UK - Martin Audio has announced the promotion of sales administrator Suraj Vadher to the role of EMEA sales executive.
A guitarist for over 15 years, and with background in music production, studio recording, mixing and mastering (from his time at Birmingham City University), Suraj also gained wide experience in MI while working for the highly reputable Andertons Music Co in Guildford.
Moving to Bucks a couple of years ago to take up his role at Martin Audio, the personable Suraj quickly became a popular figure with customers, helping to manage the day-to-day sales orders and delivery schedule while providing timely updates to any changes.
International sales director, Bradley Watson says, “Suraj is very bright and personable, exactly the right ingredients for a more customer facing sales role and I’m delighted that it also gives Martin Audio the opportunity to promote from within.”
“The timing couldn’t have been better,” said Suraj. “I wasn’t sure how much further I could progress, but Brad has been coaching me and providing a lot of support ahead of starting this new role. This is a great opportunity and I’m glad Brad allowed me onto the EMEA sales team.”
Europe - Michael Huelskemper has joined ARRI as vice president product management business unit lighting. In this role, he is responsible for further developing, improving, and broadening the product portfolio of the lighting division.
Huelskemper has more than 15 years of experience in the development and product management of LED luminaires and luminaire components in an international environment. He spent several years in management positions at global players such as OSRAM and Philips Lighting.
Dr. Matthias Erb, chairman of the ARRI executive board, says: “I am very pleased that Michael Huelskemper, a proven expert in the field of portfolio management for LED lighting products, has joined our ranks. With this important new addition to the team, we are driving forward the realignment of ARRI Lighting. I wish him a good start at ARRI and much success in his strategically important role.”
Michael Huelskemper adds: “It is a great honour and pleasure for me to continue the story of this iconic brand with exceptional lighting products together with the ARRI team. In the field of innovative, connected, and sustainable LED lighting, there is still a lot of development potential that we can leverage together with our customers.”
USA - Main Light Tri-State has announced the appointment of Jerry Trotta as its operations manager. Jerry brings with him a wealth of industry experience having worked as a logistics manager at 4Wall Entertainment for the past 10 years.
Michael Cannon, CEO of Main Light, says, "Having Jerry on board is a significant asset for Main Light. His deep-rooted industry experience, combined with his unique ability to connect with clients, aligns perfectly with our vision. We're confident that Jerry's transition from production to our dry hire model will further enhance our commitment to providing personalized and top-notch service to our clients."
John D’Amico, and Miguel Ortez will be joining the Main Light Tri-State team alongside Jerry. John and Miguel will work in tandem managing logistics and Main Light Tri-State’s upcoming trucking division.
USA - Solotech has announced the appointment of Landon Lovett as global market leader, sales and systems integration division.
Landon’s newly created position will focus on areas in which he has previously held impactful roles. In his career spanning more than 20 years in senior leadership, he has been a key player in developing business practices, expanding into new markets, and maintaining consultant engagement and major client relationships.
"I am thrilled to join this dynamic, growing global organization,” says Landon. “Over the last 45 years, Solotech has built a world-class reputation of AV production and installation. I am extremely excited to come in and maintain that standard of quality and excellence while helping the continued growth of Solotech's sales and systems integration division."
Reporting directly to John 'Jack' Steinhauer, vice president, global markets, sales and systems integration, Landon's focus will be on expanding consultant relationships, creating education and government strategy, and working closely with manufacturers to develop Solotech’s approach.
"I've worked with Landon for many years and have always respected his professionalism and his knowledge of the AV industry,” says Steinhauer. "I'm delighted that he is joining us at Solotech to help accelerate our growth.”
UK - Clear-Com has announced the appointment of Terence Chan as its newest product manager, based out of the company’s Cambridge, UK office. Terence will be responsible for the user experience and success of the company’s matrix intercom systems (for example, the Eclipse HX Digital Matrix).
Chan has over 15 years of experience working in product management for high-tech industries with clients that included Google, Philips, and other FinTech ventures, and has a special interest in sustainable tech. As a fan of Clear-Com technology prior to joining the team, he is especially interested in the wide variety of markets the company supports.
