Harrogate, he decided not to relocate.

RCF's Phil Price added: "I am really pleased to have Greg back with RCF. With the introduction of the new pro speaker products at this year's ProLight&Sound, it has become even more important to present them direct to the our clients. Greg will be offering complete loudspeaker system audio demonstrations to our client base by visiting either with on site demos or pre

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Canada - MDG, the Canada-based manufacturer of fog and haze generators, has appointed Thierry P. Fletcher as sales director responsible for MDG products and the new distribution division. MDG president Martin Michaud commented: "Thierry's wealth of experience and philosophy of professionalism is consistent with our own ideals and modus operandi here at MDG. We welcome his input and creativity and it shall be a pleasure working with him to better serve our clientele worldwide."

Fletcher began his career in the industry as a salesman for various professional photographic equipment suppliers, while pursuing his studies in Economics and, at the same time, got involved in stage hand work at the local IATSE. in September 1986. In 1997, he graduated from Lionel-Groulx College in Theater Production, and, in December of the same year, joined the team at Solotech as lighting spe

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UK - Global Design Solutions has announced the appointment of Adam Cooper to its team to strengthen the ongoing activity of technical product design. Cooper comes across from Stage Electrics where as projects engineer he worked on projects from designing and testing power and battery systems for Manchester Passion, to designing LED dimmers and lighting for the Royal Court Theatre.

A strong knowledge of paging systems, interfacing, fault-finding, problem-solving, AMX design, VoIP and vast experience with servicing most theatrical and entertainment equipment means Adam's new role as design engineer at GDS will further compliment the innovative company, which recently launched new LED products BlueBeam and BlueDome.

Director Matt Lloyd said: "Due to the ongoing development of GDS and the increased demand for its services, the company is delighted to appoint Adam, who brings

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Germany - Meyer Sound has announced the appointment of Jim Sides to the position of managing director of the company's office in Polch, Germany. Sides has been brought in to "energize the office in response to an upsurge in interest exemplified by recent large purchases of MICA and other products by German rental companies," according to Meyer. Previously sales manager for the Western US region, Sides brings extensive experience working closely with the Berkeley, California-based factory to the German operation.

Other changes announced for the Polch office include the promotion of Sascha Khelifa to operations director and the addition of Frank Martin as installation sales manager.

Meyer Sound says: "Sides will focus on developing resources at the German office and infusing it with more of the corporate culture of service, support, and accessibility embraced at t

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Canada - Meyer Sound has announced that Jerry Placken joined Meyer Sound as sales manager for LCS Series products. The newly created position makes Placken the primary contact at Meyer Sound for all LCS Series product sales. Placken will perform a critical role as the link between users in the field and Meyer Sound's internal process for developing and selling LCS Series products. In this position, he will foster customer relationships and work with all Meyer Sound departments on LCS Series issues, while also creating broader awareness and more complete understanding about LCS Series products in the user community.

Placken comes to Meyer Sound bearing extensive experience with LCS Series products gained from his tenure working for White Radio, the Canadian distributor for what was LCS Audio's products before Meyer Sound's 2005 acquisition of the company.

"Jerry worked qui

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UK - Stage Technologies have appointed Gemma Guy to work with their International sales department based in London with a view to strengthening sales, primarily in the European market.

Having been trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Gemma has been involved in the theatre entertainment industry for over 10 years. She has extensive experience managing technical departments both onboard a multitude of Carnival cruise ships and as technical coordinator ashore in Carnival Corporation's headquarters in Miami. Subsequently, as technical sales manager for Harbour Marine Systems' Miami office, she has interacted with many cruise lines, theatre facilities and manufacturers. Her extensive experience in management and sales has given her firm foundations from which to develop this new role within Stage Technologies, say the company.

(Lee Baldock)

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Dubai - Telex / EVI Audio has appointed Tony Sawyer to its workforce in the Africa and Middle East regions. Sawyer, who has 22 years of experience in the pro audio sector, has lived in Dubai for the past 12 years. Sawyer's responsibilities include the provision of technical support to customers in both the touring and fixed installation sectors.

