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Keith Ferguson

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Keith Ferguson, who served as the general manager of the PSA for many years and was a trustee of the PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund, died on Friday 23 May. No date for the funeral has yet been set, but details will be made available as soon as we have them.

(Ruth Rossington)

Cadac widens its net across USA

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Cadac Electronics Plc has announced the appointment of two new representatives in the US. On the East Coast, Thomas Bensen has been selected, whilst on the West Coast, the company has appointed GLS Marketing.

Tom Bensen is a familiar face in the pro audio industry, with over 25 years' experience across a wide variety of leading brands. His sound reinforcement expertise and market knowledge will prove invaluable in establishing the Cadac brand and providing further growth. On the other side of the US, GLS Marketing will provide the Cadac representative network with a strong mix of technical skills, plus creative sales and marketing techniques. Headed up by president Greg Hockman with Ron Thomas as general manager, the company was established in 1981 and operates out of Huntington Beach, California, in support of the Southern California, Southern Nevada, Hawaii and Arizona t

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Francis Reid and his sponsor David Ripley, Academy production manager.

Francis Reid receives RSAMD Fellowship

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama has conferred a Fellowship of the RSAMD upon Francis Reid - an internationally renowned theatre lighting designer, lecturer, writer and consultant.

After studying science and psychology at the University of Edinburgh, Francis spent five years in stage and production management including Rep Drama, Touring Opera, and productions at the Aldeburgh Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Throughout the 1960s, Francis was Glyndebourne Festival Opera’s lighting director and he was subsequently responsible for the lighting design of over 300 productions staged throughout Europe. Productions of musicals such as Man of La Mancha, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Anne of Green Gables; plays such as Sleuth, Move Over Mrs. Markham, V

David Corelli joins Coemar De Sisti Australia

Details: 14 March 2016

Australia - Coemar De Sisti Australia has announced the appointment of David Corelli as lighting concepts consultant. David’s history includes around 20 years as a professional photographer, during which time he won several photographic awards. He then spent some years supplying equipment to the film and television industry which included working with gaffers, grips and DoPs.For the past 18 months, Corelli has been an architectural lighting consultant, working with architects, consulting engineers, developers and contractors. He is eager to get back into film and television lighting and is looking forward to meeting up again with some old friends.

Peter Kemp, Coemar De Sisti’s managing director, said: "I believe David’s experience and talents gained over the years in TV, film and architectural lighting will be an excellent asset to the company and we are p

Ballantyne appoints Daniel Faltin as executive VP and COO

Details: 14 March 2016

USA- Further news from Ballantyne of Omaha, this time concerning the appointment of Daniel E. Faltin, 46, as executive vice-president and chief operating officer.

As COO, Faltin will oversee day-to-day operations at the company, assuming those responsibilities from Brad French, who added those duties to his chief financial officer role during the company's restructuring process. French will continue to serve as CFO, a position he has held since 1996.

Faltin most recently served as an executive consultant to Ballantyne's senior management team. Prior to this, he was president of Chief Automotive Systems Inc, a Nebraska-based manufacturer of collision repair equipment for the body shop industry, which was acquired by Dover Corporation in 1988. In this role, he oversaw the introduction of several new products, thecreation of a successful product trade-in programme and the implem

SCV London appoints new PA/install sales manager

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - SCV London has appointed Eamonn McGonagle to the newly created position of UK sales manager for PA and installation products. Julian Blyth, SCV London managing director, says: "As we are continually expanding the PA and installation market side of our business, we needed to find the right person to manage our rapidly increasing portfolio of products. We believe Eamonn fulfils the role perfectly."

McGonagle was previously national sales manager for Celestion Pro Products, and before that he was the marketing manager for Van Dam Cables.

(Lee Baldock)

Keith Ferguson: funeral arrangements

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The funeral of Keith Ferguson, the former general manager of the Production Services Association (PSA), will be held this Saturday 7 June, at 11.20am at Putney Vale Crematorium, Stag Lane, London SW15. Ferguson, who also served as a trustee of the PSA’s Welfare & Benevolent Fund, died in his sleep during the night of Friday 23 May. He was 56. Freddie Nyathela of the South African Roadies Association (SARA), who worked closely with Ferguson, described him as "a gentle giant - a man with a soft heart and vision."

