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A.C. Lighting appoints new sales executive

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - A.C. Lighting announced a new staff appointment at the company's Southern sales office in High Wycombe. Peter Nesbitt joins the company's UK Sales department as lighting sales executive, providing office and in the field support for the company's expanding range of leading lighting brands.

Nesbitt brings over 30 years entertainment lighting knowledge and experience to the role. After beginning his career working in repertory and college theatres for ten years, he then became a partner in established theatre lighting business, Ancient Lights, working in both hire and sales. Nesbitt went on to become the company's managing director, before leaving in 1995 to work as a freelance technical consultant on projects, which included large lottery bids. In 1998, whilst contracting for Elstree Light & Power, Nesbitt became a permanent employee and covered a variety of roles in his tim

Jose Rivas joins Shure sales

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Shure Incorporated has announced the appointment of Jose A. Rivas as regional sales manager for its International Americas Business Unit. In his new role, Rivas will be responsible for sales in Mexico, Canada, and South America. He will be stationed at Shure's corporate headquarters facility in Niles, Illinois. Most recently, Rivas was Latin America and Caribbean Sales Manager for all brands owned by Telex Communications, Inc. Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, he is fully bilingual (Spanish-English), having lived in the United States for the past 12 years.

"Historically, the International Americas is a strong area for Shure sales, but there is a lot of potential for growth. With his strong background in international sales and pro audio, we're confident that Jose Rivas is the perfect candidate to help maximize our sales in the region," said Jane Wilke, gen

Shuttlesound appoints Midas/KT specialist

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Shuttlesound, the UK distributor of Midas and Klark-Teknik audio processing equipment, has appointed Jason Kelly as its new sales consultant. Kelly, who will be responsible for all UK sales of both product portfolios to end-users and to resellers, comments: "2005 will be an exciting year for Shuttlesound, supporting and developing the Midas and Klark Teknik brands in the pro audio market."

For many years, Kelly has been working in Turkey, first as the technical manager for Turkey's largest sound rental company, and then setting up his own consultancy company. He worked extensively with audio equipment distributors in the region, developing and promoting Midas and Klark Teknik products in the Turkish market.

(Lee Baldock)

Meyer Sound appoints technical writer

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Meyer Sound Laboratories has announced the appointment of Gary Parks as technical writer in the Customer Service Department. Parks will be responsible for developing and writing a variety of technical documents, including manuals, instructions, data sheets, and white papers.

"Choosing a technical writer is a very important decision for Meyer Sound and we are pleased to have found Gary Parks," says Meyer Sound customer service manager Pablo Espinosa: "We place strong emphasis on documentation, as it should be a key resource for users. We are rigorous in producing our documentation and need someone who can fully understand our products and communicate data on them clearly, accurately and comprehensively. Gary's background is quite deep as far as grasping and documenting technical products, which convinced me he was the right person to uphold Meyer Sound's hig

New marketing manager for Proel S.p.A.

Details: 14 March 2016

Italy - Proel S.p.A., the leading Italian manufacturer for the musical equipment industry, is aiming to strengthen its brand with the appointment of Mauro Goia as marketing manager. Besides his wide market knowledge, Goia has gained extensive international experience working for several years with Roland, the Japanese trademark leader in the field of electronic musical instruments. He has been involved in all activities concerning the launching of new products as well as in the development of creative marketing projects.

Mauro Goia comments on his new appointment: "I am very enthusiastic of this interesting and demanding challenge. I am thinking of an integrated marketing, as a kind of connection among the corporate activities, with the main purpose of giving Proel the right consideration and international echo."

"In the last few years," says Goia, "

Loud announces new director of operations

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Loud Technologies recently announced the appointment of Jim Shaw to the position of director of operations. Jim brings an extensive management background with a long work history from Alerton & Novar, PLC, Microsoft, Index Sensors and Controls, and Carver Corporation. His wide-ranging manufacturing and quality expertise will be beneficial for his new role at Loud Technologies. As director of operations, Jim is responsible for coordinating the entire phase of product development, from conception to launch. Working directly with the project managers, Jim will focus on creating solid teams and developing a strong product and supply chain. Jim holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington and ASQC certifications for Quality Engineering and Quality Auditing.