Chan comments: “I look forward to learning more about the methodology of generating such a bridge between technology and market. Because to me, what makes a professional successful is their way of working, and having the right methodology can always drive the product to success. So, I look forward to learning more about use cases to see how best I can help customers in that way.”
Vice president of product management, Simon Browne, says: “I am delighted that Terence brings to the position a wealth of product management knowledge, and his design experience with advanced devices and their user interfaces will allow him to drive innovation and user experience for the Clear-Com products to come.”
China - Wireless LED lighting manufacturer Astera has announced the creation of a new group CEO position with the appointment of Carl-Johan Sköld.
Carl-Johan will be based in Hong Kong and collaborating closely with both the German HQ and design centre and Astera’s Chinese manufacturing teams to shape the company’s medium term and future growth strategies.
With extensive expertise in long-term business development and strategy, Carl-Johan will outline some ambitious goals for Astera’s future, whilst also fortifying the brand’s current standing as a market leading lighting technology brand.
Astera’s sales director Sebastian Buckle commented: “It’s hugely exciting to have someone of Carl-Johan’s calibre onboard as our company moves to the next phase of its development. Carl-Johan brings great expertise, a huge enthusiasm for our industry and a brilliant track record of foresight and success, all of which will have positive impact on Astera going forward and we look forward to a long and productive relationship.”
Carl-Johan has already worked as a consultant for Astera for some time, and says: “Astera has many strengths and the key to developing any effective future strategies starts with these. The approach to innovation - based on thoughtful design tailored to the specific needs of multiple lighting professionals - makes Astera stand out in the market and provides a great basis for further growth.”
One key area in which Carl-Johan will immediately be concentrating his expertise will be intensifying Astera’s prese
Spain - Lightware Visual Engineering has announced significant changes to the operation of its Lightware Iberia office, effective from this month, further strengthening Lightware’s presence in the Iberian region.
Donald De Witte, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the ProAV industry, will take on the role as regional director Spain and Portugal for the Lightware Iberia office. De Witte joined Lightware as the director global partner strategy in May 2023, bringing with him over 25 years of experience gained while working as a business development manager at Cisco, where he specialised in collaboration services.
Lightware has had a successful presence within the Iberian market since 2017. Thanks to the consistent growth in the region, the company has decided to establish a dedicated office to serve the Iberia market. With a commitment to further expand its excellence and provide exceptional AV solutions and support to its valued customers in the region, Lightware has set its sights on assembling a dedicated team and recruiting additional ProAV experts in the months ahead within the region.
Lightware will take part in the BITAM exhibition in Madrid from 22 - 23 November. Where it will showcase its Taurus TPX product line, capable of extending USB-C signals up to an impressive 100 metres. Additionally, a range of other live event-related products will be demonstrated.
France - Digigram has appointed Laurence Fornari as head of sales. Fornari, who has more than 25 years of experience as sales executive in data protection, telecom, broadcast, and artificial intelligence, joins the Grenoble-based audio specialist where she will supervise global sales operations in Montbonnot and Singapore, and spearhead the company’s growth policy.
Digigram recently announced the acquisition of networking audio specialist AuviTran as a move toward growth, and the nomination of Fornari underlines the company’s intention to deploy its strategic efforts to increase its market share in critical communications.
“With an extensive engineering and sales background, Laurence has an immediate comprehension of our clients’ needs and stakes. She brings new perspectives and innovation insights to Digigram and we are lucky to have her onboard. Her field experience and leadership skills will streamline our sales team towards growth in the critical communications market worldwide,” states Xavier Allanic, general manager of Digigram.
“This is an exciting time for Digigram, full of opportunities, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. I have been impressed with Digigram’s nearly 40-years of young innovative spirit, and I rely on that ‘French flair’ character and engagement towards excellence to build growth” adds Fornari.
Spain - Integrated Systems Events has announced the expansion of its senior leadership team with key appointments ahead of ISE 2024. Tom Barker-Harrold joins as senior marketing director and Jeroen Perquin as senior finance director.
