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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

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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

Jeremy Ellis joins Orbital

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Theatre sound specialist Orbital has welcomed Jeremy Ellis on board as part of its project management team. Fulfilling his childhood ambition to work in theatre, he studied Technical Theatre at Rose Bruford drama school as a mature student. From there he was offered the position of sound number two on Phantom of the Opera, before embarking on countless international/national touring and West End theatre productions as a sound operator.

Bringing a wealth of talent and experience to the Orbital team, he is set to channel his passion for theatre sound into managing the streamlined operations of both West End and touring productions. Ellis said: "It's really fantastic to be part of Orbital's team. The position offers me the perfect role to continue working within the industry I love, but without the strains of touring and mixing eight shows a week. I'm really looki

Carlsbro announces senior appointment

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Carlsbro has appointed former Academy of Sound sales and operations manager Jon Gold as its new head of brand and marketing development, with responsibility for developing and marketing the Carlsbro Brand worldwide. Gold has had many years' experience in the leisure and live entertainment industry, in a number of senior marketing, brand development and operational roles prior to joining Academy of Sound, where he was responsible for the day to day operation of their stores together with the marketing and promotions, until the recent merger with Sound Control.

Commenting on his new role Gold said: "When Andrew first approached me about the opportunity, it didn't take long for me to realize that this was the ideal role for me. The work that Andrew, Nick, John and the rest of the dedicated team have done in reviving this great brand during the past four years is nothing

Pio Nahum resigns from Martin Pro

Details: 14 March 2016

Italy - Martin Professional A/S has announces that, as of late April of this year, Pio Nahum, managing director of Martin's Italian subsidiary, will be seeking new challenges outside of the Martin Professional organization. Nahum joined Martin in 1996 and, since that time, has held a variety of key positions at the company's Danish headquarters and subsidiary offices.

As a long-time lighting veteran, Nahum is a well-known personality in the industry and he was an important player in Martin's rise to the top of the intelligent lighting market. Pio's contribution to the success of the Martin Professional organization is greatly appreciated, say Martin Pro, and the company wishes him success in his new endeavor.

(Lee Baldock)

Hind returns to consulting engineering

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - After three years working in California for Total Structures Inc, Peter Hind has returned to the UK to join consulting structural and civil engineers, Anthony Ward Partnership Ltd working from their offices near Winchester in Hampshire. However, his return to consulting engineering will not mean the end of his involvement with the design and use of aluminium structures in the entertainment and associated industries which stretches back over 20 years.

Anthony Ward Partnership Ltd has a reputation for providing innovative design solutions for projects within the building construction industry and now offers a range of structural engineering services relevant to the entertainment industry including concept design, preparation of engineering calculations and drawings, inspections and third party reviews. Hind will also continue his work with ESTA Technical Standards in America

New appointment at RSD

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Richmond Sound Design Ltd (RSD) of Vancouver, Canada, and London, England, has appointed Merv Buchanan to the newly created position of market development manager for North America. Buchanan brings a wealth of experience to RSD, having worked as a music producer, systems designer, college instructor and marketing executive with organizations as diverse as Videomax, Trend Records, Toa Electronics, Fanshawe College and MuchMusic. A native of Cape Breton, Buchanan began in the entertainment business in 1963, while attending DeVry Technical Institute, an electronics college in Toronto.

During the sixties, Buchanan operated his own record label and recording studio in Toronto. Trend Records was Canada's first independent, fully integrated record company. In 1969 he produced the landmark 'Sussex' by Bent Wind, the most collectable album ever produced in Canada. In the 70s he ra

A.C. Lighting Inc appoints Fred Mikeska

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - A. C. Lighting Inc has appointed Fred Mikeska as its US sales and marketing manager, with immediate effect. In his new role, Mikeska will be responsible for the company's sales and marketing activities in the US, including all product lines sold exclusively in the USA by A.C. Lighting Inc, such as the Chroma-Q Color Block multi-purpose LED system and the Jands Vista lighting console - as well as general distribution products.