"I am looking forward to this new challenge," said Sawyer. "The company has an enormously high reputation worldwide and its brands - without exception - number among the elite of global players. Another factor is that the Middle East and Africa have unbelievable potential. There's a tremendous demand in the region for high quality products and genuine know-how."

To get across Telex / EVI Audio's customer-oriented philosophy of developing products that solve real problems Tony Sawyer is counting not only upon numerou

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UK - Following on from recent new staff appointments, Yamaha Commercial Audio has now further strengthened its new team, with the appointment of well-known sound designer Scott Fraser, who joins as installation manager. This is the first time that Yamaha Commercial Audio has appointed a staff member with specific responsibility for developing Commercial Audio's reach into this new market sector and builds on Yamaha's emergence as a major player in the Install market.

Fraser will be responsible for supporting dealers and prospective clients with aggregating and installing Yamaha products into complete solutions systems, and will also have a special brief to develop Yamaha's presence in the growing Church and Houses of Worship sector.

Commercial Audio's general manager, Nick Cook comments: "We are delighted to have Scott on board; his unique mix of skills and experience wil

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USA - American DJ has announced the passing of long-time employee Joey Corral, on 3 July. Corral, who served American DJ in a number of management capacities, most recently in Elation Professional sales, perished in a motorcycle accident outside Los Angeles.

He had been active in the DJ and lighting industries for over 20 years, and during that time he made numerous contributions to the DJ community. "He touched a lot of lives, and was a great role model," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group.

"My brother Chuck and I have known Joey since before American DJ was started," continued Davies. "He has always been a very valued friend to our families. Joey was a very sweet and caring individual who made everyone feel at home. American DJ is a close knit company, and we're all going to miss him."

Joey Corral was 54. He leaves beh

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USA - City Theatrical has added two new staff members in two newly-created staff positions. Ken Bruns has joined the company as a salesperson, concentrating on outside sales and increasing CTI's contact with designers, consultants, distributors, production electricians, theatres and other end-users. Prior to joining CTI, Bruns - who holds a BFA degree from Ithaca College - was an account executive at PRG in North Bergen, New Jersey.

Ben Merrick has also joined CTI as new product development manager. Merrick has worked at the Hartford Stage Company, and is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama. His role at the company will be to help ensure a steady stream of new products for City Theatrical customers.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - In line with its continuing expansion program, Kelco UK Limited has recently appointed Graham Barron as its new sales manager. Barron brings over 20 years of experience in the lighting industry.

Part of Barron's responsibility will be the ongoing development and sales of Kelco's 'Sensory Engineering' concept - a holistic approach to lighting, sound and aroma installations which the company says is already impacting on the leisure segment.

Kelco's MD David Kelland said: ''In order to move our company forward we felt it necessary to recruit a seasoned sales professional from within our industry. Of those we interviewed, Graham was the candidate who immediately grasped the immense power of Sensory Engineering."

''The technical sector of the leisure and entertainment business is constantly evolving and always searching for innovative, cutting-edge concepts. Sensory Eng

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Germany - Meyer Sound has appointed Frank Martin to the newly created position of installation sales manager at the company's office in Polch, Germany. In his new post, Martin assumes responsibility for sales and support for the installation market throughout Germany, as well as in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

Martin brings to Meyer Sound more than 12 years of experience in electronic systems sales, installations, and project management, including posts at Atlantic Audio GmbH in Düsseldorf and Neumann-Elektronik Service GmbH in Mülheim, where he gained knowledge in video, telecommunications, and security systems, as well as audio. Those positions schooled Martin in the requirements of installation projects in auditoriums, nightclubs, government buildings, transportation terminals and broadcast facilities, knowledge he is eager to share with his new customers.

"One of t

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UK - It is with great sadness that PLASA Media has learned this morning of the death of Tony Gottelier, who passed away peacefully at home at the weekend, following a long illness.