He leaves a son, Guy, and a daughter, Meredith. The family has requested that flowers be sent from family members only, while anyone wishing to contribute should send a donation to the family’s chosen charity, Diabetes UK, c/o the Funeral Directors at: Fred K W. Paine, 24 Old London Road, Kingston, Surrey, KT2 6QG.

Following the service, a Mem

Metier announces changes as chief executive stands down

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - After seven years at Metier, Duncan Sones has announced his intention to stand down from the post of chief executive to work in a freelance capacity in education, training and regeneration projects.

Matthew Griffiths, chief executive of PLASA and also the Chair of Metier commented: "On behalf of the Board I’d like to express my thanks to Duncan for his achievements since his arrival in May 1996. During this time he has overseen considerable changes in Metier's fortunes and has been instrumental in raising the annual turnover of the organization from £250,000 to £1.5m. We believe that Duncan has been instrumental in bringing £10m to the sector - a large proportion of this has been invested in partnership projects helping to support the viability of around 35 other organizations."

Metier has made the successful transition from a National Training Organiza

Cerwin Vega and KRK appoint Gustavo Afont

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Cerwin-Vega and KRK have added Gustavo Afont to its team as international sales manager. Combining his experience as an international marketing manager with Sony Broadcast and international sales manager with Alesis, Afont brings over a decade of international sales experience to Cerwin-Vega and KRK.

"Gustavo's years of experience in MI International sales makes him a valuable addition to our team," said Cerwin-Vega/KRK president Dave Rice. "He will be an integral part of our International presence."

Based in Simi Valley, California, Cerwin-Vega Inc has been a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of loudspeakers for the home, mobile and professional audio markets since 1954. Also based in Simi Valley, KRK Systems is known for its design and manufacture of high-quality studio monitors.

(Ruth Rossington)

Alex McDonald joins Soundcraft

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Soundcraft Group has appointed Alex McDonald as its new quality manager. He brings with him the necessary pedigree, having previously worked as worldwide operations quality manager at Pace Micro Technology, where he served for more than 13 years. Prior to joining Pace, Alex held a similar position at Systime Computers, and also spent time with British Olivetti. His primary aim at Soundcraft will be to obtain ISO 9001:2000 certification, which he sees as essential to advance the company’s quality culture even further.

(Ruth Rossington)

New Robe international sales manager Harry von den Stemmen (centre) with Robe's Ladislav Petrek (left) and Josef Valchár (right).

Harry von den Stemmen joins Robe Show Lighting

Details: 14 March 2016

Czech Republic - Harry von den Stemmen has been appointed international sales manager for leading European moving light manufacturer Robe Show Lighting s.r.o. The appointment follows the launch of Robe as an independent brand, and its impressive international growth over the last 12 months. "It’s great to have Harry onboard," says Josef Valchár", co-owner and managing director of Robe Show Lighting. "His appointment will ensure we maintain the highest levels of proactivity and detail in dealing with our international customers."

Von Den Stemmen’s impressive CV includes 20 years’ commercial experience in the pro lighting industry. He’s been involved in theatre, entertainment and architectural sectors - from cruise ships to large building projects. He joins Robe from Martin Professional, where he was business development and archit

Tryka LED expands with marketing manager

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Tryka L.E.D. Ltd has appointed Sabrina Marenghi as marketing manager. This is a newly-created position which comes in response to Tryka’s fast expansion since its launch in October last year.

Marenghi previously worked for Pulsar for almost 10 years, and has wide experience of all elements of marketing. Chris Rolph, managing director of Tryka comments: "Tryka has expanded at an outstanding rate since its start at the end of last year and I am confident that getting Sabrina on board will enhance our activities and market presence even further."

(Ruth Rossington)

The new BSS sales team: Back row (left to right): Adam Holladay, Iain Gregory, Richie Rowley. Front row: Nick Williams, Richard Ayres.

