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Gallinghouse Returns to ETC

Details: 14 March 2016

Bill Gallinghouse is rejoining ETC in the newly created role of vice-president of business development. In this position, he will be responsible for special projects and will initially be concentrating on the coordination of international sales efforts. Gallinghouse originally joined ETC in 1990 as vice-president of sales and subsequently served as managing director of ETC Europe between 1996 and 1998. For the last three years he was senior vice-president of sales for Fourth Phase (previously PRG), one of ETC’s key clients.

All Change at L-Acoustics

Details: 14 March 2016

French PA system manufacturer L-Acoustics has made a number of important personnel changes: financial manager Hervé Guillaume has been appointed managing director with responsibility for all administrative and financial matters. His new role will allow him to manage all the advanced aspects of L-Acoustics’ established business, while Christian Heil, the company chairman, will focus on the development of a global company strategy. Sandrine Fessard, formerly a sales assistant is now in charge of customer services, working alongside long-established sales manager Michel Brouard. Pascale Danielou joins the sales administration team and will be working in the expanded sales team with Beatrice Mornet. Paul Bauman has been appointed technical support manager, and will be assisted by Stephane Gramondo, who has been in charge of technical support for permanent installations over the last y

Mays joins Moodie, Pincu & Associates

Details: 14 March 2016

TMB announced today that Warren Mays, the company’s long-serving technical sales manager, has left the company to join Moodie, Pincu & Associates. Colin Waters, TMB’s CEO told PLASA Media: “Warren has been a great asset to TMB over the years and he will be missed. Because of his understanding of the cooperative relationship between TMB and Moodie-Pincu, we believe this move will lead to many new opportunities for both companies. Moodie-Pincu & Associates is a manufacturer’s representatives in the greater Los Angeles area for Electronic Theatre Controls and other entertainment-based manufacturers of theatrical support equipment.

Linton Smeeton Leaves Mackie/RCF

Details: 14 March 2016

Mackie/RCF UK has announced that Linton Smeeton has left the company to pursue other interests within the pro audio Industry. Smeeton, who had been with the company for over 10 years and was one of the founding directors of RCF UK, held the position of sales director. Mackie/RCF MD, Phil Price commented on the move: "I would like to put on record that in the 'early' years of the company Linton was pivotal to the growth and successes particularly within the public address markets in the UK." Since the acquisition of RCF by Mackie Designs, Linton had been active in introduction of Mackie products to the market place.

BSS Sales and Support Expansion

Details: 14 March 2016

BSS Audio has announced two new appointments. Tim McCall (pictured left), previously of Marquee Audio, has moved to BSS to look after Middle East and Asia sales, and will be responsible for the management of the BSS distributor network in these territories. The role of UK sales engineer has been taken up by Dave McKinney (pictured right), formerly from Gearhouse. His job will involve client and dealer liaison and support in the UK. The move initiates an expansion for BSS Sales, and complements the newly formed Systems Group headed by Davey Smalley.

Rob Robinson Joins Stardraw

Details: 14 March 2016

Stardraw.com has appointed Rob Robinson as operations manager. Starting as an audio installation engineer in 1989, he worked his way up through the ranks to become a project manager for large scale audio and video systems at Shuttlesound. He oversaw the launch and development of ShuttleCAD, the predecessor to Stardraw Audio, from 1993 to 1997 and from 1994 was instrumental in the adoption of Stardraw technology. In 1997, he set up as an independent marketing consultant subsequently becoming marketing manager for Moody's Risk Management Services, a software division of the global ratings agency. David Snipp, managing director of Stardraw.com Ltd. Told PLASA Media: "We're delighted that Rob is on board. He's got a great deal of experience which will be invaluable as we're looking at more and more international business and will be expanding into new markets in 2001."

DFD Recruits Davis

Details: 14 March 2016

Doug Fleenor Design has recruited Milton Davis to its engineering team. Well versed in DMX512 and Ethernet-based control systems, Davis brings to the company a wealth of experience in lighting control networks and distribution. Recent credits include the 2000 Olympics, Universal's Islands of Adventure and San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House. Davis, a 23-year veteran of the entertainment industry, will head Fleenor's network-based lighting control department.

Ian Brown Joins High End Europe

Details: 14 March 2016

Ian Brown has recently joined the High End Systems Europe sales team in London as the regional sales manager for the UK and Ireland. Brown moves to High End after 10 months' internet experience at G.E.T.com. Prior to that he was the UK sales representative at Martin UK with specific responsibility for the professional market, dealing with rental companies and major users. After a period of induction, he will assume responsibilities for UK sales operating from High End's London office.

