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10 January 2025

USA - As the new year begins, ACT Entertainment is marking two promotions and a retirement in the company’s technical service department.

CTO Mario Collazo retires from the firm, while Ryan Kanarek has been promoted to director of technical services and Dustin Barnes has been elevated to the role of software support manager.

Mario Collazo retired after 29 years of service at ACT Entertainment; he joined ACT in 1996 and became CTO three years ago. One of the company’s longest tenured employees, Collazo leaves in place a roster of experienced technical personnel who ensure that ACT’s service and support will continue to be best in class.

“The technical service and support at ACT Entertainment is not only critical to our customers but vital to our culture as a company,” says ACT CEO Ben Saltzman. “We have been lucky to have leadershi

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09 January 2025

Europe - Michel Arntz has been appointed as global sales director for the Robe Group, a role involving oversight of all sales-related activities for the manufacturer and its associated businesses and brands, including Avolites, Anolis, LSC Systems and Artistic Licence.

Arntz has been working for Robe for the last two years as a key account manager for Europe, dealing with high-profile distributors and subsidiaries and integrating with Robe’s business MO and lively, people-focused management style.

“It is an extremely exciting time for Robe,” says Arntz, referring to a string of acquisitions over the last 18 months which position Robe to offer clients entire lighting and visual control solutions, from the luminaires, consoles and media servers to power distribution and complete systems integration.

“I look forward to managing the growt

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07 January 2025

USA - Bandit Lites rang in 2025 with its Annual General Meeting, a gathering of its team members to recap the previous year, celebrate milestones and forecast the upcoming year. Bandit Lites chair and founder Michael T. Strickland addressed Bandit’s continuing successes and robust career opportunities.

Multiple Bandits celebrated milestone anniversaries with the company, including Carter Hopkins and Jesse Poreca for five years, Sarah Eucker, Carter Fulghum, Craig Richter and Ty Veneziano for 10 years and Scot Sepe for 15 years. World renowned designer Chaz Martin reached the 40-year mark at Bandit in 2024.

“Bandit stands alone with full-time employees and longevity is our key,” stated Strickland. “We have numerous 20, 30 and 40-year Bandits. By providing a career rather than a job, Bandit is able to provide the same people every year for our

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07 January 2025

China - Wharfedale Pro has welcomed Marko Jovanović to its International Application and Solutions team. Based in China, Jovanović will support local customers while contributing to the team's global strength.

Jovanović has extensive experience as a live sound engineer, specialising in FOH and stage monitor mixing for events and festivals in Eastern Europe before continuing his career in China since 2015. His expertise in live sound engineering includes system design for large-scale events and also encompasses his role as head of dept for the world's largest immersive audio system in Shanghai.

"Marko's experience will be a great asset for us here at Wharfedale Pro," says Danny Clarke, sales director. "With his extensive European background and expertise in immersive audio, he brings a wealth of knowledge that will greatly strengthen our global sup

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06 January 2025

UK/Ireland - Entedi closed out the year with major announcements that set the stage for continued growth in 2025 and beyond, including an expanding team and the announcement of a new Board of Directors.

Founder Cally Bacchus reflected on the year, saying: “2024 was a whirlwind of everything I love about this industry. Our team has grown, our partners continue to amaze us with their boundary-pushing innovations, and we’re thrilled to be backing the next generation of industry talent through our technical partnership at RADA.

“I’m delighted to announce some key updates to our team and the launch of our Board of Directors to guide us into this exciting new chapter." Cally Bacchus will step into the role of CEO; Erik Lynas will become managing director; and Marcel Wijnberger will transition to technical director.

“These changes in our s

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18 December 2024

UK - At the Annual Lighting Lunch held on Monday 16 December, the Association for Lighting Production and Design (the ALPD) awarded four new fellowships to Peter Hunter, Steve Huttly, Nick Peel and Alan Luxford.

Introducing the new fellows, chair of the ALPD, Johanna Town, said: “This year our ALPD fellowships go to four very dedicated lighting individuals, who have spent a lifetime’s career in our amazing industry.”

Peter Hunter: After training at LAMDA Hunter spent a season at Chichester, before moving to the Redgrave Theatre, Farnham, where he rose to become chief electrician. In 1980 he moved to Salisbury Playhouse as lighting designer and chief electrician. Now retired, he continues to be generous with his time, knowledge and support of the next generation.

