Norway - projectiondesign has appointed Chris Axford to the role of director of international sales & marketing. He has worked within projectiondesign for two years as senior regional sales manager, responsible for the UK and Ireland markets.
J°rn Eriksen, CEO at projectiondesign comments: "Chris has already proved himself in a senior sales role within the company. He's extremely well respected by his peers and byour important clients. In his new role, we're expecting Chris to further his outstanding contribution to projectiondesign as well as the whole Professional AV and Home Theatre industry."
UK - Gerald Heise has joined the team at Robe Lighting as sales support manager. Heise has nearly 20 years experience in the professional lighting industry and is known for his technical expertise and innovative management style.
Robe MD Josef Valchar states: "We are exceptionally lucky to have someone of Gerald's calibre and enthusiasm onboard. He has the same ethics, drive and commitment as us, and we are all looking forward to working with him immensely."
Heise will become a link between Robe's clients, end users and distributors and the Robe R 'n' D and sales and marketing teams. He will be responsible for monitoring market trends and feedback, analysing customer's needs and cross-referencing and comparing markets and products - essentially a two-way conduit between clients and the company.
UK - CUK Audio, the Glasgow-based UK distributor for Audica Professional, Community, Digigram, DIS Danish Interpretation Systems, InOut and KIND, has announced the appointment of Tom Blackwell as sales manager.
Blackwell is well known throughout the industry from his time with Sennheiser UK and, more recently, Harman Pro. Commenting on the move Blackwell said: "I have followed the progress of CUK since it was started, and have been impressed by the market penetration they have achieved. They have a great product portfolio, with a whole range of unique and advanced solutions, and a refreshing attitude where customer service isn't just marketing spiel, but an intrinsic part of the way they operate at all levels."
Blackwell continues: "On the personal side, it also offers me great variety across a broad spectrum of pro audio, from the high volume sales of hot produ
USA - Veteran engineer Lee Moro has joined Meyer Sound as Nashville operations and touring support. In his new position, Moro will work directly with tour liaison manager Buford Jones at the company's office in Nashville's Soundcheck, the country's largest full-production rehearsal facility.
A native of Windsor, Ontario, Moro has spent most of the past five years as FOH engineer and production manager for Norah Jones, during which time he was the first engineer to work with Meyer's MILO line array loudspeaker system. He has also worked with Alannah Myles, Michael Buble, Blue Man Group, The Tragically Hip, and Madeleine Peyroux, among others.
"Lee is one of the most innovative and respected engineers I know," remarks Jones. "In addition to his wealth of experience working with a wide range of artists and musical styles, Lee also has a real-world perspective and i
Australia - Australian stage lighting pioneer Denis Irving died on 16 February, aged 74. Irving was born in 1933 to Phil and Veranne Irving, the latter a director of many theatre productions in the UK and Australia. Irving began his career as an office boy at Strand Electric Australia, eventually rising to the post of chief executive.
During his time there, he worked on such projects as the Festival Theatre in Adelaide, Seymore Centre in Sydney, and the Victorian Arts Center. He also opened Strand first branch office, in South Yarra, Victoria. In 1979, he founded Entertech, a theatre consultancy, working on many buildings, including theatres, casinos, and performing arts centres.
Among his projects were The Araluen Center in Alice Springs, and regional theatres in Renmark, Port Pirie, Mount Gambier, and Whyalla. He was also passionately interested in theatre restoration; the T
UK - Media Powerhouse has announced the arrival of video engineering expert Simon Cox, formerly of Blitz Communications.
Cox joins after 10 years as head of engineering at Blitz and has long experience of developing video and widescreen video. He was responsible for its video offering and designed a multipurpose Multi Definition Portable Production Unit (MDPPU) which proved to be a tremendous success with clients.
At Media Powerhouse, Cox will assist in the research, development and sourcing of new equipment to ensure that the business is at the forefront of video technology and provide quality solutions for its increasing client base, says the company.