David Aldington

Details: 14 March 2016

Stockport-based PA specialist Audio Design Services recently announced the death of its chief engineer, David Aldington. Aldington, who died of cancer at the start of February in his mid-50s, was well known to most people in the public address sector because of his professionalism and his commitment to quality, said David Hopkins OBE, chairman and managing director of ADS. Hopkins continued: "David was also well known for his sense of humour, even at times when his failing health could have excused him for being different. To his work colleagues he will be remembered for his courage and determination that was an inspiration to us all . . . a family man first and last, David and his wife May had Angela as their only child and I know that David was totally devoted to his young grandson Jamie, especially as they did so much together. David and I spent time swapping grandchildren storie

Constella Expands Sales Team

Details: 14 March 2016

Constella, the established lighting effect design and manufacturing company, has appointed Mark Webb as its sales representative. Webb, formerly with near-neighbour Abstract, will be liaising with the company’s existing dealer network, whilst also looking to recruit new dealers for the company.

Rivord Returns to TLS

Details: 14 March 2016

Carl Rivord, a 20-year veteran of lighting design work and the automated lighting industry returns to TLS Inc as a sales/project manager. Rivord got his start in the lighting industry in the early 1980s doing touring and production work with various companies in the Midwest. He then opened RSM Inc which manufactured, amongst other things, the Beamer - a controllable universal moving mirror attachment for theatrical fixtures - on behalf of Great American Market (GAM) of Hollywood.

AC Lighting Strengthens Team

Details: 14 March 2016

Continuing its recruitment campaign, AC Lighting has announced a number of new appointments. The Northern Region sales office, located in Leeds, has been further expanded by the addition of Graham Bassett and Dave Hartley. Bassett, who takes up the position of Northern Region Sales Co-ordinator, is well known in the industry having spent 12 years with Lighting Technology in Manchester and Newcastle playing a lead role in developing business in the North. Hartley joins as Northern Region Sales Representative having progressed his career most recently with Lightfactor Sales and previously with Bose. The marketing department, based at the corporate offices in High Wycombe, has appointed Steve Dean to the newly-created position of marketing manager. Dean joins from an extensive background in senior positions in management, marketing and sales within the data/telecomms industry. Prior to join

Wong Heads Up Martin Pro Hong Kong

Details: 14 March 2016

After entering into an agreement to establish a joint company with local Chinese partners late last year, Martin Professional has announced that Raymond Wong will head up its new Hong Kong office. The new operation - Martin Professional Hong Kong Ltd - took over distribution from Martin’s former Chinese distributor and has been fully operational since the beginning of February 2001. Martin holds 20% of the shares in the new company, which has its registered office in Hong Kong. Branch offices will soon be established in Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai. Wong was previously sales director for Sanecore, and during his time there handled all imported products, including Martin Professional lighting and Jem smoke machines.

Management Appointments at Blackout Triple E

Details: 14 March 2016

Recently merged Blackout Triple E has appointed two well-known industry names to its management team - Eric Porter and Simon Chandler-Honor. Having worked in a freelance capacity in the industry for over 23 years, Porter joins the Blackout Triple E team as project manager, and will be the rigging aspect of the operation. Having been involved in the industry for most of his working life, Simon Chandler-Honor also joins as a project manager and will help the company develop its catalogue of national and international projects. Another new member of staff expanding the sales division, is Jonathan Langlands, who has joined as technical hire and sales manager.

Emeritus Role for Stern at PRG

Details: 14 March 2016

Production Resource Group (PRG) has announced today that industry veteran Don Stern has moved into the role of chairman emeritus of Fourth Phase. Stern is the former owner of Bash Theatrical Lighting, which was acquired by PRG in 1997, and has remained instrumental in the operation of the lighting group. He will remain active with Fourth Phase in his new role, and will work closely with CEO Jere Harris on various initiatives, but will be free to pursue some additional interests after a lifetime in the theatre.

Washburn is HES Architectural Manager

Details: 14 March 2016

High End Systems sales representative Jeff Washburn is now overseeing the architectural market for the Austin, Texas-based automated lighting manufacturer. Washburn will continue his duties as regional sales manager for the Central USA, while adding the responsibilities as the new architectural manager for High End's architectural line of luminaires.