“At ISE, we have ambitious goals for the future so it’s important that we have the right team in place to get us there. Tom and Jeroen join at an exciting time, as we prepare for our special 20th anniversary edition at ISE 2024, and we’re thrilled to welcome their unique knowledge, insights and experiences to our dynamic and international team,” says Mike Blackman, managing director, Integrated Systems Events.
Jeroen joined as senior finance director at ISE earlier this year and is based in The Netherlands. Jeroen brings extensive international finance experience from the energy, engineering and IT business to the company, working for both large multinationals as well as start-up companies.
Tom, based in the UK, joined in August and will oversee the company’s marketing and content strategy across multiple platforms in the lead up to its flagship event. Tom brings over 15 years’ experience within the AV industry to his new role.
To complement the expansion of the senior leadership team, ISE has also welcomed Lara Mayer as manager of business development & special projects.
The ISE sales team is completed by Siqi Deng as sales assistant and Antonia Lennon as sponsorship manager. The ISE Marketing Team added Gordon Wong as marketing executive earlier this year and the ISE operations team expand
USA - Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has appointed Audrey Ensor as marketing and communications manager.
“EAW is currently reintroducing itself to the pro audio world and sharing our brand story is a key component to this initiative; Audrey’s guidance will be indispensable for reaching this goal,” says T.J. Smith, president of EAW. “We are excited to work alongside her as she helps us take advantage of new opportunities to tell our story, both within the organization as well as to our key partners, dealers and customers.”
Since graduating from Framingham State University with a degree in Communication Arts, Ensor has immersed herself in the world of digital media. She spent three years with local television station, Medfield TV, holding roles as production coordinator, chief editor and executive director.
Germany - Roxx has experienced stable growth since its founding in 2019. In order to keep up with the pace of the company's development, Roxx is now adding two key positions to its internal sales team.
Carmen Tauterer, an experienced sales representative, has been strengthening the internal sales team nationally since September. Carmen brings along almost 20 years of experience in internal and external sales as well as profound expertise in the field of professional LED lighting.
Sascha "Schmidty" Schmidt is the second new member of the ROXX team joining in September. Sascha also brings 25 years of sales and management experience to the team. As a newcomer to the lighting industry and a passionate concert-goer, he is very much looking forward to his new sphere of activity in what he himself calls "a very pleasant industry with lots of great and exciting people".
Including the two new additions, the Roxx internal sales team now consists of six members. In addition to Carmen and Sascha, Felix Port (management assistance & finance), Merve Cetinaslan (internal sales), Tobias Wörz (technology) and Gina Herweg (marketing & events) work at the company headquarters in Cologne.
The company is also expanding in terms of space. An expansion of the Cologne office is planned for the current year in order to be prepared for further growth.
ROXX managing director and sales director Thorsten Sattler welcomes the reinforcement in international sales: "I am very pleased to have Sascha at my side, a capable personality who will support me in the
UK - TV, broadcast and event lighting rental specialists, Version 2 Lights has announced a management realignment to support its continued growth.
Day-to-day operational responsibilities will be assumed by technical manager Sam Crook, warehouse manager Darren Gale, general manager Emma Gale and rental manager Joe Marter. This will form the Version 2 senior management team, who will take on ownership of daily operations at V2 HQ.
Crook and Marter have been well-known industry figures, and long-term trusted collaborators for nearly two decades both at Version 2 and the previous blueprints Aurora Lighting and London Light. The company also reports that Emma Gale has recently accepted the responsibilities of company secretary.
Founder, Nick Edwards will return to a key account role, project managing and supporting LDs, producers and production managers who will draw upon his experience. Edwards will work in tangent with Marter’s rental team comprising of Simon Perrott, Ollie Perry and recent recruit Stamatula Malfas.
Edwards will continue to lead the strategic vision for the company, which continues to benefit from the long-term support of its main shareholders Nick Edwards and Nigel Wray, both of whom have made significant capital investments in the company by way of share capital and directors’ loans.
