Germany - Maria Xithalis has joined Klotz Digital Audio Systems Inc. as Director of Sales - Americas. Key functions of her duties will be business development and the management of sales and customer relations. Xithalis will be based in Ontario, Canada, but will work closely with Klotz Digital's team in Atlanta.

"With 14 years experience in the industry, in the fields of management, marketing, channel-sales and direct-sales organizations, Maria has the ability to carry Klotz Digital Audio Systems to a new level of excellence", says Thomas Klotz, CEO of Klotz Digital AG, who made the announcement. "A true team player, and well known in the industry, she has come very highly recommended and is most welcome in her new position."

(Jim Evans)

USA - Theatre Projects Consultants reports that Millie Dixon (TPC principal) and Jules Lauve (TPC associate) were voted into the American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC) at the ASTC Forum '07.

Dixon has been with Theatre Projects since 1997, initially working as a performance equipment specialist and then as a project manager.

Lauve joined TPC in 2001 with more than 25 years experience in the entertainment industry. He has managed entertainment operations for numerous large-scale projects and has designed scenery and lighting for many regional opera and ballet companies.

(Jim Evans)

Russia - Aziz Adilkhodjaev has joined the Avolites technical sales team. Uzbekistan born, a fluent Russian speaker and with a background in engineering, mobile telecoms and business administration, he will take care of technical support and customer care for Russia and the CIS. His duties at Avolites also include specialising in media server technology and its integration with their range of consoles, and he will also manage all of Avolites' digital assets including photo and video archives, product and training movies.

Avolites' Steve Warren says, "Aziz has already proved his value to the company in dealing with the Russian speaking countries. Having also lived there, he's familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the financial and economic systems and dealings which is a great asset."

Adilkhodjaev also has some experience and familiarity with architectural lighting as hi

USA - American Music & Sound has announced the appointment of Michael Palmer to the position of national sales manager for Allen & Heath products in the United States.

Palmer has held positions as director of sales and marketing for Radian Audio Engineering and previously as a sales management executive at Guitar Center Inc.

"I'm very enthusiastic about taking this position," states Palmer. "Allen & Heath's brand reputation as an industry leader speaks for itself. In my new role, my principal responsibility is to strengthen the sales focus on the premium line of mixers as well as expand the growth of new products such as iLive, iDR and XONE."

(Jim Evans)

USA - Community Professional Loudspeakers has announced the appointment of Ron Neely to the position of development manager. In his new position, Neely will be charged with the management of engineering project schedules, coordinating new product introductions, and developing software products.

With more than 20 of experience in software and hardware development, Neely brings a wealth of knowledge in professional audio, communications and network management in real-time environments. He has previously held technology development positions at IPC Command Systems, Iridian Technologies and QSC Audio.

"Ron's vast expertise in software and product development makes him a key addition to our team at Community," remarked Chris Barrow, Community Product Manager.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Stuart Reay has joined PSCo as it's new advanced product specialist, a role which has been designed to ensure PSCo continues to provide optimum technical support to its clients.

Reay has many years experience within the AV industry, specialising in visualisation for leading manufactures, such as Panoram Technologies and CRT Displays.

Managing director Stuart Holmes comments: "In response to customer feedback, it became apparent that we needed to look for an additional product specialist to support the fleet of 'advanced' products throughout complicated design integration projects and installations. Stuart's skills will also provide key logistical information, especially for the more challenging and complex projects."

"Joining PSCo is a very exciting time in my career, as it provides me with the opportunity to focus my experience working with a company wit

UK - Chris Rigden has joined Dynalite as UK sales director responsible for UK sales in the commercial, residential and custom install markets. Rigden joined Dynalite from Crestron where he worked on the residential AV business and lighting controls systems.

"This is an exciting time for lighting controls and being a key part of Dynalite's growth will be very rewarding, I'm looking forward to the challenges of the future with this great company," says Rigden.

