UK - LSC has announced that Aubs Tredget has recently joined the LSC team and taken up the role as business development manager for the UK and Irish markets. Working closely with White Light, the official UK and Ireland distributor, Tredget will concentrate on the continuing development of the markets whilst offering sales and marketing support across the product range for both the distributor and their dealer network.

Tredget studied marketing as well as film and TV production in his native Australia. On graduation he enjoyed freelancing in Australia and New Zealand for 10 years before finding himself in the UK accepting the newly created role of marketing manager for White Light. One of his first tasks in 2004 was to reinvigorate the company's brand.

After four years at White Light Tredget said: "It was time for a new challenge and taking on a business development role

Nepal - As a sponsored event on behalf of Cancer Research, DiGiCo's Phil Down was part of a group - organised by trekking and climbing specialists Summit Climb - that completed a 16 day expedition to climb two mountains - the 6200m Island Peak, 5700m Kalar Patar and also visited Everest Base Camp (at 5540m no mean feat in itself).

Unfortunately Phil's trip got off to the worst possible start, losing four days after arrival in Nepal to a stomach bug, leaving the entire trip in jeopardy for him. But this is where his audio crew's sense of dedication and unwillingness to be beaten came to the fore - he wasn't about to let a bout of illness stop him. After racing against time to catch up with the rest of the trek, he met them at Island Peak Base Camp and was the first to the summit.

"It was the hardest journey of my life!" says Down. "But the thought of letting down

USA - Symetrix Inc, the US-based provider of signal processing technology for the installed sound, broadcast and recording markets, has announced the return of Jim Latimer in the position of northern regional sales manager, following a two-year spell away from Symetrix. With Latimer joining an already successfulsales team, Symetrix says it will be able to support its representatives, dealers, and customers with even greater service.

"I'm back because I missed the company, the people, and the products," Latimer explained. "I look forward to reconnecting with some of my old customers, friends, and serving the growing Symetrix client base to the very best of my abilities. Recently I visited the factory and was genuinely impressed with the company's team spirit and unified sense of purpose. It's very exciting."

Paul Roberts, Symetrix director of sales, is parti

UK - Stage Electrics co-founder Maurice Marshal has been awarded an MBE in this year's Queen's New Year's Honours List. The MBE, awarded to Marshal for his outstanding and dedicated service to drama, comes after a lifetime of dedication to an industry for which he has always had great passion.

After completing three years in the army as a tank mechanic, Marshal moved into theatre and has worked for much of the last 40 years as chief electrician for the Northcott Theatre in Exeter. Maurice has been committed to training new entrants to the industry for numerous years and many of today's top lighting designers and technicians have benefited from his tutelage.

In addition to his full-time commitments to the Northcott Theatre and to national training, Marshal co-founded Stage Electrics with managing director David Whitehead in 1979 and remains actively involved in the business tod

UK - Award-winning UK manufacturer Global Design Solutions has announced the appointment of Simon Debley as the company's new production manager of manufacturing. Debley, formerly of Stage Electrics, has considerable experience in running and co-ordinating a busy manufacturing workshop and is bringing significant experience and skills to the operation.

This appointment coincides with the continual expansion of the company in both staff and offices in Europe and the US and the increase in demand for GDS product, the company says.

(Lee Baldock)

USA/UK - Bandit Lites has announced the recent additions of Shawn Lear as project manager at the Nashville location and James Prince as electronics technician at the UK location.

Shawn Lear's responsibilities as a project manager include organising and supporting clients' lighting systems for touring and television application. Lear has had a diverse and long career in the lighting industry and comments, "I'm excited to be a member of the Bandit team. Welcome to the Big Leagues! Batter Up!"

As an electronics technician, James Prince's responsibilities include repairing, servicing and maintaining Bandit's moving lights inventory. Before joining Bandit Lites, Prince was a freelance lighting technician for Disney in Virginia working in their dry dock programme. "With the recent move to the new premises and a fresh start of the new year, I'm really looking forward t

Germany - Meyer Sound has added welcomes Jan Frederick Christoph Meyer aka Freddy to its European Technical Support team. "I am happy about becoming a part of the Meyer Sound family and joining the European Tech Support team," says Meyer. "I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in many different productions with Meyer Sound's versatile and reliable gear. This experience will allow me to support Meyer Sound customers and provide the level of service the company is known for."

More recently with Munich-based technical event supplier, Gerhofer, Meyer brings to the company experience in rigging, lighting, pyrotechnic and laser techniques and a keen understanding of Meyer Sound products, as well as IT and digital networks. He studied communications engineering at University of Applied Sciences Cologne and is currently finishing his Bachelor Prof

Canada - Ross Video has announced the appointment of Jan Mills, as director, marketing communications. He enters his new position after 31 years with Ross, spending the last 10 years as media marketing manager.

"This promotion recognises the significant impact that Jan has made over the past 31 years with Ross. Jan has been instrumental in building and promoting our brand and communicating the innovation and integrity that it stands for." said Jeff Moore, executive vice president, sales &marketing. "

(Jim Evans)

UK - Void Acoustics has announced the appointment of audio designer Andy Hunt to the company's design team.