An enthused Edwards comments: “Our commitment is to the UK TV, broadcast and event market. I’m a firm believer in David Hieatt’s coined phrase “Do One Thing Well. It's Enough”. Having built the company into a market leader in
UK - JL-Group, technical production partner to the television, film, live events and exhibition industries, has appointed Eddie Dias in a newly created role as head of department (film & drama) to support the growth of its commercial offering to DOP’s, television, film & drama production companies, studios and beyond.
Well-known in the world of film and television drama for over 30 years, Eddie has helped shape the sector’s visual landscape with his innovative and pioneering spirit.
Dias’ influence has left an indelible mark on some of the most beloved dramas and films, including titles such as Casino Royale and The Bodyguard. His career has seen him work as in senior roles for the likes of VFG, AFM, Panalux, Cinelease, Lightnlight and Prolight Direct.
In his new role, Dias will be instrumental in supporting JL-Group in nurturing new and existing client relationships to help ensure their creativity is never limited by technology.
Jack Linaker, JL-Group MD, says: “As a business we’ve expanded rapidly in the last three years and the growth we have specifically seen in our film and drama delivery means we now need to bring onboard an experienced and dedicated resource to head up our commercial activity in this area. Eddie’s vast experience, unyielding passion and boundless energy firmly placed him as our number one choice.”
Dias added: “I am really excited to be given this opportunity to begin working with JL-Group and partner with our industry’s rich heritage of existing and new generations of DOP
UK - The Nick Bache ABTT Cymru - Technician of the Year Award recognises the achievement of an individual who consistently delivers technical excellence.
Nick, who died earlier this year, had been technical and production manager at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre for 15 years.
This award is open to ABTT members and non-members alike working predominantly in Wales. The recipient will have usually pursued full employment in a backstage or production management role and they will have predominantly worked on the presentation of live performances in places of entertainment or on theatrical experiences in non-conventional spaces.
This award will be presented annually. The first award will be presented on 20 October at Aberystwyth Arts centre.
UK - Howard Eaton was the proud recipient of the 2023 Gottelier Award. Nominated and voted for by his industry peers, Howard collected the award from PLASA MD, Peter Heath and chair, Adam Blaxhill at a special ceremony at this year’s PLASA Show.
Named in memory of Tony Gottelier, the renowned industry innovator and commentator, the award recognises individuals or teams of people who have made long-term contributions to the advancement of entertainment, presentation or installation technology.
Howard, of Howard Eaton Lighting Ltd (HELL), is a serial problem solver well-known for his bespoke solutions which have brought magic to countless theatrical productions around the world. From Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s flying car, to the crashing chandelier in the Phantom of the Opera; from the flying Olympic rings at London 2012, to advances in wireless dimming, long-lasting dry ice and atmospheric effects and much more, many of his inventions have gone on to directly inspire various manufacturers across the industry and products that are now commonplace. Howard also developed the role of production electrician, working on many of the major musicals in the ‘80s British theatre boom.
On receiving the award, he said: “It is quite something to be nominated for this award and very special indeed to be added to the list of friends and colleagues who have won it previously. Thank you to PLASA and LSi, and special thanks to my friends and colleagues whose continued hard work, dedication and support make it possible to develop and build the thin
UK - Bradford-based Pro Audio Systems (PAS) has announced the appointment of Dion Turner to the role of sales support/administrator. Dion brings a strong background in music and events to his role at PAS, having studied audio engineering and music technology.
As well as experience as a front of house engineer working for a variety of bands in Yorkshire, Dion has also worked on a number of festivals as a steward, so is no stranger to the world of events. Joining PAS from a background in CCTV installation, Dion also possesses a level of valuable technical understanding.
Business development director at PAS, Peter Butler, comments: “Although Dion’s role is defined as sales admin, at PAS we encourage our team members to help out across the business wherever they are called upon. Dion’s audio and technical background, wider experience, and willingness to pitch-in suits this approach, and we’re pleased to have recruited someone with a genuine passion for event technology. Dion brings valuable experience combined with a positive attitude, further strengthening our excellent team.”