Paul Wilmshurst, Dynalite's general manager, adds: "It's fantastic to get Chris on board at this time of growth for Dynalite Europe. His sales experience and knowledge of the lighting controls market will be a great asset as we continue to grow."

(Jim Evans)

UK - After spending the last nine years in Dubai with Middle East Harman Pro distributors, GSL, Grant Roomes has moved back to the UK. Replacing the United Arab Emirates with Latin America, Mexico and Canada on his territorial map, he has joined the Soundcraft Studer Group as regional sales manager, with responsibility for Soundcraft in those territories.

"This is an excellent move for me," he said. "I'm relishing the challenge of spearheading Soundcraft's digital mission in these regions, I see a huge potential for Live and Broadcast sales in South America."

Prior to joining GSL, the Soundcraft man was overseeing sound system installations in the Gulf specialising in the international five-star hotel market.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Kenyon Whitright has returned as president of Wybron, Inc. overseeing all day-to-day aspects of the company. Previously, Whitright enjoyed semi-retirement while continuing to be chairman of Wybron.

"It has been a rough time for me, all the fishing was really starting to grate on my nerves," said Whitright. "I'm excited to get back to the serenity of my office."

Wybron's aggressive product development schedule continues with some revolutionary new ideas provided by Whitright. "I don't know if we'll get to everything this year. I've had almost too much time to think up new products and can't wait to see it all come together," he added.

Speaking of his decision to return, Whitright said, "I've built this business out of a garage to what it is today. Along the way I've been joined by an extraordinary group of people. It is their commitmen

Norway - projectiondesign has appointed Chris Axford to the role of director of international sales & marketing. He has worked within projectiondesign for two years as senior regional sales manager, responsible for the UK and Ireland markets.

J°rn Eriksen, CEO at projectiondesign comments: "Chris has already proved himself in a senior sales role within the company. He's extremely well respected by his peers and byour important clients. In his new role, we're expecting Chris to further his outstanding contribution to projectiondesign as well as the whole Professional AV and Home Theatre industry."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Gerald Heise has joined the team at Robe Lighting as sales support manager. Heise has nearly 20 years experience in the professional lighting industry and is known for his technical expertise and innovative management style.

Robe MD Josef Valchar states: "We are exceptionally lucky to have someone of Gerald's calibre and enthusiasm onboard. He has the same ethics, drive and commitment as us, and we are all looking forward to working with him immensely."

Heise will become a link between Robe's clients, end users and distributors and the Robe R 'n' D and sales and marketing teams. He will be responsible for monitoring market trends and feedback, analysing customer's needs and cross-referencing and comparing markets and products - essentially a two-way conduit between clients and the company.

(Jim Evans)

UK - CUK Audio, the Glasgow-based UK distributor for Audica Professional, Community, Digigram, DIS Danish Interpretation Systems, InOut and KIND, has announced the appointment of Tom Blackwell as sales manager.

Blackwell is well known throughout the industry from his time with Sennheiser UK and, more recently, Harman Pro. Commenting on the move Blackwell said: "I have followed the progress of CUK since it was started, and have been impressed by the market penetration they have achieved. They have a great product portfolio, with a whole range of unique and advanced solutions, and a refreshing attitude where customer service isn't just marketing spiel, but an intrinsic part of the way they operate at all levels."

Blackwell continues: "On the personal side, it also offers me great variety across a broad spectrum of pro audio, from the high volume sales of hot produ

USA - Veteran engineer Lee Moro has joined Meyer Sound as Nashville operations and touring support. In his new position, Moro will work directly with tour liaison manager Buford Jones at the company's office in Nashville's Soundcheck, the country's largest full-production rehearsal facility.

A native of Windsor, Ontario, Moro has spent most of the past five years as FOH engineer and production manager for Norah Jones, during which time he was the first engineer to work with Meyer's MILO line array loudspeaker system. He has also worked with Alannah Myles, Michael Buble, Blue Man Group, The Tragically Hip, and Madeleine Peyroux, among others.

