USA - Theatrical engineer John Charles "Jack" Suesse died on 17 August following a brief illness. He was 64. For more than 30 years, Jack was associated with J. R. Clancy Inc, the oldest theatrical rigging company in the US, serving as president from 1986-2005. He then formed his own consulting firm, J. Suesse & Associates, and also served as a special projects advisor to Stage Technologies in London and Las Vegas. He was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and was selected as a Fellow of the United States Institute for Technical Theater in 1993.
Jack worked on theatrical projects of all sizes across the world including the Peace Center in Greenville, SC, the Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City, the Chicago Opera House, and the United States Naval Academy. He had a long-standing concern for safety and served on the Ente
UK - Christie Digital has strengthened its UK sales team in order to consolidate the rapid development in its five core markets. Key to the new initiative is the introduction of a UK channel sales manager focused on supporting sales growth for Christie and Christie Partners offering systems from Christie's Business Products Portfolio.
Joe Graziana joins the company having previously worked for a Southern-based solution provider for four years and is now directly responsible for all UK channel sales activities in the installation market.
Darren Banks has spent eight and half years in the AV industry and takes on the role of Business Development Manager, but will also have responsibility for developing sales in the North of England and Scotland, across all five key markets.
Adding further weight to the team is the appointment of Pam MacDonald as UK customer service co-ordinato
UK - The Verlinde Technologies division of French manufacturer Verlinde has announced that that Simon Rothechild's new title is business development manager for UK and Ireland with immediate effect. Rothechild is now also responsible for the South African territory, as well as other international regions for Verlinde, which are due to come on stream soon.
Thomas Descamps, Verlinde's managing director, said: "Simon has proved over many months an enthusiasm and aptitude to perform in the role, and he continues to hit his new business targets. Our sales in UK and Ireland are on track, and we are pleased to extend Simon's role to South Africa where he has already helped us make significant inroads into a major new marketplace."
UK - Software developer Stardraw.com has announced the appointment of Paul Clark to the position of software developer and designer. Prior to this, Clark had already been named as Stardraw's very first Certified Programmer for Stardraw Control in the latter part of 2006.
Stardraw.com CEO David Snipp confirmed that the appointment of Paul Clark was a logical step for the company. "We had been looking for a while, but good programmers are hard to find, especially good programmers with an industry background who understand our objectives and our market. Paul was the ideal candidate - already a Certified Programmer with an excellent working and technical knowledge of Stardraw Control, and a good understanding of how we work as a company. I'm sure he'll be a great asset to the team."
UK - L&SI has learned that David Caulfield has parted company Martin Professional Plc. Caulfield had held the position of managing director of the UK subsidiary of the Danish lighting manufacturer for the past five years. News of his departure came just days after Martin Professional issued a press announcement saying that Caulfield would be speaking at the company's press conference at the forthcoming PLASA Show.
The company's brief statement on the departure reads: "David Caulfield has ended his employment with Martin Professional Plc as of August 30, 2007. We would like to thank David for his efforts over the last five years as Managing Director and wish him the best in his future endeavours. A recruitment process for the position as Managing Director in Martin Professional Plc will begin immediately and it is our intention to fill the vacancy promptly."
USA - Underscoring the increasing importance of live sound to its overall growth strategy, Digidesign has announced the appointment of former EAW executive and industry luminary FrankLoyko to the position of worldwide director of sales for the Digidesign Venue live sound product line. In hisnew position, Loyko will be responsible for defining and leading all live sound sales strategies worldwide,including managing Digidesign's direct live sound sales team, the company says.
"Frank brings an entrepreneurial spirit and tremendous track record for building professional audio brands,and successfully leading high-performance sales teams," says Tim Carroll, senior director of worldwide sales at Digidesign. "His broad experience in all aspects of live sound sales, along with his deep industryconnections, will be crucial in helping us achieve the next level of growth in l
USA - Nexxus Lighting has announced the hiring of Mark Masterman as its new vice president for the pool & spa division and Steve Gasperson as its director of sales for the division.
Prior to joining the Nexxus Lighting team, Masterman and Gasperson served as general manager and national sales manager respectively for the pool and spa division of Energy Focus, formerly Fiberstars.
UK - Ben Kovler has joined worldwide lighting manufacturer High End Systems Inc (HES) as international product support specialist. Based in London, Kovler will focus his technical support on HES products in the UK and Europe, although his territory extends worldwide.
Kovler started in the entertainment industry at a young age, supporting various products both as a freelance technician and most recently, running the service department for UK company Lightfactor for two years.
"I am excited about joining the team and strengthening the support in Europe and the rest of the world for HES," says Kovler. "I look forward to working closely with both the office in Austin and with customers on the ground ensuring that the trust and reliability of the HES brand continues at the highest possible standards."