Dion Turner adds: “PAS is the perfect environment for someone like me. My audio engineering education and experience has enabled me to hit the ground running but I’m already expanding my understanding of the business and enjoying the chance to take on new challenges every day. Outside PAS, I’m continuing with my freelance engineering work, something that the company actively encourages - so all things considered, I couldn’t really ask for a better career opportu
UK - LSi is sad to report the passing of Dave Bartlett, an industry stalwart whose career encompassed electrics, lighting design and production management. Bartlett passed away earlier this summer at the age of 68 following a short illness.
Here he is remembered by his friend and industry colleague, Nigel Walker: “Dave died on the 26th June following a relatively short illness. His funeral was attended by about 40 industry friends and colleagues as well as a remote audience by webcast. Dave’s family are grateful for the many messages of love and condolence they have received.
“Dave’s career began at the Royal Exchange in Manchester in the mid-70s and he progressed to work in theatre – repertory, opera, musicals, light entertainment and some rock and roll, and ultimately corporate where his talents were ideally suited to production management.
“What follows are a couple of comments that illustrate Dave’s personality and abilities: A Cultural ambassador. Technical wizard. Football pundit. Political commentator. Satirical wit. Eloquent narrator. Connoisseur in most matters. If the Oxford Dictionary want a new word for a good and honest man with a great sense of humour, a great wit and the ability to see through oceans of crap it would have to be ‘a Bartlett’.”
Europe - Markéta Fantová has joined the team at Robe lighting s.r.o. as international education programme coordinator and designer, where her role will be co-ordinating Robe’s existing NRG programme on an international level.
ROBE lighting s.r.o.’s commercial director, Josef Valchar Jr (JJ) says: “We are delighted to have Fantová onboard. We have known each other for some time, she has the right knowledge and extensive connections in the arts and education worlds, great communication and diplomatic skills, and we are all looking forward to working alongside her as she develops this important and exciting aspect of Robe’s future vision.”
Fantová has over 10 years of university undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate teaching experience.
She has worked as a cross-cultural project developer, a diversity advocate and an international curator, actively involved in connecting emerging designers with international networks and contemporary theatre industry players.
She has worked in theatres, galleries and at visually inspiring sites and found spaces in both the United States and Europe. For the past seven years, she has been the artistic director of the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space (PQ), one of the most important festivals dedicated to scenography and performance design.
The scope and variety of all these activities has opened direct contact with theatre makers, designers, theorists, and emerging artists from over 100 countries, and enabled valuable experiences in cultural diplomacy, team building and
UK - GLP UK has appointed the experienced Paul Fielder as its new key account manager.
Coming from a theatre lighting background, he was previously technical sales consultant at Stage Electrics after leaving the Royal Opera House, where he was lighting systems assistant manager. He also worked in a series of London theatres for the Really Useful Group, gaining much experience in various technical lighting roles.
The move to GLP will enable Paul to broaden his scope. “Part of my remit is to expand my reach from London, which was my primary interest at Stage Electrics, to nationwide - and also to take me further from technical theatre into the concert touring rental market,” he says.
Paul is already familiar with both GLP’s rapidly expanding product range and the personnel at GLP UK. “I have known Simon, Kerry and Greg for some time as a customer, so although I hadn’t been looking to move, when this offer came up it was too good to turn down,” he explains. “GLP has an excellent product range, and it’s a lovely team to be joining.”
GLP UK general manager Simon Barrett adds his welcome. “We are fortunate to have been able to recruit Paul, whom we already knew well. He will bring valuable experience to the team, adding much needed sales support at a time when the company is growing faster than ever.”
UK - Sound Technology, UK distributor of Martin Professional, Robert Juliat and Macula Systems has announced the appointment of Sadie Naylor as key account manager in an expansion of the company’s Professional Lighting Division.
Sadie joins from Encore, where she began her career in 2008, gaining knowledge working in various departments before spending the last eight years in product sales and becoming product sales manager.
Sadie will be responsible for the management of key customer accounts within Sound Technology’s Lighting Division.
“I am super excited to be part of the team and getting the great lighting brands Sound Technology work with out there in front of more customers.” said Sadie.
Steve Fay, Sound Technology managing director comments: “We’re delighted to welcome Sadie to our brilliant lighting team. As we continue to grow our presence in the lighting sector we are pleased to expand the team to provide an exceptional level of service for our customers and the brands we represent.”