"Lee is one of the most innovative and respected engineers I know," remarks Jones. "In addition to his wealth of experience working with a wide range of artists and musical styles, Lee also has a real-world perspective and i

Australia - Australian stage lighting pioneer Denis Irving died on 16 February, aged 74. Irving was born in 1933 to Phil and Veranne Irving, the latter a director of many theatre productions in the UK and Australia. Irving began his career as an office boy at Strand Electric Australia, eventually rising to the post of chief executive.

During his time there, he worked on such projects as the Festival Theatre in Adelaide, Seymore Centre in Sydney, and the Victorian Arts Center. He also opened Strand first branch office, in South Yarra, Victoria. In 1979, he founded Entertech, a theatre consultancy, working on many buildings, including theatres, casinos, and performing arts centres.

Among his projects were The Araluen Center in Alice Springs, and regional theatres in Renmark, Port Pirie, Mount Gambier, and Whyalla. He was also passionately interested in theatre restoration; the T

UK - Media Powerhouse has announced the arrival of video engineering expert Simon Cox, formerly of Blitz Communications.

Cox joins after 10 years as head of engineering at Blitz and has long experience of developing video and widescreen video. He was responsible for its video offering and designed a multipurpose Multi Definition Portable Production Unit (MDPPU) which proved to be a tremendous success with clients.

At Media Powerhouse, Cox will assist in the research, development and sourcing of new equipment to ensure that the business is at the forefront of video technology and provide quality solutions for its increasing client base, says the company.

Simon Cox comments: "I am extremely excited to join such a new and ambitious company. I'm also looking forward to working together with Kevin Orwin to design and supply the very latest technologies and equipment availabl

USA - Meyer Sound has announced that professional audio veteran Dave 'Wiggy' Wiggins has joined the company as its director of marketing for Europe. In this newly created position, Wiggins will be responsible for planning and executing strategic marketing efforts and will work closely with Meyer Sound's marketing department in Berkeley and with the sales force throughout Europe.

"As we continue to grow our customer base in the European market and experience an increasing demand for Meyer Sound products in the region, it's essential for us to bolster our marketing efforts there as well," says Helen Meyer, executive vice-president of Meyer Sound. "Dave is an extremely knowledgeable and well-connected member of the professional audio industry who carries a lot of influence in the European market. It's a privilege to have him join the team at Meyer Sound to lead this

USA - Altman Lighting shares the news that Victoria Altman, the wife of Robert Altman, passed away on Sunday, 17 February 2008. Vickie was 53 years old and had been privately fighting ovarian cancer for several months with the support of her immediate family.

A company statement says: "Vickie always had a warm smile and an easy laugh to share with all of us when we would meet on occasions such as LDI or other industry events. Vickie saw the employees at Altman Lighting and its customers as family and friends. She enjoyed talking about the history of the industry and always had a story to share having spent many years working with Charlie and Alice Altman learning the business.

"Vickie met Bob when she was just 15 years old and he was only 16. Together for 38 years, they ran Altman Lighting and raised a family. Vickie was always generous of heart and was particularly

UAE - Action Impact appoints Jeremy Garbett as their new managing director based intheir Dubai HQ. Garbett has served on the Spectrum Communications / Caribiner / JackMorton Worldwide boards since 1993 and then became joint MD of JMW in 2005. He left JMWlast summer to pursue interests outside the communications sector.

Garbett comments: "I am really looking forward to engaging and supporting the very talentedAction Impact team. The agency is growing incredibly fast and is already regarded as the preeminent live communications company within the region. The UAE is an area of the globe I find fascinating not only with its well documented growth but for its attendant communicationopportunities. The region's drive and ambition is constantly startling when compared to theEuropean and US communication marketplaces.