"I am confident that Jim will be successful in his new position as director of operations

New additions at Tomcat UK

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Since the appointment of Tony Dickson as UK sales manager of Tomcat UK in May 2004, two further new additions have been made to the Tomcat UK staff, namely Patrick Lockwood and Paul Jordan.

The company say that the impact of this new team will be that Tomcat UK will be able to offer a much wider range of services to its customers including technical appraisal, site surveys, theatrical installations and also the supply of industrial lifting and mechanical handling equipment and structures, which will be dealt with through its Lifting and Handling Solutions division based at Bromborough, utilizing the skills of Dickson, Jordan and Lockwood.

Lockwood, who joins Tomcat UK as a sales engineer, first started in the industry as a welder for James Thomas Engineering in 1990. Working his way through the company, Lockwood ran the welding shop for approximately two years. With his k

John Lethbridge expands role at Pulsar

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - John Lethbridge, who has been handling sales in the Middle East for Pulsar for the past three years, will be expanding his role within the Pulsar sales team with immediate effect. Lethbridge will be supporting technical sales manager Snowy Johnson and sales manger Jon Petts in the UK, and head of sales and marketing Andy Graves in certain overseas territories, say the company.

Lethbridge, as former managing director of Cerebrum Lighting, became a Pulsar distributor soon after both companies first began trading in 1970, and was also founding president of Celco Inc in Farmingdale, NY. He brings with him a wealth of experience, gained both in the UK and overseas.

(Lee Baldock)

Two new appointments at Strand UK

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Strand Lighting announced two new appointments At Strand UK. Peter Sherrington returns after an 18-month leave when he worked on a charity funded project for disadvantaged children. David Catterall European sales said: "I am delighted to announce that Peter has returned to Strand Lighting as sales representative for the East side of the UK. Peter comes back to us with a wealth of experience on Strand products, some great relationships and joins us at a very exciting time."

In Germany Walter Thomsen is also returning to Strand to manage sales in Southern Germany. He will also be responsible for Austria and Switzerland. "Walter has recently worked as a lighting consultant and brings a great deal of lighting knowledge and practice to his new position. Both of these appointments follow on a year of growth for Strand and the whole team looks forward to working wit

Andrew Nikel joins City Theatrical

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Andrew Nikel has joined the City Theatrical sales staff, the company reports. A well-known and well liked lighting industry veteran, Nikel most recently was an account manager at PRG Lighting in North Bergen, New Jersey, and prior to that was an account manager with VLPS in Moonachie, New Jersey. Earlier, he worked as a senior project coordinator with the Fourth Phase Systems Integration Group in North Bergen, and as a rental accounts representative for Production Arts for many years.

Nikel has worked professionally in lighting as a Master Electrician and Technical Director and holds a B.A. from Connecticut College. He will be working closely with the extensive City Theatrical network of lighting distributors as well as with consultants, designers and other lighting professionals to increase awareness and sales of the WDS Wireless Data System, CTI's accessories for Color

MDG appoints Andre Girard

Details: 14 March 2016

Canada - MDG, the Canada-based manufacturer of high quality fog generators, has appointed Andre Girard to the position of international product advisor responsible for sales and marketing. MDG president Martin Michaud says: "Andre's wealth of experience and philosophy of professionalism is consistent with our own ideals and modus operandi here at MDG. We welcome his input and creativity and it shall be a pleasure working with him to better serve our clientele worldwide."

Andre began his career in the lighting and sound industry in 1986 as a lighting designer for Montreal-based Solotech before progressing into professional lighting distribution across Canada representing such names as MA Lighting and Clay Paky. In 1997 Andre accepted an invitation to move to Germany to work directly with MA Lighting. Responsible for international training and technical support on the g

Meyer Sound appoints Steve Bush

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Meyer Sound has appointed veteran system tech/audio engineer Steve Bush as a senior technical support representative. Bush will provide problem-solving and consulting services to Meyer Sound's customers from the company's Berkeley headquarters. Bush, who has years of high-level experience in touring sound reinforcement, was most recently system technician on the last three Norah Jones tours, and has also mixed FOH for artists as diverse as Three Dog Night and Keiko Matsui.

