Prior to joining Hawthorn, Russell worked in senior sales and marketing roles with British Airways for 12 years followed by seven years working for high end corporate event agency, Attention To Detail.
Riley joins Hawthorn with over eight years experience working for live event technical production companies. Most recently she was sales & marketing manager for PSL Events.
Formerly sales manager for lighting console manufacturer Avolites, Lee's experience working with lighting buyers will be invaluable in selling the full Hawthorn portfolio, says the company.
Russell and Riley will be focusing on account management and new business development to further strengthen Hawthorns position in both new and existing markets, whilst Lee will be concentrating on theatrical, film & TV clients.
Nembhard has spent the last four years in the AV industry, most recently with PSL Events working as business development manager for its exhibitions team. His new role with Hawthorn will be working with the exhibition sector, presenting Hawthorns inventory of AV, lighting and rigging systems to stand designers, consultants and exhibition organisers.
MD Martin Hawthorn comments: "Our success at Hawthorn has been generated by the quality of our employees, that's why I am particularly pleased to welcome Karen, Mark, Max and May to our sales team. Whilst economic conditions are challenging, I want to ensure that Hawthorn remains at the forefront of the events industry and believe that our investment in sales will help us to achieve this."
Hawthorn will be at PLASA Focus - Leeds 2009 (28 - 29 April).
(Jim Evans)