Bill Morris, executive vice president of HES, says: "W
UK - Brian Dempster has been appointed head of the systems integration division of Blitz Communications. This new division is dedicated to developing the company's permanent AV installation business.
Dempster has a lifelong electronics passion and his AV career journey plays testimony to this. After four years with Sony (UK) professional and broadcast division he joined Marcom Systems as technical general manager and progressed to become technical director. Dempster went on to spread his wings as a Freelance AV consultant, providing systems design and project management, to a wide range of blue chip companies for 13 years.
Paul Hutton, managing director at Blitz comments, "We have gained a fantastic reputation in this market with most of our existing business coming through referrals. We have a unique position in the market as a company that can provide permanent installa
USA - Bosch Communications Systems has appointed Gary Pace as the national sales manager for Dynacord.
"Gary's experience is unique in that he has worked closely within the MI, corporate, house of worship, recording and live sound markets," says Thomas Hansen, VP sales, Bosch Communications Systems - Americas. "More than 25 years of entertainment technology experience - along with a solid background in global sales management and brand management - will make him a great asset. Gary will team with Jeff Taylor (Dynacord product manager, Americas) to provide a dynamic force for the Dynacord brand and products in the Americas."
Most recently, Pace held a sales and marketing position with LSI, a lighting and rigging production company specialising in corporate events, press events and trade shows. He also spent more than nine years as the global sales and market
Dubai - Following the appointment of PALME Middle East exhibition director, Alexander Heuff, show organisers IIR Exhibitions Entertainment & Installation Technology Group have announced the arrival of Neil Hickman as group exhibitions director. Most recently he has spent four years as director of the Cityscape series of events, based in Dubai.
Commenting on the continuing potential for sound and vision integrators in the region, Hickman said, "The boom in hotel build and future tourism attractions shows no sign of letting up - new projects are being announced on an almost daily basis. As a result, the professional sound, light, music, audio visual and systems integration industries are expected to quadruple in the next three years as a result of opportunities in both the commercial and residential sectors."
UK - Overt Light to Sound Ltd, UK distributor for DAP Audio, DMT (Dutch Media Tools), Showtec Lighting, Antari (smoke and effect machines), Sweetlight, Shure, QSC, Phonic and Yamaha Commercial Audio, have announced the appointment of Dave Hartley as area sales manager. Hartley, who was on the Highlite International stand meeting and greeting his new clients at the PLASA Show in London last week, will be covering the North West UK, Midlands and North Wales.
Malcolm Burlow, managing director, says Hartley brings a wealth of knowledge to the company, having been within the sound and light industry for many years.
USA - Brian T. Edwards has joined Production Resource Group, LLC (PRG), as general manager of the company's Los Angeles office. Edwards will oversee all aspects of PRG's Los Angeles division, including sales, event staffing and rental operations. He will report to Joe Schenk Sr, president of PRG's West Coast operations.
Veteran of nearly two decades in the motion picture and television lighting support industry, Edwards comes to PRG from Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, NY, where he served for three years as vice president of operations. Before that, he was with Paramount Pictures for 10 years, as executive director of PPSI, Paramount's lighting rental company in New York and Los Angeles.
"Brian will be a great asset to PRG and we're very glad to have him with us," said Schenk. "In addition to his great experience in our industry, he brings us outstanding management
UK - Summit Steel's project management team has expanded with the addition of Simon Frost. Immediately before joining Summit, Frost was rigging manager at London's Royal Albert Hall, a post he'd held since January 2005.
2007 has been Summit's busiest year to date, with highlights including being appointed as house riggers for the newly opened O2 Arena in June. This alone prompted an immediate need for additional experienced staff.
At Summit Frost will be dealing with a selection of key projects and working alongside existing account handlers Jon Bray, Chris Walker and Jay Call.
Jon Bray comments: "We're naturally delighted at having someone of Simon's calibre onboard, and look forward to a great working relationship."
UK - Bill Woods has been appointed to the position of group sales and marketing director for MC2 Audio, XTA and Quested Monitoring Systems.
"We are absolutely delighted to announce that Bill is joining us." says group managing director Ian McCarthy. "This is the first appointment we've made since the companies merged in March this year and Bill will assume all sales and marketing responsibilities for the group."
Bill Woods, a highly respected veteran of the pro audio industry, has been living with his family in the USA for the past three years and for some of that time, he worked on a freelance basis representing Quested. Later he returned to live sound, working for Ashly Audio to help them establish Camco in the US Market.
McCarthy continues, 'Having known Bill for many years, I knew that the skills and professionalism he offers are exactly what we would
USA - Theatrical Lighting Systems Inc (TLS Inc) has announced the new location of its Nashville office, and two new sales project managers to man it. The new location is 2961 Armory Drive - North Entrance. Expansion is expected as renovations to the building are completed. The renovations will allow for a sales showroom and rental warehouse.