Steve Huttly: Huttly started his career i

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17 December 2024

UK - HH Audio, part of the Headstock Group, has announced the promotion of Emma Thompson to the position of marketing manager with responsibility for developing and executing HH Audio brand campaigns globally.

Headstock Group CEO James Laney comments: “Having started at Headstock Group on our marketing apprenticeship programme in 2022, Emma quickly demonstrated an aptitude for adding value to the business, bringing a critical eye to brand aesthetics and a dynamic approach to content creation. Having been promoted to a marketing associate role 12 months ago, Emma has been very productive working across multiple campaigns and different brands within the group.”

Thompson adds: “I’m excited to be taking up my new position, especially given the exciting product launches that we have planned for 2025. It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward

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09 December 2024

UK - Audiologic has appointed Mark Flanagan as head of marketing. Flanagan, who has spent the last decade with a global laboratory technology firm, comes aboard as part of wider additions to the sales and marketing team and a move to new premises including a customer-facing training facility, in tandem with the company celebrating 20 years in business.

Responsible for driving marketing activities in support of Audiologic’s key brand portfolio as well as developing brand identity and reach for Audiologic itself, he’ll be leaning on 25 years’ experience in various technology marketing roles. Over a dozen of those years were spent in audio, having spent six years at Tannoy and Lab Gruppen (under TC Group ownership) and seven years prior at MI & Pro-audio chain Sound Control & Turnkey.

“Audio technology is in your DNA I think, once you di

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06 December 2024

UK - HH Audio, part of the Headstock Group, has announced the promotion of Kyle Watson to the position of divisional sales manager Europe. Watson will be responsible for the growth of HH Audio in the territory and will work closely with the company’s European partners, leading the release of new ranges and helping to determine what products should be next in development.

Headstock Group CEO James Laney comments: “Having started at Headstock just over two years ago, Kyle quickly proved his capability in technical support and after-sales duties. His diligence, ambition, and knowledge of audio products prompted the opportunity to include him in our HH Audio product development committee, where he quickly became project manager for the development of several new products due for release in 2025.

“Given that he has spent the last year focused on bri

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29 November 2024

UK - Following another period of business expansion and coinciding with celebrating its 20th year of trading, Harlow-based UK distributor Audiologic has recently made two new appointments to its field sales team as well as augmented from within with key role changes.

Imre Csuri joins to spearhead the company’s growth ambitions in the IT reseller space; bringing with him 20 years of experience in the sector, including channel alliance roles at Sennheiser, EPOS and QSC/Q-SYS over the past decade.

“My focus has always been on customer enablement and collaborative growth, helping them to unlock new opportunities by bringing new audio solutions to the table and being there to support them at every step along the way. Hence why Audiologic presents a natural home for me, this is at the heart of the culture here,” commented Csuri.

Darren Humphr

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27 November 2024

UK - INFiLED has announced the expansion of its UK and Ireland team with the appointment of a new vice-president of sales, Nick Shaw, and a sales manager Lee Holland. This growth is in line with INFiLED’s commitment to expand the UK and Ireland market and build its relationships with potential and existing clients and stakeholders.

Nick Shaw, the newly appointed vice-president of sales, brings a wealth of knowledge with his previously held senior roles in sales, business development and operational delivery at companies including Roe Visual, Samsung, NEC and Prysm.

“I was immediately attracted to INFiLED because of its business ethos, and the camaraderie I experienced throughout the interview process. It made the decision to run the UK business easy,” says Shaw. “Given my background in establishing and growing UK operations for similar compan

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25 November 2024

UK - Audioscenic has announced the appointment of John Croteau, a veteran technology executive, as chairman of its board of directors. Croteau brings an impressive track record of driving innovation and growth in the tech sector including his roles as GM at Analog Devices, senior VP at NXP, CEO at MACOM, and currently as CEO at neural biosensor company Pison.  

Croteau's strategic guidance will be instrumental in steering Audioscenic through its next phase of technological advancement, innovation, and product integrations.

John Croteau commented: “I am thrilled to join Audioscenic at such a defining moment in the company’s evolution. With its innovative, position-adaptive 3D sound technology, Audioscenic is well-positioned to capitalise on the industry’s secular growth in immersive, 3D content.