In the late 1970s and 1980s, Tony was one of the most influential lighting designers working in the nightclub and leisure industry, with his ground-breaking design for the famous Camden Palace among his achievements. From 1983 onwards, with Peter Wynne-Willson, Tony was a partner in the innovative lighting design and engineering firm, Wynne-Willson Gottelier (WWG). The company was responsible for many entertainment projects for the leisure and cruise ship industry, and for creating products such as the Razorhead moving searchlight, the Fantôme - an automated version of Robert Juliat's 2.5kW zoom profile, and of course the Catalyst system with its 'orbital movement' mirror-based projection arrangement

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USA - Martin Professional Inc has appointed Brad Haynes as the regional sales manager for the Central region of the US. An experienced industry professional with a strong electronics background and a wealth of knowledge in sales, design, technical applications, installation and programming, Haynes founded Bright Ideas LLC in 2002, a successful professional lighting and sound company based in Missouri that specializes in sales, design and installation for theatre, theme parks and architectural installations. He has also worked as an on-staff lighting designer and programmer at Chameleon Productions since 2004.

Haynes starts his new position at Martin on 5 July. His responsibilities as RSM primarily cover Martin's Show, TV and Theatre segments in the central US region although he will also be involved in the Commercial and Public Spaces segments.

Brian Friborg, Martin US Preside

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UK - Metro has appointed Danny Whybrow as managing director of its Broadcast Facilities Division, reporting to Peter Wright, Group CEO. Danny will join Metro from Blue Post Production where he was also managing director. In addition, Metro announced the investment of £200,000 of new technology and the appointment of two new bookings staff as part of a major expansion of the Soho-based facility.

Whybrow will be responsible for the broadcast facilities division that works on many projects from shoot to post, including Channel 4's fully HD show Totally Frank and the recent Isle of Wight Music Festival. Joining his current team of 56, will be Karen Hake from Dubbs and Alex Finch from TSI in bookings. The new equipment installed at Metro as part of this expansion will include major HD upgrades for the company's Avid systems, a Sony HD cam SR and Sony lenses.

"I brought D

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Germany - With effect from 1 July 2006, Michael Althaus has become the new managing director of MA Lighting International. Althaus, 31, has taken over the position previously held by Ralph-Jörg Wezorke who has built up the successful sales of MA products over the past 20 years. "Michael started working at Lightpower some 11 years ago and has been part of the senior management the last three years. He has lots of experiences in the lighting business and an MBA in business studies," Wezorke explains. We succeeded in getting a top international position with MA. Our next objective is to further develop MA as a leading brand. This requires an independent management momentum of its own. That is why my dual role will now change," says Wezorke.

Wezorke will remain managing director of the main company, Lightpower, at the same time remaining majority shareholder of both

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USA - Production Resource Group (PRG) has named Scott Hansen as its chief financial officer, to be absed at the company's office in New Windsor, New York. Since joining PRG in 1997 from Ernst & Young, Hansen has held a series of key positions that have given him hands-on knowledge of the company's diverse locations and areas of operations, says the company.

As, successively, PRG's assistant corporate controller, controller of the lighting division, and corporate controller and vice-president of finance, he traveled extensively to PRG's offices throughout the country and in Europe, helping the company's operations executives refine their asset management and operating procedures. In early 2003, he was promoted to general manager of PRG Audio, based in Mount Vernon, New York and PRG Lighting, based in North Bergen, New Jersey. In 2005, Hansen also became the GM of PRG Video in Mou

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USA - Color Kinetics Inc has announced the appointment of John Daly as vice-president of OEM Sales. Daly will oversee the company's worldwide OEM sales and support activities, including the identification and closure of new partnerships intended to increase the use of Color Kinetics' technology across diverse markets.

Daly brings more than 17 years of lighting industry sales and management experience to Color Kinetics, including specific expertise in OEM sales. He most recently served as president and general manager of the 68-year-old Rig-A-Lite division of AZZ Inc, an electrical equipment manufacturer. He previously held sales and OEM management positions at Venture Lighting, GE Lighting and Philips Lighting.