"Steve brings with him a strong combination of technical and management skills, in addition to his extensive experience doing shows," says technical support manager John Monitto. "This is exactly what we like to find, because we believe our customers are best supported by people who fully understand their needs from first-hand experience. We're happy we could get Steve to join us and I kn

Northern Lights' new man in the south

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Northern Light announced the appointment of Simon Thomas-Colquhoun as its new regional sales manager. Previously chief electrician at The Criterion Theatre in London's West End, Thomas-Colquhoun joins the company with over 20 years experience in the theatre industry, he has a wide range of experience covering lighting, sound and production for opera, dance, drama and events.

Simon said: ''I am looking forward to what the future brings with Northern Light. I strongly believe that the knowledge I have gained in the past will be a real asset to the company. Whether it's dealing with architects and designers or the poor guy stuck in mid-air on the end of his mobile, my aim is to provide the best possible service at the right price.''

Colin Cuthbert, operations director at Northern Light, added: '' We feel very confident that with Simon's wealth of knowledge and experience he

Total Respect

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Total Fabrications announced that, as of the 1st of January 2005, Neil Darracott stepped down from his position as the company's technical director. Darracott has worked within TFL for over 5 years, during which time he's played a vital role in maintaining Total Fabrications reputation as one of the industry's most innovative and safety conscious truss manufacturer. In addition, his personal contributions to the PLASA committee and other industry forums serve as typical examples of his enduring commitment to the cause.

Darracott will be heading up a new business, called "Xolve", which is dedicated to providing manufacturing companies with specialist technical and management resources. Although it is not restricting itself to the entertainment market, Xolve is certain to provide our industry with valuable and much needed support.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Expansion for tsg's media programming team

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - tsg, the Chesterfield-based media programming and systems company, has promoted Ian Light to the position of media programming manager for its renowned music and media brand; candyrock. Light, who was formerly responsible for looking after tsg's shops and stores customers, will now be responsible for the running of the candyrock programming department which is based at Kings Heath in Birmingham. An important part of his remit will be the development of new programming styles and schedules, as well as the day-to-day relationships with the world's leading record labels.

Joining Light in the enlarged programming team will be a new recruit, Paul Kimberley, who brings a wealth of experience to the candyrock team. tsg's recent experience in satisfying the needs of the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai has generated a whole raft of 'world music' categories, and Light and Kimberley

LTM adds another team member

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Lift-Turn-Move has added another member to its steadily growing team, with Jenny Hobday joining as sales administrator. She'll be working with John Jones, Paul Hadfield and Dave King, her appointment reflecting LTM's extremely healthy order book, the company says.

Hobday graduated from Stafford University with a Business degree and then joined industrial marine specialists Cosalt, where she worked in the lifting department, handling several major corporate clients. She brings her considerable knowledge in this specialist area to LTM as well as a new outlook and plenty of enthusiasm. "I'm really thrilled to be working with LTM," she says. "It's a different area with lots of new challenges and some excellent people."

LTM's John Jones is equally happy to be building his team this quickly after the company's launch at PLASA 2004. "Jenny is the ideal

L-R: Paul Whiting, managing director of Sennheiser UK, with Simon Curtis.

Simon Curtis moves to Sennheiser UK

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Simon Curtis of D&M Pro Europe has left the company to join Sennheiser UK as director of sales. Curtis started in the industry selling audio/video components and accessories for Bandridge before joining Hayden Labs in 1990 to successfully grow sales and distribution of Denon Hi-Fi. For a short period this also included Sennheiser, prior to the change of distribution to Sennheiser UK.

Paul Whiting, MD of Sennheiser commented: "Simon's experience of integrating different markets and operations is a strength we want to bring to our diverse operation. We are looking forward to working with him and welcome the additional experience he brings to Sennheiser UK."

In 1995, Curtis set up the Denon Pro Leisure Division as sales and marketing manager, in response to Denon's growing interests in the Contract Installation and DJ sectors. In addition to building strong distr

John Smither

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - RW Salt Communications has announced the passing away of John Smither, its regional sales manager for the Midlands and South of England. Smither, who had been with the company for five years, had been ill since May 2004 and passed away peacefully on 11 January.

A greatly respected figure in the industry, as well as being a key member of the RWS team since 1999 John Smither had previously represented Eagle, TOA and Millbank throughout the UK and during this time built up a close relationship with all of his clients based on his technical experience, his vast product and industry knowledge and his honesty and integrity. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and his colleagues past and present, say the company.