Simon Cox comments: "I am extremely excited to join such a new and ambitious company. I'm also looking forward to working together with Kevin Orwin to design and supply the very latest technologies and equipment availabl
USA - Meyer Sound has announced that professional audio veteran Dave 'Wiggy' Wiggins has joined the company as its director of marketing for Europe. In this newly created position, Wiggins will be responsible for planning and executing strategic marketing efforts and will work closely with Meyer Sound's marketing department in Berkeley and with the sales force throughout Europe.
"As we continue to grow our customer base in the European market and experience an increasing demand for Meyer Sound products in the region, it's essential for us to bolster our marketing efforts there as well," says Helen Meyer, executive vice-president of Meyer Sound. "Dave is an extremely knowledgeable and well-connected member of the professional audio industry who carries a lot of influence in the European market. It's a privilege to have him join the team at Meyer Sound to lead this
USA - Altman Lighting shares the news that Victoria Altman, the wife of Robert Altman, passed away on Sunday, 17 February 2008. Vickie was 53 years old and had been privately fighting ovarian cancer for several months with the support of her immediate family.
A company statement says: "Vickie always had a warm smile and an easy laugh to share with all of us when we would meet on occasions such as LDI or other industry events. Vickie saw the employees at Altman Lighting and its customers as family and friends. She enjoyed talking about the history of the industry and always had a story to share having spent many years working with Charlie and Alice Altman learning the business.
"Vickie met Bob when she was just 15 years old and he was only 16. Together for 38 years, they ran Altman Lighting and raised a family. Vickie was always generous of heart and was particularly
UAE - Action Impact appoints Jeremy Garbett as their new managing director based intheir Dubai HQ. Garbett has served on the Spectrum Communications / Caribiner / JackMorton Worldwide boards since 1993 and then became joint MD of JMW in 2005. He left JMWlast summer to pursue interests outside the communications sector.
Garbett comments: "I am really looking forward to engaging and supporting the very talentedAction Impact team. The agency is growing incredibly fast and is already regarded as the preeminent live communications company within the region. The UAE is an area of the globe I find fascinating not only with its well documented growth but for its attendant communicationopportunities. The region's drive and ambition is constantly startling when compared to theEuropean and US communication marketplaces.
Garbett continues: "Action Impact's geographical position
USA - Steve Sweet has joined the Theatre Project Consultants (TPC) technical production team. His responsibilities at Theatre Projects focus on the design and selection of performance equipment components such as stage machinery, rigging, lifts, and platforms, as well as field work and commissioning for building quality control of the theatrical function.
"Coming to work for Theatre Projects is the perfect evolution in my career," says Sweet. I'm extremely excited to be a part of this incredible team of people."
Sweet joins TPC after seven years as technical director at the RiverCenter. Prior to RiverCenter, he worked as a national freelance rigger and spent multiple years as the production operations stage manager for the Palace Theater in Myrtle Beach, SC.
UK - MA Lighting UK has announced the expansion of its UK sales team. Paul Young and Olivia Yan are the two new members joining the company to further develop the UK market.
As sales and general manager of MA Lighting UK, Paul Young has lengthy sales and technical experience. Leaving education, he joined James Thomas Engineering where and worked in various positions, in design, then sales to eventually become project manger. Having spent almost 10 years at JTE and wanting a new challenge he moved on to set up a successful business importing specialist lamps for UK distribution. Now he is looking forward to bringing to MA a wealth of experience, knowledge and the contacts he has built from his previous employment, plus the enthusiasm to enhance the current team in the UK, the company says.
Olivia Yan, who assists the MA UK team in sales and marketing, comes straight from univer
USA - Isaac Young, a clong-serving member of the American DJ family, passed away on 7 March after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Young served in numerous capacities at American DJ during his 14 years with the company, and was widely known and well-liked by associates and customers throughout the industry. Most recently, he was responsible for American DJ's South American Sales.