"We are confident in the technologies, expertise and IP that differentiate our OEM value proposition, which many partners have already embraced to bring unique pro

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UK - Sandra Cockell, former co-owner of Formula Sound, has announced that she will retire from business life at the end of August. Her husband Tony started the company in 1972 and Sandra joined seven years later. "It was only supposed to be on a part-time temporary basis to help out in the assembly area," says Sandra. "I never envisaged that I would be here until I retired."

The company grew to be one of the most respected award-winning manufacturers in the audio industry and Sandra worked in most of its departments, eventually being responsible for sales.

The company was sold in September 2005 to Naina International, with Sandra agreeing to work with the company for a year to help with the hand-over. "I am really pleased that things are continuing as before with the same loyal and experienced staff who are determined to maintain the high standards whi

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UK - Stage Electrics have announced that John Wright has joined their Service Team as a specialist field engineer.

Steve Chappell, Stage Electrics' service manager says: "John has an enormous amount of knowledge and experience, he has been working for Strand for over 40 years and will be invaluable in helping Stage Electrics to continue to support their customers. He is very experienced in system integration, networking and power electronics."

Stage Electrics supports Strand products including the 500 series control consoles; LD90; SLD; and EC21 dimmers by offering commissioning, servicing, and trouble shooting. Over the next few months Wright will receive training on other manufacturers including Zero88 and ETC.

Wright will be available to any dealer or installer who may require his help to support or maintain Strand lighting installations, enquiries should be dir

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USA - Aviom is announcing several promotions and staff additions that, they say, reflects the company's rapid growth and support the increasing number of markets for the company's technology.

Aviom co-founder Tom Costello has been appointed chief operating officer from his previous role of vice president. His responsibilities include managing the company's day-to-day operations and product development. Also, central regional sales manager Tom Knesel has been promoted to national field sales manager.

Additionally, the company has added six staff members to its growing team. Kim Treanor has joined as executive assistant to president/CEO Carl Bader; Rachael Morris as graphic artist for the marketing department; Mark Gutekunst as field applications engineer; Kaori Nijinsky as sales administrator; Roland Morris as PCB layout designer; and Nick Minnot has been appointed product tes

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UK / USA - PLASA, The Professional Lighting and Sound Association - has announced a number of appointments to strengthen both its UK and US operations.

Jon Petts, formerly with lighting manufacturer Pulsar, has been appointed to the newly-created position of Commercial Manager. He will act as the main point of contact with PLASA members, working alongside the existing team to ensure that members take full advantage of the expanding range of business services available. PLASA is also keen to ensure it has a good understanding of the day-to-day issues faced by members and the new role will be instrumental in further developing the lines of communication.

Petts has many years' experience in both sales and management roles, having worked for several major companies within the industry, including Martin Professional. His knowledge of both the industry and current trends in product

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USA - Celestion, a designer and manufacturer of raw frame drivers for the professional audio and musical instrument industries, is pleased to announce the recruitment of Stan Burjek to the role of OEM sales manager (Central and Eastern USA).

Originally from Chicago, and currently based in Illinois, Burjek has a Degree in mechanical engineering and began his career as a design engineer for General Motors, later moving on to become a sales professional. He has worked in the automotive industry for more than 10 years.

Supporting OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) customers in the Central and Eastern part of the United States, Burjek joins established OEM sales manager Rick Skillman in a team headed up by Andy Farrow.

It's all part of a larger growth plan, according to general manager, Nigel Wood: "We are predicting strong growth, coming from a concentrated effort to dev

  1. New appointments at Gear-Source and Rental-Source
  2. L-Acoustics appoints new Engineering Services post
  3. Total Structures opens Eastern US office
  4. Simon Whitaker retires
  5. Digidesign mourns Christopher Bock
  6. Martin Schlockwerder joins Kling & Freitag
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