Two "local guys" who have worked in Nashville for many years were hired as new sales project managers. Mike Brack has worked in television, video production and sales since 1986, while J. Andy Flatt has worked in the lighting business since 1987.
Denmark - Mark Ravenhill, vice-president television and theatre lighting at Martin Professional A/S, has relocated back to the company's Danish headquarters after a two-year assignment at Martin's Florida-based US subsidiary.
Ravenhill's primary goal in locating to the US in 2005 was to place increased focus on America's influential television and theatre markets, along with the growing House of Worship market. He also lent invaluable support through a period of personnel changes at Martin US, says the company.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the two years that I spent in the US organisation," Ravenhill commented. "I not only learnt a great deal about the US market and its way of doing business, which was one of my main goals, but I made many friends along the way."
USA - Community Professional Loudspeakers has announced the appointment of engineers Tao Zhang and Hadi Sumoro to its Technical Applications Group (TAG). As part of Community's TAG team, Zhang and Sumoro will be responsible for providing applications support and systems overview assistance to the company's worldwide customer network.
Zhang joins Community after receiving dual Masters in Acoustic Studies and Recording/Production at the prestigious Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. Sumoro also holds a Masters in Acoustics from Peabody and a BA in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College. Sumoro is a talented jazz pianist with a strong academic background in psychoacoustics, architectural acoustics and system design.
USA - Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has announced the appointments of Michael Perry and Justin Walker to the EAW Application Support Group (ASG), the company's multifaceted team offering a wide range of specialized technical services and detailed customer support. The appointment was announced by Joe Fustolo, manager of EAW ASG.
Perry's primary focus is providing in-depth technical support for all EAW Commercial products, in addition to assisting with the entire EAW line. He comes to EAW from Loud Technologies support and service, and as an active sound system operator and musician, he also brings a great deal of relevant real-world experience to his new position. Based in Woodinville, Washington, Perry adds additional hours to the company's US support basis and is fluent in Spanish.
Walker is responsible for service requests and return issues, as well as providing technical su
UK - The latest new face representing Stage Electrics on the London scene is Mark Burnett, who joins Paul Roughton as part of Chris Patton's team of business development managers.
Burnett has made the move from the company's Cambridge branch where he has been working for the last two years; and will be concentrating on the West End and touring theatre business.
UK - Martin Professional A/S has announced the hiring of Tony Browne as the new managing director of Martin UK. Browne replaces Dave Caulfield, who headed Martin UK since 2003.
Browne has more than 20 years of lighting industry experience and comes to Martin UK from a specification sales director position at Zumtobel Lighting UK, where he focused on specification sales to architects and electrical designers the past 13 years.
"I have enjoyed building up a strong and competent sales team at Zumtobel UK, but am now ready for a new challenge at Martin," Browne stated. "I am looking forward to a somewhat different market that has a huge potential, building on a very sound and successful structure already established in the UK. The MD position is the next logical step for me and I look forward to focusing my motivation and drive in order to make it a success."
UK - Forward Vision has announced the appointment of Darren Gaffey as product manager. He will oversee the development of the company's product portfolio. He brings over 25 years experience of product support and management roles in consumer electronics, He previously spent five years at Pioneer Europe NV, where he was responsible for product marketing, planning, and development for professional plasma displays across Europe and Russia.
Peter Beare, managing director at Forward Vision said: "Darren's appointment give us the additional expertise to take an already excellent reputation for providing high quality products to new heights."
UK - Large-scale projection specialists E//T//C UK has expanded its London-based team with the addition of Richard Porter.
This follows two exceptionally busy years and an increasing amount of projects now utilising E//T//C UK's video capabilities for their building, monumental, son et lumière and commercial projection requirements, says the company.
Porter has just graduated from Rose Bruford College in Kent, and his area of expertise is digital media servers.
E//T//C UK's Ross Ashton says: "Its great to have Richard onboard - he's enthusiastic, quick to learn and brings a fresh outlook and plenty of creative and technical ideas to the melting pot. We're anticipating an expansion in the video elements of our work as more equipment is constantly coming on line to help produce large projections cost effectively. It makes total sense to invest in more people with skills
USA - Wybron has announced that Terry Taylor and John Tabor have joined the company to cement its ability to best serve the house of worship market's lighting needs. Taylor, former head of lighting designs at New Life Church and Tabor, assistant lighting designer at New Life, are two of the country's foremost experts on lighting the worship space.
"I am thrilled that these two successful and high-profile church lighting experts have joined Wybron to support our focus in this vertical market," said Larry Turner, CEO of Wybron. "With Terry and John, Wybron is already improving its role of providing churches with the best possible lighting fixtures and retrofit products that benefit the emotional process of worshiping."