Alex Skan, director of Void Acoustics Ltd, commented: "Andy is without doubt a powerful addition to our design team, led by Rog Mogale. A perfect complement to Rog's team, Andy's special set of skills and immense experience are helping to put Void in a very strong market position, emphasising our standing as a systems company with the scope for ground-breaking electronics as well as loudspeakers."

With his audio career spanning more than 20 years, Hunt began as a production manager, progressing to the design and manufacture of affordable high-end Hi-Fi amplifiers in the mid 1980s, developing innovative products that evolved into the Aura brand from B&W. He went on to found Matrix Amplifiers, which he ran successfully for many years.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Audio consultancy and equipment supplier KMR Audio has appointed a dedicated sales manager, Stefan Pope, to handle the increased business that the company is enjoying. Pope was previously manager of the Barnet branch of Digital Village.

Pope says: "It's an opportunity I've been waiting for. KMR is probably the epitome of a young, dynamic, pro-active sales company, with an excellent reputation. There are no corporate issues with central purchasing or multi-branch complications; we're a small and focused sales team. "

(Jim Evans)

France - Digigram has announced the appointment of Hervé Odini to the role of international sales director. Odini will be responsible for all three of Digigram's international sales offices: Grenoble which handles the EMEA region; Singapore for Asia and the Pacific; and Arlington, VA for the Americas. He will also head up the Field Marketing department based at company HQ in Montbonnot, France.

Odini's principal mission will be to define and implement sales strategies across the three territories. In addition to the existing sales partners, a new distribution network is being put in place to handle the new range of Audio over IP products which start shipping in early 2009.

Formally responsible for EMEA OEM sales for Sun Microsystems, Odini comes to his new position with over 20 years experience in the IT and telecommunications industries, notably with HP, IBM, Ericsson

USA - Jere Harris, chairman and CEO of Production Resource Group, LLC (PRG) has announced that Nick Jackson, senior vice-president of PRG's Concert Touring group would be stepping down from his position at PRG. "We are all saddened by Nick's departure, but we wish him the very best as he moves on to new opportunities," said Harris. "Since joining PRG in 1998, Nick has worked tirelessly to establish our Concert Touring division as the leading provider of entertainment technology solutions for some of the biggest acts in the business. It has been an honour to work with this industry pioneer."

Mickey Curbishley, PRG's president of Concert Touring added: "Nick and I have worked together for many years. I wish him only the very, very best and I look forward to working with him in the future."

"It is with mixed emotions that I leave the PRG family,

Italy - Pio Nahum has returned to Italian manufacturer Clay Paky as commercial and marketing director. Nahum has 20 years of experience in the show lighting business; his first job in the industry was at Clay Paky; later he worked for world-leading multinational groups, holding top management positions in various countries around the world. His career has included seven years as marketing director for Martin Professional, and also a period as managing director of Martin's Italian subsidiary.

Pasquale Quadri, president of Clay Paky, said: "I am delighted to welcome Pio back into our team: with the support of his vast experience the company will certainly succeed in achieving new important goals."

Nahum said: "Working for Clay Paky is a fantastic opportunity. I fully share the values of the company: excellence, consistency and innovation. Furthermore, Clay Paky's

USA - Bandit Lites recently held its annual general meeting for its global staff. Over 150 people were in attendance to hear chairman of the board, Michael T. Strickland speak on the current state of the company. Strickland also presented service and merit awards and discussed several newly implemented additions to Bandit's global growth strategy.

Each AGM, Bandit recognises employees for years of service. Peter Heffernan, who was announced as Bandit's president in 2008, received a plaque for 30 years with the company. Business manager, Lee Anne Cooke (formerly Donaldson) received a plaque for 20 years of service. She also received a Rolex watch, which employees are awarded after 20 years with the company.

Director of educational services, Rick Berry, San Francisco general manager, Dizzy Gosnell and director of logistics and safety, Leonard Cox were all recognised for 15 years

USA - Bandit Lites chairman of the board, Michael T. Strickland was recently honoured as the new University of Tennessee College of Business Administration building opened. The UT alumnus is being recognised for his varied contributions by having a classroom in the facility named after him.

Strickland attributes much of the success he's had in business to the education he received at the University of Tennessee. He currently serves on the U.T. Development Council and as a chancellors advisor as well as in many other volunteer roles within the University.

"Each of us has an obligation to put the next generation in the best possible position to succeed," Strickland commented. "Gifts to the College of Business Administration ensures the success of this and future generations in this world. It is a privilege to be able to assist others as we all work together to mak

USA - Element Labs has announced that it has appointed Bart Van der Beken as sales director EMEA Entertainment. The appointment forms part of Element Labs' continued growth strategy.

Van der Beken brings to Element Labs over 20 years international experience in key commercial roles in different AV industries. Prior to joining Element Labs, Van der Beken spent a substantial part of his career at Barco's Media & Entertainment division, which he joined in 2000, in effect witnessing the emergence of LED technology as a commercially viable large-screen display solution. Van der Beken quickly rose through the ranks at Barco to take on the position of international sales director events EMEA & APAC.