Garbett continues: "Action Impact's geographical position

USA - Steve Sweet has joined the Theatre Project Consultants (TPC) technical production team. His responsibilities at Theatre Projects focus on the design and selection of performance equipment components such as stage machinery, rigging, lifts, and platforms, as well as field work and commissioning for building quality control of the theatrical function.

"Coming to work for Theatre Projects is the perfect evolution in my career," says Sweet. I'm extremely excited to be a part of this incredible team of people."

Sweet joins TPC after seven years as technical director at the RiverCenter. Prior to RiverCenter, he worked as a national freelance rigger and spent multiple years as the production operations stage manager for the Palace Theater in Myrtle Beach, SC.

(Jim Evans)

UK - MA Lighting UK has announced the expansion of its UK sales team. Paul Young and Olivia Yan are the two new members joining the company to further develop the UK market.

As sales and general manager of MA Lighting UK, Paul Young has lengthy sales and technical experience. Leaving education, he joined James Thomas Engineering where and worked in various positions, in design, then sales to eventually become project manger. Having spent almost 10 years at JTE and wanting a new challenge he moved on to set up a successful business importing specialist lamps for UK distribution. Now he is looking forward to bringing to MA a wealth of experience, knowledge and the contacts he has built from his previous employment, plus the enthusiasm to enhance the current team in the UK, the company says.

Olivia Yan, who assists the MA UK team in sales and marketing, comes straight from univer

USA - Isaac Young, a clong-serving member of the American DJ family, passed away on 7 March after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Young served in numerous capacities at American DJ during his 14 years with the company, and was widely known and well-liked by associates and customers throughout the industry. Most recently, he was responsible for American DJ's South American Sales.

"Isaac was a valued member of our team, as well as a truly kind individual who was always ready to help those around him," said Chuck Davies, president of the American DJ Group of Companies. "His skill, talent and warm, friendly personality will be greatly missed by all of us at American DJ."

"We've lost a great co-worker and a great friend," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group. "Isaac made valuable contributions to our company

USA - QSC Chief Operating Officer Joe Pham has announced that Harold Yin has been named as the company's new senior VP of global strategy and business development. As part of his duties in this newly-created executive position, Yin has been given the responsibility of directing and managing strategic planning and development activities for all global business.

"On behalf of everyone here at QSC, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Harold," COO Pham said upon introducing Yin to the workforce at QSC's Southern California headquarters. "As we broaden the scope of our presence around the world, his knowledge base and experience will lend steady guidance to the introduction of new technologies developed to meet the expanding needs of our customer base."

Prior to taking on his new role at QSC, Yin was a senior consultant with McKinsey & Company. While with the f

USA - Industry pioneer John Eargle was posthumously awarded the 2008 Technical Grammy Award at the Special Merit Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on the evening prior to the 50th Grammy Awards Telecast. The accomplished engineer, musician and longtime JBL Professional consultant passed away on 9 May, leaving a legacy of achievement in the areas of music recording, loudspeaker design, and education. The Technical Grammy Award is presented by vote of The Recording Academy's National Trustees to individuals who have made contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field.

"John Eargle left an everlasting and profound impression on the audio industry," said Mark Gander, vice president of Marketing, JBL Professional, who accepted the Grammy Award on behalf of John Eargle, along with John's niece, Cyndi Bird, and nephew and namesake, John Paul Eargle. &

USA - Joseph Volpe, former general manager of the Metropolitan Opera and former senior vice-president of Giuliani Partners, has joined Theatre Projects as director of strategic development.

"After my long and wonderful career at the Metropolitan Opera joining one of the finest theatre consulting companies is both logical and very exciting," states Volpe.

Richard Pilbrow, founder of Theatre Projects, states: "It is a tremendous privilege for me to welcome Joe to the Theatre Projects team. His rise at the Met from carpenter to general manager very much parallels our own, from backstage technicians to designing many of the world's most significant performing arts spaces. Our record of innovative and ground breaking theatre buildings will be enhanced by Joe's knowledge and experience in their operations. Joe will prove to be a powerful ally in our development."

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