Sadie will join the lighting sales team headed by sales manager Joshua Wakley, working alongside Sound Technology’s technical lighting sales team of Chris Walker, Avril Cook and Rob Clews.
USA - Bandit Lites has announced the hiring of Amy Kerestessy as the director of human resources. She will be responsible for implementing policy and procedures, onboarding new hires, managing employee engagement, assisting with record keeping as well as other duties.
Kerestessy initially began her career in nursing, working her way up to a Level 1 trauma nurse. She later transitioned to managing medical practices, pursued an education in business and business management and became certified through SHRM and Labour Law.
“I finally found what makes me happy,” shared Kerestessy. “I truly can help people in their lives, by assisting them with getting jobs, with issues at work, and even personal things that people entrust me with; that is life changing that I can help someone so deeply that it affects their whole life in a positive way! That is why I am in the HR field.”
After an exhaustive search for the right person, we found exactly that,” Bandit chair Michael T. Strickland shared. “Amy’s career in HR at the highest level coupled with her empathy and understanding for people is amazing. She is a real people person focused on enriching the lives of others. Amy has already defined the system at Bandit Lites and will be a positive force here for many years to come. Thank you for sharing your life and talent with us.”
UK - Polar has announced the expansion of its team with the appointment of Duncan Peberdy to the post of business development manager, integrated solutions.
Duncan has wide-ranging experience of both the IT and AV worlds acquired through a variety of roles with resellers, distributors and manufacturers. His recent roles include senior lead for digital learning at Jisc and territory manager for Europe at T1V. He is the author of a number of books on the subject of digital technology.
During his time with T1V, Duncan forged a close relationship with Polar, the exclusive UK distributor for ThinkHub and T1V Story, so his introduction to the company’s Integrated Solutions division will bring great benefits according to head of integrated solutions, Will Turney:
“We’re very pleased to welcome Duncan to the team. His experience, expertise and personality will strengthen us in many areas. His in-depth understanding of the changing face of Pro AV is exactly what we need during this period where our brand portfolio is expanding to include new and exciting UC solutions.”
UK - Backup has announced well-known industry figure, Koy Neminathan, as a new trustee of the organisation and head of its Ambassador Programme.
Koy, who is business development director at Elation Professional and PLASA manufacturer’s representative, is no stranger to the demands and pressures of the live entertainment industry. Following the events of the COVID-19 pandemic, he saw the very real challenges the industry faced, and vowed to put the needs of others before himself.
“I felt like helping others was what had to be done, it was such an important thing for me,” says Koy. “You’ve got to help those who can’t always help themselves and, particularly during the pandemic, I felt it was imperative to do what I could to support our industry at a time where people were struggling in so many ways and mental health became a massive issue - people were suffering in silence. That’s what led me to think about joining Backup.”
During the pandemic, Koy worked with the #WeMakeEvents campaign, an initiative that was set up to raise awareness of the lack of support for freelancers and companies within the entertainment industry, by helping coordinate the campaign across 40 countries and continues to work for the good of the industry today.
Discussions surrounding his potential involvement with Backup began back in March 2023, when fellow Backup trustee, Paul Robson, approached him looking for a fresh, young mind to join the organisation. “I’ve always respected the charity and the individuals behind it, so I thought, why not? Let’s
Germany - Holoplot has announced the expansion of its US presence with the appointment of James Bobel as sales manager for North America.
With decades of sales and technical experience and a proven track record of building relationships in the commercial AV integration market, Bobel will be responsible for fostering relationships with US customers across all business sectors and identifying new markets.
“I’ve worked in the professional audio industry over the past two decades for integrators, and manufacturers. I have a genuine appreciation and passion for technology, and the opportunity to join Holoplot was impossible to pass up,” says Bobel.
“What gets me up in the morning is working with designers, engineers who are trying to do something that hasn’t been done before,” Bobel concludes. “The audio industry craves innovation but requires extensive education to embrace this new era of technology and sound. Holoplot provides the much-needed inspiration and also serves as an invaluable source of knowledge for the industry's transition into this exciting space.”