Mikeska will be actively involved in establishing A.C. Lighting's direct presence and dealer network in the USA. He will be supported by an experienced sales team at A C. Lighting Inc.'s North American headquarters in Toronto and their distribution facility in Buffalo. Mikeska has formerly held senior management positions with Creative Stage Lighting and Leprecon, and is currently a director of the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (E

Jack Schmidt leaves Strong

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Industry veteran Jack Schmidt is retiring from Strong Entertainment Lighting, but he's not leaving the lighting industry. He is now principal in a company called Special Lighting Solutions, which offers services specifically aimed at the people who own, use, specify, and service followspots - particularly Strong Entertainment Lighting products. Schmidt will offer architects and consultants the benefit of 30+ years in the industry (the past 20 as Strong Entertainment Lighting's followspot product sales manager), in training technicians on the maintenance of Strong spotlights, as well as hands-on technical support and advice.

For facility planning and management, Special Lighting Solutions offers:
5A plan review specifically aimed at ensuring that the followspot positions in your facility are located and outfitted to offer the most flexibility and utility;
--Assista

Tim Shaxson joins Digico's sales team

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Seasoned pro audio technical salesman, Tim Shaxson, joins DiGiCo's sales department as technical sales to work alongside sales director James Gordon. Shaxson joins DiGiCo from HHB Communications where he spent 12 years as Senior Pro-Audio technical salesman and was consistently one of its highest achieving team members. His appointment comes during a period of exceptional growth in the digital mixing console market and the expansion of its sales department is a reflection of DiGiCo's continued confidence and increased demand.

"We had been looking for a suitable addition to our sales department for sometime and Tim's experience in the industry and relaxed customer style make him the perfect fit for DiGiCo," comments Gordon. "Tim is going to be focusing his activities on promoting Soundtracs and DiGiCo consoles both nationally and internationally in conjunction

Scott Callis joins EVL Lighting

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Leicester-based effects lighting company EVL Lighting has announced the appointment of Scott Callis as accounts manager. Callis, formerly with Robe UK and previously the now defunct Mad Lighting Ltd, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. His new role will see him liaising with the already extensive dealer network and bringing onboard new area accounts. Callis said: "I'm looking forward to working with EVL and giving total support to their dealer network."

(Lee Baldock)

Tilly Howarth joins LTP

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Lighting Technology Projects sales team has expanded with the addition of Tilly Howarth, who joins the existing team in the company's new Birmingham office. Howarth's sales skills and experience comes from the new build and construction industries, and she was hand-picked for the LTP job because she has no specific background in lighting, and therefore "No baggage" says LTP's Terry Reeves. "I specifically wanted new blood and a fresh perspective," he explains.

Howarth will be part office-based and part road-based, and will develop LTP's direct sales operation initially around the Midlands, concentrating on the short lead-time projects in the retail, leisure, entertainment and public arts sectors. The expansion of the sales team is part of LTP's new long-term business strategy that kicked off with the move to Birmingham last autumn, say the company.

Rob Merrilees joins Essential

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Rob Merrilees has joined Essential Lighting Group as project manager, specializing in exhibition lighting and power. Merrilees brings 20 years of worldwide experience in the exhibition and event industry. Since joining the company in early January, Merrilees has completed projects in London, Dubai, Turin, Berlin and Dusseldorf.

(Lee Baldock)

Lauren Carter joins Lightmoves

Details: 14 March 2016

Australia - Melbourne-based Lightmoves Pty Ltd has appointed Lauren Carter as marketing coordinator. Her main responsibility involves exposing the company's "best kept secret" - the diversity of its activities as well as the knowledge and skill they posses. Lightmoves says it has kept this secret for 15 years and now believes it is time to uncover it!

After achieving outstanding results in her university degree, Bachelor of Multimedia and Business Marketing, Carter says she is looking forward to the challenge.