Marc Van Eekeren, vice president of worldwide sales at Element Labs, said: "Element Labs continues to expand its reach and scale worldwide with Bart's appointment in Europe, who will

UK - The Roland Systems Group has expanded its UK-based team of pro-audio specialists with the addition of Simon Kenning who joins RSG from Stage Electrics, where, for the last seven years, he has been a business development manager. He has freelanced as a sound engineer on many prominent festivals in western England and Wales, and also spent a couple of years teaching sound design and engineering.

At Stage Electrics, Simon was responsible for the design and implementation of several technical systems within theatres and colleges. At RSG he will provide sales and support for the RSS portfolio of digital control systems such as the M-400 V-Mixing System.

Another addition to the team is Helena Lewis, who will be the RSS point of liaison at Roland's national headquarters in Swansea.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Jay Easley has been appointed manager of Midas & Klark Teknik for the Americas. Part of the Pro Audio team at Bosch Communications Systems for nine years, Easley most recently served as director of Live Sound for the Bosch Communications Systems family of Pro Audio brands (Dynacord, Electro-Voice, Klark Teknik, and Midas).

Easley brings 20 years of FOH mixing and audio knowledge to his new position. "It's a very exciting time for Midas and Klark Teknik," he says. "With the launch of the PRO6 digital mixing system, Midas digital technology is now achievable for every professional application."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Martin Audio has announced that David Bissett-Powell is stepping down as managing director and Robert Lingfield is stepping down as sales and marketing director of Martin Audio Ltd.

David said: "Last year, as part of our succession planning, I appointed Anthony Taylor as Joint managing director and he has filled this position admirably. With his 14 years of experience within the team I am now happy to hand over the reigns to him fully although I shall remain involved with the company as a Consultant and, amongst other roles, will support the distribution in China by becoming Ambassador to the Region. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team that I've had the privilege of working alongside over the last 17 years. We have built a business that has been consistently profitable with strong business partners, superior engineering skills and excellent rela

Sweden - Wireless Solution Sweden has appointed Lotta Schiefer as sales manager for Europe/MiddleEast/Asia. Schiefer brings over 15 years of experience in the entertainment lighting industry including Vari*Lite Production Services and Barco, with technical knowledge in just about every discipline.

"I'm very excited to be part of the Wireless Solution team," says Schiefer, "The brand is well respected and has been involved in some very impressive installations worldwide. I am really particular about working with quality brands."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Martin Locket has been appointed chief executive of Production Resource Group UK, which encompasses PRG's four European brands - PRG Lighting, Essential Lighting, PRG Distribution and Summit Steel.

Richard Williams takes the role of chief operating officer & chief financial officer within the group and will be working closely alongside Locket to coordinate, drive and grow the UK businesses.

Locket also retains his role as managing director of Essential Lighting, which became part of PRG in 2008. Williams has been finance & operations director of PRG since 2005 and he will also stay closely involved in the running of the Group's flagship 168,000sq.ft Longbridge operation.

PRG's UK businesses operate as a network of specialist brands, focussed on a particular market sector or area of technical supply. The group currently operates from four UK locations and employs 200 sta

UK - Jan Booth, managing director of Sunbaba has been welcomed as a new council member of the National Outdoor Events Association. NOEA is the leading trade body for organisers and suppliers in the UK outdoor event industry and Booth joins them with two decades of experience in event signage and branding.

John Barton, NOEA general secretary said: "For many years Jan has supported the association and attended conventions and regional conferences. She is well known throughout the industry for her passion, commitment and good ideas and we are excited about her joining us to become involved in the future development of the association."

"I am delighted to have been elected as a council member. Having been in business for 21 years I feel that I can represent small /medium business in the outdoor event industry," said Booth. "We know that the next few years

UK - LSI Online has learned the sad news of the death of Harry Greenaway, a well known figure in the sound industry and former managing director of TOA. Here, Terry Baldwin of Baldwin Boxall remembers his close friend:

"Born and brought up in Blackpool, Harry spent most of his working life in the sound industry, majoring as managing director for the Japanese-owned company TOA. It was Harry who introduced the "Golden Ears" awards for his best distributor - a most difficult decision as all his best distributors were his best friends! He took his top companies away on "conferences" to boring places like Majorca, Japan and other such locations. (I knew they were conferences because I saw pictures of them all at the bars!)

Harry was also Past President of The Blackpool Magic Circle. I think we all knew he was a "magician" with the tricks he played

UK - Ben Tubb recently joined the Global Infusion Group management team as Head of Finance. He had previously worked for Absolute Taste Ltd (part of the McLaren Group) where he held the same position.

His experience in the events and catering industry will stand him in good stead in his new role, say. He has control of the financial, legal, HR and IT areas and is helping to initiate the strategic direction for the company internationally. With new developments in China and the Middle East continuing to expand, Ben's international experience is invaluable as Global Infusion Group continues to grow from its current offices in the UK and US.The Global Infusion Group includes tour, production and location catering specialist Eat to the Beat, as well as Upbeat Event Design and e2b Logistics.

(Lee Baldock)

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