UK - Richard Cuthbert has assumed an associate role working solely with specialist installation contractor and systems integrator, Push The Button, bringing with him three decades of experience in lighting and engineering within the entertainment industry.
Cuthbert comments: “I am keen to focus on what I enjoy doing the most, delivering innovative solutions and immediately thought of Push The Button. I worked with Nick (Ewins, Push The Button managing director) when I was starting out in the industry, and I have the utmost respect for his client-focused approach. I’m really looking forward to making an impact at PTB.”
Nick Ewins comments: “I first met Richard as a trainee engineer, and he later became a key member of my team for many years before we both went our separate ways. He has made a tremendous contribution to the industry both in terms of designing a

UK - TAIT is expanding its producing offer with the appointment of Martin Green as vice-president of global live events.
Martin brings over 20 years of experience to TAIT, with large-scale live broadcast events and festivals across the globe. Most recently he served as managing director of Eurovision, Liverpool 2023 on Behalf of Ukraine where he oversaw the delivery of the publicly acclaimed event. His portfolio also includes chief creative officer for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, director of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, and head of ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He has also acted as an advisor to Dubai Expo and the Tokyo Olympics.
Based in TAIT’s recently announced Kings Cross office, Martin will play an integral part in the company’s development and expansion of event production globally. He will oversee executive-level p

USA - EAW has welcomed Robert Scovill to the position of senior live sound market manager.
Scovill’s new role will be to work tightly with existing teams on product definition and positioning, in-person demos and trainings, as well as providing thought leadership. This will include refining and shaping all public-facing communication. These duties will include assisting with written product descriptions, as well as the listening and voicing of new and existing production-level audio systems. Scovill will drive the creation of educational how-to pieces on industry topics such as tuning and deploying large-scale ADAPTive systems, passive and active articulated systems and subwoofer arrays.
“We are excited to welcome Robert to the team - he brings decades of pro audio and live sound expertise to EAW and further demonstrates our commitment to being a leading loudspeak

USA - After nearly 45 years of landmark project deliveries and designs, Michael Nishball, principal equipment designer at Theatre Projects, is retiring at the end of this month. As a company emeritus, Michael will continue to offer his expertise as an international leader in stage machinery and will act as a sounding board on major projects and the continued expansion of Theatre Projects.
“‘Departing,’ ‘leaving,’ ‘ceasing,’ ‘re-careering,’ ‘transitioning,’ ‘bowing out’... anything but ‘retiring,’” shares Michael. “My confidence in being a stage equipment designer and theatre technical planner emerged directly from my youth spent as a rigging installer and contractor.
“I often say that we are in the construction industry and the skills required to make a contribution to the project should be informed as much from how it gets built as

China - Genelec has expanded its team in China with the appointment of Jimmy Liang as sales manager, with special responsibility for developing Genelec’s presence in both the Studio and AV Install segments in South China.
This new appointment is part of Genelec China’s continued commitment to elevating the customer experience - and has also seen the establishment of a new office and listening room in Guangzhou, with plans to further strengthen technical support and services for customers in the south of the country.
Liang has previously held positions as technical sales director at Sound Works & Supplies (SWS) and at Digital Media Technology (DMT). With over a decade of experience in professional audio, Liang has been responsible for the system integration of projects for many broadcast and institutional clients across the region.
“Jimmy brings exten

UK - Ayrton has announced that David Stewart has joined the Ayrton team as UK designer relationship manager. The appointment takes place with immediate effect.
Stewart’s role will be to support new and existing lighting designers and production staff, and to work closely with Ambersphere Solutions, Ayrton’s exclusive UK distributor, in promoting the Ayrton brand and product range.
Stewart comes with more than 30 years of experience within every facet of the entertainment industry, having worked as a freelance LD, operator and technician, and as a business owner, through to full-time sales and business development with key manufacturers and distributors.
Stewart comments: "I'm really excited to join Ayrton at a time of incredible innovation and growth, to strengthen relationships and take on the challenge of pushing such cutting edge products and services f