"Isaac was a valued member of our team, as well as a truly kind individual who was always ready to help those around him," said Chuck Davies, president of the American DJ Group of Companies. "His skill, talent and warm, friendly personality will be greatly missed by all of us at American DJ."
"We've lost a great co-worker and a great friend," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group. "Isaac made valuable contributions to our company
USA - QSC Chief Operating Officer Joe Pham has announced that Harold Yin has been named as the company's new senior VP of global strategy and business development. As part of his duties in this newly-created executive position, Yin has been given the responsibility of directing and managing strategic planning and development activities for all global business.
"On behalf of everyone here at QSC, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Harold," COO Pham said upon introducing Yin to the workforce at QSC's Southern California headquarters. "As we broaden the scope of our presence around the world, his knowledge base and experience will lend steady guidance to the introduction of new technologies developed to meet the expanding needs of our customer base."
Prior to taking on his new role at QSC, Yin was a senior consultant with McKinsey & Company. While with the f
USA - Industry pioneer John Eargle was posthumously awarded the 2008 Technical Grammy Award at the Special Merit Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on the evening prior to the 50th Grammy Awards Telecast. The accomplished engineer, musician and longtime JBL Professional consultant passed away on 9 May, leaving a legacy of achievement in the areas of music recording, loudspeaker design, and education. The Technical Grammy Award is presented by vote of The Recording Academy's National Trustees to individuals who have made contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field.
"John Eargle left an everlasting and profound impression on the audio industry," said Mark Gander, vice president of Marketing, JBL Professional, who accepted the Grammy Award on behalf of John Eargle, along with John's niece, Cyndi Bird, and nephew and namesake, John Paul Eargle. &
USA - Joseph Volpe, former general manager of the Metropolitan Opera and former senior vice-president of Giuliani Partners, has joined Theatre Projects as director of strategic development.
"After my long and wonderful career at the Metropolitan Opera joining one of the finest theatre consulting companies is both logical and very exciting," states Volpe.
Richard Pilbrow, founder of Theatre Projects, states: "It is a tremendous privilege for me to welcome Joe to the Theatre Projects team. His rise at the Met from carpenter to general manager very much parallels our own, from backstage technicians to designing many of the world's most significant performing arts spaces. Our record of innovative and ground breaking theatre buildings will be enhanced by Joe's knowledge and experience in their operations. Joe will prove to be a powerful ally in our development."
UK - Blaydon Communications has announced that after more than 40 years in charge, managing director Dave Chapman, has decided to retire from the company.
During his reign Chapman has guided the company through many avenues of the sound and communication industry. From the humble beginnings of supplying, installing and maintaining such things as push-button intercoms, right through to the current line of business which includes all aspects of Public Address, pro sound, induction loop, visual systems, digital conference ystems and CCTV.
Throughout his time in the industry Chapman has forged friendships with many fellow distributors and installers assuring him of a respected status both currently and for future ventures that he may be involved in. He has set up distributorships with some major players in the audio industry including TOA, RCF, KV2, Beyerdynamic and many more.
USA - Helen Meyer, co-founder and executive vice-president of Meyer Sound Laboratories, has been honoured by California's East Bay Business Times as one of this year's Women of Distinction. The annual award celebrates 25 women who have broken barriers, served as mentors to other women, and left a mark on East Bay business.
"I'm honoured to be included among such an interesting and diverse group of women who have led and supported the community in the East Bay," says Meyer. "I thank the East Bay Business Times and all the other sponsors for their support of our accomplishments in business and in life."
USA - Renkus-Heinz has named Scott Pizzo as East Coast regional sales manager for the USA in a newly created position. Renkus-Heinz president Harro Heinz comments: "We created this regional manager position in order to maintain and strengthen our support for dealers and their key customers. The demand for our products continues to grow as more people become aware of the superior value and performance they provide. At the same time, the advanced technologies we have brought to market in the past couple of years require a high level of support and training. Since our factory and headquarters are on the West Coast, the eastern region was an easy choice as the first priority for an expansion of our sales organization."