(Lee Baldock)

FBT Elettronica SpA appoints Mr. Roberto Mataloni

Details: 14 March 2016

Italy - FBT Elettronica SpA has announced the appointment of Mr. Roberto Mataloni to be in charge of international sales for East Europe, Africa, Middle East, Far East and Oceania. He will work alongside with Mr. Mauro Zazzini.

Mataloni is pleased to be back to FBT after the six years he spent at Proel, he comments: "For me this is like returning home, having previously worked ten years with FBT before joining Proel. A lot has changed during this time and this opportunity finds me very motivated: over these years FBT has built a stronger reputation of a professional sound reinforcement manufacturer, developing and manufacturing high quality products to meet the most demanding applications. FBT has grown a lot in these last years, both in sales and in "made in Italy" technology: today, the company can present one of the most advanced R&D department. Products like t

Sonny Sonnenfeld rejoins Strand Lighting

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - In a move that is bound to set the lighting industry talking, Strand Lighting announced today that Sonny Sonnenfeld would be rejoining Strand after a 20-year absence, as commercial consultant and New York representative, serving the consultant, Broadway, and dealer community. Sonnenfeld joined Century Lighting (now Strand) in 1945, after serving throughout World War II in the South Pacific. In 1961 he co-founded Lighting & Electronics, rejoining what had then become Strand Century between 1975-85.

Strand president Tim Burnham comments: "Sonny is coming home to Strand after a brief 20 years away from the family - it's a very cool thing! Sonny has forgotten more about this business than most of us will ever know, and his rejoining us speaks volumes for the direction Strand Lighting is taking. We're working very hard every day to satisfy our growing customer base, and n

Richard Hogg, Shonny Aitkenhead and Phil Haldane.

Event-ful changes at Black Light

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - It's been a case of in with the new at Scottish lighting specialist black light, with two new faces on the team. Hire manager Alan Jackson has decided to return to his native England, so managing director Gavin Stewart has taken the opportunity to reorganize the company's hire department.

Richard Hogg was already doing a fine job running the day-to-day business of the department and Seonaid "Shonny" Aitkenhead has now joined him, having worked with black light as a freelancer at the end of 2004.

This has allowed Jackson's successor to fulfil an expanded role. Phil Haldane has now joined the black light team as events manager to actively develop the company's specialist events work.

"We are seeing our events business develop with an increasing amount of themed weddings, presentations and corporate projects running alongside events like the Edinburgh Fringe

John Houldcroft joins ADSworldwide

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - John Houldcroft has had a distinguished career in the Public Address industry, having worked as chief engineer for Eagle International, and with engineering positions with Millbank Electronics and Federal Signal. A specialist in amplifier and PA loudspeaker design, John has expertise in the field of voice evacuation and it is this regard that he and ADSworldwide have come together.

John will be heading up the engineering team and will be responsible for R & D engineering quality control as well as customer services in terms of maintenance. ADSworldwide has enjoyed ISO9001 and Investor in People status for the last 12 years continuously, but according to company chairman David Hopkins OBE, a company is only as good as the level of service that it offers. John Houldcroft will strengthen the team considerably, bringing in-house a level of expertise that few companies in the in

Colin Evan Quek, Loud Technologies SE Asia sales director.

Loud Technologies appoints sales director

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Loud Technologies announced today the appointment of Colin Evan Quek to the position of South East Asia sales director. Quek brings to Loud an extensive background in the MI and professional audio industries.

Schooled at the SAE Institute of Technology, Quek has managed operations, sales, and marketing, for Roadie Communications, NVM multimedia, Casio MI, Celviano Music, and Trektech, representing brands such as Behringer, Sonex, Blue Mics, Chauvet and Layered Sound Technology.

As Loud's new South East Asia sales director, Quek will be the primary contact for all Loud Technologies-related sales business in Singapore. This includes expanding the South East Asia distribution network, as well as managing all regional marketing efforts, and facilitating greater communication with Loud Technologies' worldwide headquarters, in Woodinville, Wash., USA.

"Colin will be an

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