UK - Jim Hallington, founder and managing director of Clockaudio has died, aged 92. The specialist UK-based microphone specialist was established in 1994 by Hallington and a team of audio specialists with many years of experience in the design and manufacture of innovative pro audio products. The company’s success has been established on sound principles: its dedication to quality, service and innovation.
On the company’s success, Hallington said: "It is all about being responsive to your clients. If you don't respond then you won't be successful. It's as simple as that.
“When Tina and I started Clockaudio, we never envisioned it becoming such a success. Manufacturing always comes with challenges, but we have a great team that always comes up with a solution. It is an exciting and interesting business, and we look forward every day to facing the challenges and e

UK - Event production and audio-visual Installation company, Spotlight Sound has announced that Ashton Gold will join the team as account manager.
Ashton comes to Spotlight Sound from The Lion Inn in Boreham where she was the event planner.
“I will be fundamental in liaising between the client and technicians from the planning to execution of their event,” says Ashton. “My role means that the technicians can fully concentrate on the production of the event and I can make sure everything else runs smoothly.”
Sam Dimond, director of Spotlight Sound adds: “We’re really pleased to welcome Ashton onto the team. Her experience in planning and running events will be fundamental to the ongoing success and growth of Spotlight Sound.”
Spotlight Sound produces a spread of events including the Willow Ball and London Football Awards. Last year they prov

The Netherlands - Rogier Trok is joining the Avolites international team as sales and technical key account manager for mainland Europe, where he will be based in the Netherlands, and overseeing and co-ordinating with the pan-European distribution network there.
His work will include assisting distributors with sales and demonstrations as well as console and media server training.
Rogier brings onboard 20 years of rental company experience as a lighting technician, lighting designer and project manager. He also worked at Avolites’ Dutch distributor, Fairlight, providing console and media server training, garnering valuable experience related to the needs and demands of a distributor.
Rogier has also taught theatre technicals - programming, focussing, technical drawing, networking, etc - at Deltion College in Zwolle, Netherlands. He has also always been an Av

USA - Ayrton has announced the appointment of Scott Kinnebrew to the role of global install manager as part of Ayrton’s Global Installs team, with immediate effect. Kinnebrew, who is based in the US, has extensive experience, working with industry-leading brands.
“In my new role I’ll be helping others find the right products for environments such as amusement parks, arenas, cruise ships, theatres, stadiums, and other locations and venues,” says Kinnebrew. “Illuminating such locations brings a different challenge from the rental and staging world. Shows can run 24 hours a day, have very limited time for support, and be a challenge from a design standpoint, be it fixture access or placement. Ayrton brings a level of product offering second to none which meets those challenges, and I'm proud to represent the company and the innovation that the brand brings to the glob

UK - Area Four Industries UK has appointed Theresa Gibson to the newly created role of head of marketing.
After four years as head of marketing for Robe Lighting UK, she brings extensive experience across the sector.
This new appointment represents ‘a strategic pillar’ for the business as Area Four Industries approaches its 30-year anniversary, providing a pivotal support function to the UK sales team, working closely with HQ in Czech Republic, and its major global manufacturing divisions, international colleagues and extensive brand portfolio.
Area Four Industries UK’s managing director, Glen Brown says: “I am excited to welcome Theresa Gibson to the A4iUK team. Her wealth of marketing experience and passion for exceptional service levels, synergies and connections within our core industries will help steer the business into its next chapter. Theresa wil

Germany - The Liftket Group has announced the appointment of Benjamin Göldner as vice-president of stage, with effect from 1 March 2024.
Göldner, who joined Liftket as head of purchasing in 2017 and took over the management of Chainmaster GmbH in 2021, brings extensive experience and expertise to the new role. Together with Jürgen Dlugi and Thomas Birke, Benjamin Göldner will form the management team of the Liftket Group.
The purpose of creating this position is to improve communication and efficiency in the stage area and to drive strategic growth. The focus will be on the global requirements for the group, strengthening the Moveket and Chainmaster brands, supporting the subsidiaries and developing new and improved products.
"It is an exciting time for the Liftket Group, and I am looking forward to contributing to the successful growth and development of