(Lee Baldock)

Change of Scene for Bob Kronman

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Scene Change, digital media specialist and distributor of the Hippotizer range welcomes Bob Kronman to its staff. A familiar name in the worlds of both large-format projection and video projection, Kronman has just completed work on the London transfer of the musical Mary Poppins, working with PIGI large format projectors and Scene Change's Hippotizer digital media server and BeaMover moving video projector products, as well as with the digital content created for the production by Scene Change. Kronman has also worked on a wide range of other productions, including We Will Rock You, and for suppliers across the AV and projection fields, most notably E/T/C UK and Production Arts.

Kronman will be working with Scene Change's Nigel Sadler, providing sales, training and technical support for the company's entire production range, and on projects where Scene Change

Valdis Dauksts goes to XL Touring

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - John Wiseman, president of XL Touring Video, announce Valdis Dauksts' promotion to general manager of XL Touring. Dauksts, who has 30 years' experience in concert touring and production around the world, has also worked extensively in staging, lighting and production capacities across fashion, live theatre, corporate events, large-scale outdoor events (such as the Papal visit in Central Park) and large concert tours. His clients have included Bruce Allen Talent, MTV, Radio City Music Hall, VH1, Merv Griffin Productions and many more. Along the way, Dauksts has been VP of Lighting at Nocturne Productions and general manager of Fourth Phase / Light and Sound Design in Newbury Park, California.

Wiseman comments: "I am very pleased to announce Val's promotion to general manager. Having worked with him in the past, I'm positive we've made a decision that will greatly bene

Rich Rowley is SSE's new hire manager

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Experienced live sound technician Richard Rowley has joined leading rental/production company SSE as hire manager, replacing Emma Barwell. Most recently, Rowley was sales director for BSS Audio, where he was enjoying his second stint after operating as product manager at Martin Audio for the intervening seven years. At BSS he supervised all commercial aspects including the launch of Soundweb London.

Prior to that he fulfilled a number of high-profile roles in different sectors of pro audio, including electronics engineer for Midas and Klark Teknik. He also engineered for Trevor Horn on a number of projects, was system designer for several high calibre dance venues, including Fabric, and cinema sound designer for Warner Brothers and VUE Cinemas.

During this time he also developed an enviable knowledge of touring sound, working as system tech for Texas, providing tour suppo

Mike Bell joins High End

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Former Vari-Lite product designer Mike Bell has joined High End Systems in Austin, TX as senior product manager, the company announced today.

Bell had spent eight years at Vari-Lite in Dallas, where he held the positions of Vari-Lite engineering manager, program manager and principle design engineer of the VL3000, VL2000 and VL2500 spot luminaires. He also has five years of design and project management experience working for Texas Instruments developing military and commercial infrared night vision and DLP products.

Bell commented, "I'm looking forward to working with Richard Belliveau and the engineering team to develop new and cutting-edge products." Said HES chief technology officer Richard Belliveau, "We are thrilled to be working with Mike. His wealth of experience in bringing new lighting products to market is a valuable asset to High End Systems.&q

Phonic appoints Scott Emmerman

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Phonic has named Scott Emmerman executive vice president of Phonic America Corporation. He will head up the company's Tampa operation and grow domestic sales. He comes to Phonic after 10 years at E-MU/ENSONIQ as vice president of sales and marketing, responsible for western hemisphere sales and, previously, a district sales manager for Roland.

The new appointment, says Phonic CEO Stephen Wang, is an important move for the company, with Emmerman bringing "the right blend of sales and merchandising expertise to execute Phonic's aggressive market expansion plan".

(Lee Baldock)

Mervyn Thomas joins Total Solutions

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Total Solutions announced the appointment of Mervyn Thomas as the group's business development director. Thomas, formally general manager at James Thomas Engineering, sees this new role as a natural progression in his career.

"I see Total Solutions leading the way forward with its well known suite of industry standard truss brand names," says Thomas, "and I welcome this new and exciting challenge". Amongst the general activities associated with his appointment, Thomas will be responsible for developing and managing the ongoing manufacturing license agreement program which began last year when African Trussing were the first to start producing the Total Fabrications product range in South Africa.

Group MD Chris Cronin says: "I have known Mervyn for many years and have always considered him a good friend. It is a huge privilege to finally be working

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