“I look forward to collaborating with

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22 November 2024

Germany - d&b group has announced the appointment of James Gallagher-Powell as chief strategy officer (CSO).

Gallagher-Powell joins d&b group following a number of strategic and financial leadership roles with globally recognised organisations including PwC, RFRSH and CSM Sports & Entertainment, where he was Group CFO.

"I am thrilled to welcome James to our executive team and to the d&b family," says Amnon Harman, CEO of d&b group. "Our ambition has always been to address future trends and create technologies, business models and organisational structures accordingly. With James’ strategic experience he will be invaluable in helping us continue to set trends and support our customers in transforming their businesses."

Gallagher-Powell's responsibilities as CSO will span leading the company’s long-term strategic directi

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21 November 2024

USA - Powersoft has announced the appointment of Joel Majgier as its new consultants and key accounts manager in the US.

“I’ve spent over two decades in professional AV, and I see huge potential for growth with Powersoft,” says Majgier. “The reputation of the brand is exceptional, and the people within the company are committed to delivering best-in-class service to both our dealer base and the venues we work with. That level of dedication is something I’m excited to be a part of.”

In his new role, Majgier hopes to help expand Powersoft’s footprint in the US. The US market currently makes up around a quarter of Powersoft’s revenue – a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years.

Tom Knesel, general manager and COO of Powersoft US, comments: “We’re thrilled to welcome Joel to the Powersoft team. His extensive

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20 November 2024

Europe - Lighting, entertainment and cruise ship specialist Tony Perez has taken on a new position as global sales director in Robe’s Maritime division, stepping up from the business development manager role that he has held since 2022.

The cruise industry sector of Robe’s business has expanded exponentially during Tony’s tenure, a combination of his experience and first-hand knowledge of the sector, hard work and being able to offer a raft of flexible Robe and Anolis lighting products to meet exacting standards.

The agility and comprehensive nature of Robe’s worldwide distribution network has also been a vital factor in this success, resulting in several high profile maritime projects including with MSC’s World class vessels, CCL’s Sun Princess class ships and other Carnival Cruise Line brands, RCCL’s Icon of the Seas class, various Di

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19 November 2024

Spain - Following a memorable 2024 event, BikeFest Spain is set to return for its fourth consecutive year, inviting cyclists from across the industry to join the 360km ride towards ISE in Barcelona. From 31 January to 2 February 2025, riders will again rally in Valencia, cycling along the Mediterranean coast in support of industry causes.

Last year’s BikeFest raised an impressive £25,000 for Backup Tech, with the goal to surpass that and more this year.

In 2025, BikeFest will expand its support to Casa Caridad Valencia, a local charity assisting those affected by recent severe flooding in Valencia. 

Following the reduction of operating costs to run the initiative, 50% of the sponsored funds raised will go directly to Backup Tech, who run initiatives such as

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19 November 2024

Sold Out - Tickets for Glastonbury Festival 2025 sold out in under 40 minutes, organisers have said. The event will be held from 25 to 29 June before taking a year off in 2026 to allow the ground at Worthy Farm in Somerset to recover. Tickets cost £373.50, plus a £5 booking fee – an increase of £18.50 on 2024.

In a post on X, Glastonbury Festival said: "Tickets for Glastonbury 2025 have now Sold Out. Thanks to everyone who bought one and sorry to those who missed out, on a morning when demand was much higher than supply. There will be a resale of any cancelled or returned tickets in spring 2025."

An automatic queue system was introduced with fans needing to be online before the start of the sale with a valid registration number. Some reported issues with the new system, with one X user saying: "I was on the booking page, clicked proceed and then

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13 November 2024

USA – Ushio, parent company to Christie, has announced today the appointment of Michael Phipps as president and chief operating officer of Christie Digital Systems, and its subsidiaries.

Effective immediately, Phipps assumes the role of president and COO, succeeding Hideaki Onishi, who has held the position since 2022 and will be returning to Ushio Japan. Phipps joined Christie in 2008 and served as Christie’s chief financial officer since 2019.  

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We need to understand their challenges and achieve mutual success. I look forward to engaging directly with them to ensure we deliver the exceptional experiences that are synonymous with Christie,” says Phipps.