Europe - Absen has strategically bolstered its European team with the addition of four individuals. Joining the team are:
Darren Jackson, UK business development manager, AbsenLive: Bringing 14 years of management and business development experience, Jackson will spearhead AbsenLive, a dedicated brand category catering to the high-end rental & staging and virtual production/XR stage segments. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping Absen's strategy and capitalising on the evolving LED display market.
River Harper-Boyce, marketing specialist: River's proven marketing and event expertise, honed during her successful tenure with Absen's long-standing partner PSCO, aligns with Absen's commitment to enhancing brand visibility through effective communication strategies.
Max Hedayat, strategic business development manager, DACH region: A seasoned sales and

USA - ACT Entertainment has announced that Miles Dudgeon has come aboard as New York City Metro regional salesperson. Dudgeon brings extensive industry experience and knowledge of the eastern US sales market to his new post.
“Adding Miles to our team is an incredible win; his existing contacts in the territory and his depth of knowledge from design to specification of the product portfolio is a recipe for success,” says Doug Mekanik, ACT Entertainment director of sales. “All the members of our sales team come with a unique practical skill set beyond just sales. Miles is no different and will add another pillar of industry knowledge for our team to stand on.”
Dudgeon served as a marketing consultant for Show and Design Group (SDG), an event lighting production company and owner of the MA Lounge in Las Vegas. His background in the field is supported by sales an

UK - Pearce Hire has shared the news of the passing of team member and friend, John Huson.
“John dedicated over 20 years to Pearce Hire and was an invaluable part of the team. His deep knowledge and love for lighting and event technology, coupled with his skills in the digital world made him an exceptional part of the team.
Beyond his technical expertise, John will be remembered for his unique ability to inject humour into every situation, brightening even the most challenging times. His quick wit and warm personality made him not just a colleague, but a cherished friend and he will truly be missed by us all.
As we remember John, our thoughts are with his family whom he was extremely proud of and loved enormously.
If you would like to share your memories of John with the family then please use this form

UK - Panalux has announced the hiring of lighting-industry veteran Sandro Leone as the company’s long form sales director. In this role, Leone will focus on serving feature and series productions in London and Southeast England.
“Sandro brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in lighting rentals,” said Panalux managing director Mark Furssedonn. “Additionally, his previous roles in camera rental give him a keen perspective on how the equipment and service offerings of the larger Panavision group can further support our customers’ needs. We’re thrilled to welcome Sandro to the Panalux family.”
Leone previously served as head of sales at Procam Take 2 Films, and prior to that as head of film and drama at Filmscape Media. Those positions followed 17 years with Arri Lighting Rental.
“I feel lucky to be part of the incredible team here at Panalux,

UK - Stage Electrics Group has announced that the company’s present managing director, Dave Coull, has been appointed as the company’s group chief executive officer.
Announcing the change, the company’s chairman, William Rogers, said, “Given the tremendously strong recovery the business has made from the trials of Covid and the positive transformation that the company has been undergoing over the last three years, this appointment not only reflects upon the outstanding job that Dave has done, but also highlights the ambition we have as a business to build our company into a group of operations that sit at the professional heart of our sector.
“We have a simply outstanding team of people at Stage Electrics Group, and it is fitting that one of our next steps is to establish the foundations upon which the ambitions we have can be built. This appointment is one

UK - Audiologic has announced a number of strategic changes in its operations to capitalise on significant growth in 2023.
Effective 8 January 2024, Kristy Shepherd joins Audiologic as senior marketing manager bringing two decades of marketing experience from the audio visual industry, including 13 years at Reflex, and more recently running her own marketing company.
Shepherd states: “I started in the audio-visual industry at the same time as Audiologic was founded, so whilst developing my career, Audiologic has always been alongside me as a trusted and respected brand. To now be a part of the team that I have grown with, is an exciting opportunity to build out and execute on a defined go-to-market strategy.”
Effective 2 January 2024, Laura Davidson moves from internal sales to take on the role of an internal business manager.
Stuart Leader, senior sale