Rowley and Ayres rejoin BSS Audio

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Industry stalwart, Richie Rowley, has rejoined the BSS Audio team as regional sales manager (for Europe). In his original three-year stint with The Soundcraft Group, Rowley was involved in the development of the Omnidrive and Varicurve platforms. After six-and-a-half years with Martin Audio as product manager, he returns to join a new team, leading an ambitious product initiative.

Of the vigorous BSS R&D programmes in place, Rowley notes: "Some of the modifications will be in evidence by PLASA, while some brand new products will be introduced during the course of next year. For me, the timing couldn’t have been better."

Another man returning to the Soundcraft Group this month is sales engineer Richard Ayres. He spent 13 years handling technical support for all brands, interfacing with dealers and distributors before leaving a year ago to join system integr

Keith Watson to head up Soundcraft Group’s international marketing drive

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Keith Watson has been appointed to the new position of marketing director for the Soundcraft Group, worldwide. The appointment, confirmed by new Group managing director Andy Trott, is designed to increase the momentum of the Soundcraft, BSS Audio and AMEK brands.

As the company embarks on a vigorous programme of product development, Watson’s primary aim will be to raise brand profile and manage an expedient design-to-market delivery, as well as establish a number of new customer facing initiatives.

Originally a student of engineering and now, with over 20 years experience across a full range of marketing and communications programmes, Watson brings an impressive pedigree to The Soundcraft Group. Since the mid-eighties he has held senior positions responsible for every aspect of marketing, spanning advanced technology, B2B and consumer brands. He also includes band a

New appointment at Elstree Light & Power

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Robbie Wilson, former head of operations at Gallowglass Ltd, and previous owner of his own event staging and barrier production company, has joined Elstree Light and Power (ELP) as special projects manager.

This new position has been created specifically to develop First Facilities - a service brand within the ELP group which will specialize in the design, manufacture and operation of custom-built solutions to mobile event problems. "Robbie has over 30 years’ experience within events, including a successful career as a tour manager in the live concert and production industry," explains ELP MD Ronan Willson. "He is the ideal man for the job and I am delighted that he has come on board."

The company is not intent on becoming another staging/rigging/event management brand, but is aiming to supply those specialist companies in each field with fully t

New staff at Multi-Lite USA

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - To better service the theatrical market nation-wide, Multi-Lite USA - a subsidiary of Europe’s largest distributor of SSTV lamps - has appointed new staff to its Burbank, California office. Chad Jakeway, who joins the company as general manager, comes from the lamp manufacturing industry, while Anthony Vivolo, who takes the role of account executive, comes with extensive theatrical production and installation experience. Meanwhile, the company’s former general manager, Harald Wehnert, has been promoted to director of operations, USA.

Multi-Lite USA has also announced a planned Open House at its Burbank office on 10 July, between 5:30 - 9:00pm. The company is based at 160 So. Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502. Anyone wishing to attend should RSVP to the e-mail address below by 4 July.

(Lee Baldock)

Carlsbro adds strength to existing team

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Carlsbro Electronics has appointed Jason Woodcock as marketing and business development manager. Woodcock was previously employed by the Hard Rock Café, as sales and marketing manager, during which time he was responsible for the implementation of Midlands Finest band competition, which gained the support of DEP International (UB40’s management company) and has just completed its second year of placing the Midlands’ unsigned talent in the spotlight.

Woodcock spent several years in Ibiza and Greece sampling the highs and lows of life as a club 18-30 rep, during which time he became the regional manager and was involved in the launch of the Sundance festival and the Beaver Espana campaign. Woodcock commented: "In the past three years I have watched with interest the re-structuring and development of Carlsbro. The company has moved forward at an alarming rate

Marc Phlippo

Details: 14 March 2016

Belgium - L&SI has learned of the recent death of Marc Phlippo, one of the founders, along with his father Jos, of Phlippo Showlights - which grew to become one of the largest lighting production rental companies in Belgium. Marc, who was especially well known in Belgian TV and theatre, died early last week after losing a two-year battle against cancer. His funeral took place on Saturday 21 June.