“With over 16 years of experience and a deep understanding of the various aspects of our business, Mike is uniquely positioned

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12 November 2024

UK - Brompton Technology has announced career progression for two of its team members.

After over a decade with Brompton, including five successful years as business development manager for the APAC region, Luke Hurford will return to the UK to take on the global role of sales channel manager.

“Working in APAC has been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to bring this perspective into a global role that will enhance our partnerships and further expand Brompton’s presence worldwide,” he says.

Sebastian Kanabar, who has already made a significant impact as a technical sales consultant focused on broadcast and film, will now take over as head of sales for APAC. In his new role, Kanabar will be instrumental in deepening customer and distributor relationships while championing Brompton’s product offerings across the region.

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12 November 2024

USA - Antari USA has appointed Jennifer Ramirez as its new marketing manager. With over 15 years of experience in brand management, public relations, and marketing, Ramirez will take lead on advertising, digital marketing, and social media initiatives. She will also collaborate closely with the team on brand strategy, product marketing, and overall brand development.

"I am thrilled to join the Antari USA team," said Ramirez. "I look forward to contributing and strengthening Antari’s position in the industry while working alongside such a talented team."

Ray Villasenor, general manager of Antari Lighting and Effects USA, comments, "We are delighted to welcome Jennifer to the team. Her extensive experience and skills make her the perfect fit to lead our marketing efforts and enhance brand positioning in the market."

Additionally, Ivan Zavala

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11 November 2024

Portugal - Next Audiogroup has announced the appointment of João Pereira as its new after-sales manager.

With over 28 years of experience as a sound engineer and technical expert, Pereira joins the team to lead after-sales services. “It’s an exciting opportunity to join Next Audiogroup and contribute to a company that is truly dedicated to the excellence in audio solutions,” said Pereira. “The growth and innovation here are impressive, and I’m eager to apply my technical background to ensure our clients receive unparalleled support and care.”

Pereira previously served as the technical head for the renowned Hard Club in Porto. His background includes managing large-scale tour shows and acting as front-of-house engineer and monitors engineer for major artists, alongside specialised expertise in electronic repairs.

"We are thrilled

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07 November 2024

EMEA - LEA Professional has announced the appointment of Jeff Gorton as sales director in EMEA. Jeff has nearly 20 years of experience in Pro AV sales. At LEA, he will focus on enhancing sales in the EMEA region by leveraging his close relationship with LEA’s network of EMEA distributors.

“I’m thrilled to have joined the LEA team. It’s always an honour to be associated with a company that upholds exceptional technological standards and values,” said Gorton. “We have an amazing team here, and I have no doubt we’ll do great work together.”

Gorton will help bring LEA’s entire catalogue to customers in the EMEA region, including the award-winning Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity.

"We have a permanent focus on the EMEA region and how we can

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05 November 2024

UK - LSi is saddened to report the passing of Jack Thompson, long-time technical director of the Manchester International Festival and one of the key forces behind Factory/Aviva Studios, the Festival’s new home base in the City.

Well known and hugely popular throughout the industry, Jack’s early years were spent in the lighting department of theatres including the Birmingham Rep, the Belgrade in Coventry, the Derby Playhouse and Manchester’s Library and Royal Exchange theatres, as well as freelancing across the country. He was the lighting designer for DV8 Physical Theatre through most of the 1990s, and was a project manager for White Light North from the mid 1990s to mid 2000s. Amongst his many projects at White Light was delivering the Northumberland Lights outdoor winter lighting scheme, the precursor to the many popular winter light trails of today

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29 October 2024

Australia - LSC Control Systems has made a significant new addition to its Melbourne HQ operations team with the appointment of a new general manager, Greg Lowe.

With 30 years’ experience in high-tech manufacturing, much of it within the global automotive supply chain, Lowe has previously held positions as general manager, managing director and non-executive director, at both domestic and multinational businesses.

In this senior management role at LSC, he is responsible for overseeing LSC’s daily operations, with particular attention to its expanding production line.

“I’m delighted to join the team at LSC Control Systems,” says Lowe. “It’s a company with a 40-year legacy of innovation and an enviable reputation in its market, not just at home in Australia, but internationally. Its expansion has been achieved by products of its o