Allen & Heath Adds to PR Team

Details: 14 March 2016

Allen & Heath has welcomed a new PR co-ordinator, Alexandra Pratt. Alexandra has spent much of her career working as a freelance journalist and author, producing material for a variety of specialist markets. Her most recent project is a travel book to be published later this year by HarperCollins, based on the canoe expedition she led to Labrador, Canada in 2000 (www.labrador2000.co.uk). When not shooting rapids or exploring the world’s wild places, Alexandra has also worked as an editor, lecturer and researcher. "I’m looking forward to using my fairly broad experience in the media to help develop and promote Allen and Heath’s profile as a leading manufacturer in the pro audio sector. It is a very innovative and energetic company, which appeals to me greatly." A beneficiary of Allen & Heath’s astonishing growth during the past year, Alexandra will be wor

Lightfactor Sales team Expands

Details: 14 March 2016

Lightfactor is capitalising on an excellent start to 2001 by expanding the sales force with the addition of Brian Henshall, who will be working as Northern Area Sales Representative with the dynamic team led by Bill Jones. Brian has enjoyed a varied career in the pro lighting and sound production and entertainment industries. Prior to this he has worked in the related areas of electrical wholesale and communications, all of which has contributed to his broad base of experience. Just before the move to Lightfactor, Brian worked with a well known UK entertainment and leisure sales and installation company. Brian’s move to Lightfactor will further his career as well as offering the opportunity for him to work in a flexible, creative and initiative-led sales environment Henshall comments: "It’s great to be onboard with Lightfactor, a company with an impressive track-record a

New Face at RS Pro Audio

Details: 14 March 2016

RS Pro Audio has announce the appointment of Tony Rimkus as retail sales director. Managing director Roddy Stewart said: "Tony will add substantial experience to our expanding operations, include the organization of our forthcoming move to our new custom-built superstore which is due to open April 2001.

Walker Arrives at Summit

Details: 14 March 2016

Summit Steel has appointed Chris Walker to the senior role of project manager. Many will know Walker from his time at ‘rigging.co.uk’, his own company, which specialised in major rigging projects, not least several years organising many extensive productions for Cisco Systems, the world’s largest corporation. Besides major industrial shows, Walker’s rigging background also includes theatre and concert touring; Aerosmith, The Beautiful South, and several years spent with Riverdance, to name just three.

Michael Northen

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA Media has today learned that the veteran lighting designer, Michael Northen MBE, died peacefully in the early hours of yesterday morning. Northen, who was Life President of the Association of Lighting Designers (ALD) and one of the best-known figures in lighting design, had been suffering from degenerative heart disease for some time. Credited with being the first professional Lighting Designer, he designed for over 300 productions during his long career, at venues including the Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet, Glyndebourne Opera House and RSC Stratford. He was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List this year in recognition of his services to theatre.

In an announcement today to members of the ALD, chairman Rick Fisher said: "Michael’s thoughts were always with the lighting world. It is entirely characteristic that he wished to celebrate

Shuttlesound Expands Team

Details: 14 March 2016

Shuttlesound has welcomed two new recruits to its team in a move that will strengthen the sales department in the areas of marketing and permanent installations. David Howe, an experienced industry professional, takes on the mantle of Permanent Installation consultant, while Yann Carbonnet, formerly of Shuttlesound’s parent company Telex EVI in Germany, has recently joined as marketing manager where his responsibilities include both brand and company profile.

Howe’s has varied experience in the permanent installation market, ranging from low impedance to 100 volt line to voice alarm systems which, according to Shuttlesound’s senior sales manager, Sean Maxwell, makes him an ideal candidate for the company. "We identified a niche in the market where we really wanted to make more impact with the many new products coming into the market from ElectroVoice and Dynacord

Further Appointments at AC Lighting

Details: 14 March 2016

More recruitment news from AC Lighting: firstly, Ian Ferguson joins the company’s UK sales division. Ferguson is well known to many people in the industry having spent the past eight years as business manager with Playlight in their London office. With 24 years of industry experience, Ferguson has an encyclopaedic knowledge of equipment and its applications. Phill Capstick, UK Sales Director, stated: "We are delighted to have the opportunity for Ian to join AC Lighting. His experience and skills will make a major contribution to our business development plans."

Strengthening the corporate office staff, meanwhile, is Marie Kent who has been appointed as personal assistant to MD David Leggett. Previously with banker UBS Warburg in London, Marie has an extensive background in senior roles including a period of nine years in Sydney, Australia, working for IBM.

Rob Piddington Joins Autograph Board

Details: 14 March 2016

Autograph Sales, the London-based distributor of professional audio and control system technology, has appointed Rob Piddington to its board of directors. Moving to Autograph Sales from Sennheiser UK, where he was sales manager, he will take up his new position as a director from the beginning of April, with new business development his prime area of responsibility. Piddington will be working closely with Autograph’s existing team of sales engineers, alongside directors Graham Paddon and Richard Barman.

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