"We're very pleased to have Scott Pizzo on board to work with our dealers and reps in the eastern states," said National Sales Manager David Rahn.
UK - Design and installation company Audio Light Systems Ltd has appointed Steve Dishon as audio-visual manager to consolidate the expansion of the commercial and residential side of the company's business. Prior to his appointment, Steve managed the sales and installation of another systems integrator for over 10 years and is an accomplished Crestron programmer and IT engineer.
Eddy O'Hare, director of Audio Light Systems, said he was delighted with the appointment and comments: "Steve brings valuable expertise to the company as our expansion in the AV field is moving at pace!"
UK - Martin Audio has expanded its UK sales force with the recruitment of the experienced Al Brown. Before entering the corporate world, Brown ran his own successful contracting and installation company for 12 years, specialising in the student and conference markets. He then turned his degree in electronics to further good use, first working for the SSE Group as sales and production manager before joining Harman Pro UK as tour sound manager.
Brown will be working in a similar capacity at Martin Audio where he will be handling national sales, specialising in the top end touring and installation portfolio.
"I have had an association with Martin Audio going back nearly 20 years and this is an exciting time to be joining the company," he said.
Martin Audio sales and marketing director Rob Lingfield, added: "We are delighted to welcome someone with Al's experience
Singapore - Clockaudio has opened a subsidiary sales office in Singapore, recruiting Robert Yeo, a well-known industry figure in the region, to head up the operation across Singapore and Malaysia. Yeo will be showcasing the Clockaudio portfolio of British-built microphone products for AV and conferencing applications at the forthcoming PALME show in Singapore next month.
Yeo has been in the audio industry for nearly 25 years, his first job as a service engineer for Singapore's nightclub scene. A founder member of TEAM 108, he helped build a well-known sales and installation operation dealing in both sound and lighting technologies. As success grew, Team 108 secured its first international distribution rights, and began to design and specify large turnkey projects, expanding into other sectors of the market such as broadcasting studios and hotel function suites.
USA - The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has announced that audio pioneer Prof. Dr. Fritz Sennheiser is to be inducted into its Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame. The 95-year-old founder of Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG is one of 12 honourees for 2008, and has been chosen by the expert jury in the category 'Founders and Inventors'.
"We are as excited about this announcement as Prof. Dr. Fritz Sennheiser himself," said Volker Bartels, speaker for the Sennheiser executive team. "Fritz Sennheiser still takes a keen interest in the company he founded, and feels very honoured by this recognition from the American consumer electronics industry."
Under the management of Fritz Sennheiser, who also taught RF wireless technology and electro-acoustics at Hanover University, the family-owned company designed many important innovations. These included the
Singapore - Selecon has announced the addition of Tony Tan to the sales team at Selecon Asia. As the sales manager for South East Asia, Tony will be responsible for working directly with end users to build the Selecon business in the region whilst maintaining relationships with current dealers in South East Asia.
Reporting to Phil Sargent, Selecon's market manager for Asia & the Middle East, Tony will work out of Singapore to assist with the on-going development and support of Selecon's position as a leader in fixed luminaire technology for theatrical and entertainment lighting.
"Tony's appointment as a full-time Singapore-based member of our global team is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure the highest levels of service to our customers and is a direct result of our strong success in South East Asia. Together with Tony's appointment Selecon is also happy to announc
USA - Apollo Design Technology Inc, the US-based manufacturer and distributor of custom gobos and lighting effects accessories, has announced two staff changes, with one promotion and one new addition to its team.
To best support its growing sales outside the US, Milad Khouli has been promoted to senior executive - international sales within Apollo's marketing group, while new recruit Rachel Arroyo has joined the inside sales team and will be the main contact and provide daily support to Apollo's international dealers.
"In our search for the best candidate to further Apollo's position in international markets, we decided we already had him," said Monty McWilliams, Apollo's VP of marketing. "Milad's industry experience, proven ability to develop strong relationships, loyalty to the Apollo philosophy, and willingness to travel and be more visible in these markets,