UK - JHS has announced the appointment of Carla Gracia Calvo as business development manager responsible for international export territories and distributor business.
Spanish born Carla will focus on JHS’s propriety brands including Fret King, Vintage, Encore, Rapier, Odyssey, PP, Kinsman and KAM Audio.
Managing Director Paul Smith commented, “We are extremely fortunate to have found a multi-lingual experienced professional, who is passionate about music and skilled in international sales.”
"I'm proud to start working with JHS, representing some of the best brands in the business on the world stage,” says Carla. “This exciting new chapter will grant me the opportunity to combine two of my greatest passions, travelling the world and connecting with people through music.

USA - Altman Lighting has hired Joe Cervone as the new manager of sales support services. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Cervone will coordinate with other department heads on everything that impacts sales, from engineering to product development. Cervone will also work with the regional sales managers on their sales efforts, advising on availability of materials and products in the factory.
Cervone makes his home in the Denver, Colorado area and in addition to his role with Altman, owns the Picadilly Music Group, which is a multi-company production and recording entity that provides voice, music and scoring talent to the film, television, radio and spoken word industries from Picadilly Studios in Centennial, Colorado.
Bill Groener, COO of Altman, is looking forward to having Cervone on the team: “As we continue to build the Altman Lighting team here in Denv

UK - 4Wall UK has welcomed industry veteran Graham Miller to the team as a director of live events. Graham, who has been working in the events industry for over 30 years, joins 4Wall’s Aylesbury location to focus on delivering live events to major concert tours and festivals across the UK and Europe.
Graham started his career in Scotland in audio-visual services, before moving to London to work on bigger shows. After working as a video engineer full-time in London, Graham worked as a freelance touring video engineer for 10 years working with several major touring artists.
Prior to joining 4Wall, Graham worked as a full-time project manager before taking on the role of head of music and entertainment at Creative Technology.
Graham says of his new role: “I am excited to join 4 Wall, it is a dynamic progressive company with a vision to take the live music and t

Canada - CAST Group of Companies has announced the promotion of Dekkar Densham to the position of sales manager, and the appointment of David Ferraz as international business development manager.
Since joining in 2017 as BlackTrax Sales Specialist and quickly advancing to the role of Solutions Manager in 2021, Dekkar Densham has proven himself as an integral part of the team. In this new capacity as sales manager, Dekkar will stand at the forefront of CAST’s sales strategy. Dekkar will lead initiatives to push BlackTrax, the real-time tracking solution, Vivien, the virtual event designer and wysiwyg the lighting previsualization products ‘further than ever before’.
Dekkar shares, “I look forward to bringing BlackTrax confidently into even more use cases it was never conceived to handle when it was released over 10 years ago. There’s no denying that our commu

UK - Shure has announced a new sales structure. Led by José A. Rivas, vice president and chief sales officer at Shure, the new global sales structure was reengineered to be closer to customers and end users. The new structure will cover six geographic sales organisations to maximise the global presence of the company - North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia and Pacific.
“This new organisational structure has been designed to enhance operational efficiencies and expedite growth initiatives, aligning Shure for success in the ever-evolving market landscape,” said Rivas. “We believe this change will allow us to be more connected with our customers and end users and will bring our extraordinary solutions even closer to the market.”
Marco Weissert, associate vice president at Shure will lead Europe. Ma

Italy - Powersoft has announced the appointment of Takis Tsonopoulos as business development manager for the MEA region. In his new role, effective from 1 February 2024, Tsonopoulos will be responsible for new and existing clients and working closely with high-level decision-makers in the region.
Tsonopoulos brings over 30 years of industry experience to his new role and joins Powersoft from Harman International, where he worked as an account manager, overseeing professional audio distributor accounts for the south EMEA regions.
“For me, quality is not only about the products of the brand, but also the level of support, people behind the company and the overall experience working with a brand. I am confident that Powersoft exceeds expectations in each of these aspects,” he says.
Looking forward to opportunities in the Middle East and Africa market, Tsonopou

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