(Ruth Rossington)

Light Projects appoints Neil Young

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - London-based Light Projects Group has appointed Neil Young as divisional manager for the Australian-manufactured Intralux range of lighting systems. Young has spent the past eight years working for a major lighting manufacturer and Light Projects believes that his expertise and experience will help advance the Intralux name in the UK. His understanding of landscape, architectural, indirect cove and pelmet lighting are also welcomed by the company, which specializes in providing lighting technology and systems to those markets.

Since the two organizations formed an alliance last year, Light Projects reports an overwhelming interest in these high quality and innovative products. The range of luminaires includes the latest Kove family of T5 systems, which range form low-cost base products, through to fully-controlled RGB colour changing systems.

(Lee Baldock)

Stephanie Kilburg joins TMB

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - TMB has welcomed Stephanie Kilburg to its sales department - she will work out of the company's Los Angeles headquarters. After years of building worldwide friendships as Cerwin-Vega's international sales manager, Kilburg will now oversee special projects for TMB, as well as expanding sales in the professional audio market.

While at Cerwin-Vega, Kilburg travelled around the globe helping customers on every continent. Always willing to go the extra mile for a customer, she even took an order while riding camelback near the Pyramids of Giza! Tommy Stephenson, TMB sales manager, said: "We have been bumping into Stephanie all over the planet for many years. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she is exactly the right person to fill the special projects role within our sales department."

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Lars Frederiksen joins d&b

Details: 14 March 2016

Denmark - Lars Frederiksen has recently joined d&b audiotechnik, following a varied career as a sound designer and engineer. Frederiksen had previously been touring as a sound engineer with pop rock group 'Jette Torp Band', and had also worked with Danish production company Rossen & Rønnow.

When not touring, he provided a sound design consultancy through his own company. "My main interest in music and sound production has been working with acoustic instruments," he explained. "To me, the ultimate challenge is to amplify musical instruments and still preserve the acoustic quality of the sound. Because of that interest I've worked with a great variety of musical genres such as symphony orchestras, opera companies, musical productions and Irish/Scottish folk groups".

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Jeff Ravitz is nominated for an Emmy Award

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Lighting Designer Jeff Ravitz has been nominated for an Emmy Award by the Pacific Southwest chapter of the National Television Academy, and has also been honoured with a 'Platinum Best of Show' Aurora Award.

The Emmy nomination, Ravitz's third, is for his work on the Christmas special, Carols By Candlelight, presented by Channel 4 San Diego and carried by the Cox Cable Network. The Aurora Award was presented for the lighting design created for Univision's El Grito, the Mexican Independence Day special broadcast live from the steps of the Los Angeles City Hall.

Ravitz, a partner in the LA design firm, Visual Terrain Inc, previously received a Primetime Emmy for his work on the Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's HBO special.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Mackie announces new CFO

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Jamie Engen, president and CEO of Mackie Designs Inc has announced the appointment of Tim O'Neil as chief financial officer for the company. O'Neil brings nearly 20 years of financial management experience to Mackie: he most recently served as CFO of Washington-based Trendwest Resorts, where he was a key member of the executive group responsible for a 30% 5-year compound annual growth rate of revenue and net income.

From 1988 to 1998, O'Neil worked for Bank One Corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. There he served as vice-president of corporate banking and later, director of loan syndications, Bank One Capital Markets. O'Neil will work out of Mackie's headquarters in Woodinville, Washington.

(Ruth Rossington)

Henrik Holm is new area sales manager at Martin Professional

Details: 14 March 2016

Denmark - Martin Professional's head office in Denmark has added Henrik Holm to its area sales management team. After a brief introductory period, Holm will be responsible for Martin's business in a number of countries, including Eastern Europe, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Iceland.

Holm joins Martin from Dentact, a Danish dental products firm, where he was responsible for development, sales and marketing of new dental products internationally. Educated in international sales and marketing, his experience includes two years of distribution network development in the US, as well as development and implementation of new sales and marketing strategies.

(Ruth Rossington)

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