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14 March 2016

"Loud's brands are revered for their market-leading positions, and we are committed to delivering even stronger marketing support to our dealers and distributors in the future," commented Rodney Olson, Loud CEO. "What's more, under Adrian's leadership our partners will see tighter integration of our marketing efforts with overall product development and sales efforts."

Bell reports to Rodney Olson and is based in the company's Woodinville, WA headquarters.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

After five years on the project management team at XL Video UK, Mercer is looking forward to taking up the new challenges and "Exciting opportunity" of heading up the LA operation.

"My role is to ensure that the rigorous quality standards for which XL Video has become known in Europe for providing the best equipment, personnel and service are also operational in the US," he says, "This will enable us to offer all our clients - particularly those touring across both continents - an international continuity second to none."

The LA facility based in North Hollywood is currently working on touring shows with U2, Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, Pink, Blink 182, Staind and The Killers. Other recent work includes Seal, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Lady Gaga, Sunday in the Park with G

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14 March 2016

Working from his base in Cobham, Surrey, Merchant will continue to bring his vast experience of the lamp industry to customers across the country.

A fully qualified lighting engineer, he started his career in the industry with Thorn Lighting back in 1977 and since then has worked across the world specifying lighting equipment on some prestigious projects.

Specialising in supplying lamps to the entertainment industry, Merchant has become a well-known name in the business, with many customers in professional broadcast and theatre, as well as some specialist private sector customers.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Nexo is exhibiting at PLASA in its own right for the first time in nearly 20 years, marking the recent strategic move away from third-party distribution to direct manufacturer support for the UK market. As Nexo's regional manager, Gareth Collyer will take charge of a network of elite dealers, with a brief to expand and consolidate Nexo's profile in the UK and Eire.

Collyer is well-known to the pro-audio industry, having spent the last four years bringing Harman's professional brands to the UK's installation and tour sound markets. He has an extensive track record, having spent his formative years in sales and market development with Bose UK and Lamba plc. He joined Harman Pro UK in 2005, where his career trajectory through the company and its pr

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14 March 2016

ACS was established in 1994 with a mission to supply, develop and manufacture products that protect the hearing of people with livelihoods depending on working in dangerously high sound levels. ACS, which has offices in both Harpenden and Banbury, now provides viable hearing protection and communication products that are designed to help anyone from, musicians, DJs, sportsmen and music lovers to enjoy sound safely.

Jones has been appointed to ensure continued growth in the key sectors of music, industry and motor-sport, through a variety of new systems and processes, which will allow ACS to capitalise on new opportunities in these rapidly expanding markets without compromising the high standards of quality and service, says the company.

Mathew Jones comm

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14 March 2016

One of the founding members of loudspeaker manufacturer EAW, Loyko has more than 30 years of professional audio sales experience. Most recently, Loyko served as Director of Live Sound Sales for Avid Technologies / Digidesign and, prior to that, as senior vice-president of sales at Loud Technologies Inc.

Arturo Vicari, managing director of RCF Group commented: "Frank has a very solid track record for building professional audio brands and is extremely successful in leading high-performance sales teams. He has broad experience in all aspects of live sound sales as well as extensive connections w

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14 March 2016

Created in honour of the late designer, developer and commentator Tony Gottelier, this award aims to recognise the tireless product developers who have made a significant contribution to the equipment and tools that enable technology practitioners to continually push the boundaries of event production, presentation and installation. The award was presented by Rob Lingfield, Chairman of PLASA.

Alex Cooper's entry into pro audio came in 1979, when he realised that a life of rock and roll stardom did not await him. Having encountered Klark Teknik DN27 graphic equalisers while on the road with his band, and realising the company was based in his home town of Kid

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14 March 2016

Having managed the Southern European markets for Zero 88 Scerri explains: "It's time to dedicate more time to myself and my family. After nearly eight years with Zero 88, I felt that with two young children and a myriad of commitments including the recent appointment as Chairman of Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre and the opening of Nexos in Libya, I could no longer give my maximum to Zero 88. Zero 88 for me was, and still, is an important part of my life as I have learned a lot from the many professionals I met and the friends I made. I am sure that the company will continue to grow, offering fine quality products."

Graham Eales, managing director Zero 88 adds: "Fluent in English, Italian and Arabic, Silvio has be

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14 March 2016

The team, led by David Taylor and Jim Niesel, is currently involved in developing projects across the US and abroad. These include the Sydney Opera House Western Venues renovation, the development of a theatre for Baryshnikov and The Wooster Group, the re-development of the Minneapolis Northrop Auditorium and a unique music recording and performance venue in Willamsburg, Brooklyn.

David Taylor, leader of Arup's Arts and Culture business in the Americas said. "Rob is a respected member of the theatre community. His presence within our regional team and energetic leadership in Los Angeles is another step in the global growth of our expert practi

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14 March 2016

Pion, who was previously with digital mixing console manufacturer InnovaSon, told L&SI during the PLASA09 exhibition in London this week that while APG is a very popular brand in France, with installations of its product in venues throughout the country, it has very little presence internationally. Now, with a complete product line from smaller installation models to its particularly popular stage wedges and its line array systems, Pion says he is ready for the challenge of bringing their product line to a new international customer base.

He comments: "I met w

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14 March 2016

Pauline has been working as acting managing director of the NSA for the past five months. In this time she has set up the NSA Board, launched the NSA website and is leading a capital bid to build a Centre of Excellence on the Royal Opera House Production Park in Thurrock. She has successfully recruited over 170 industry members from the live music, events and theatre industries, who will work in collaboration with the NSA's 20 Founder Colleges to deliver world-class training for the world's greatest stages.

Pauline has extensive knowledge and experience of the creative and cultural sector, having worked as a senior member of Arts Council England for nine years, where her role included policy, research, training and setting up Creative Partne

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14 March 2016

As export sales manager at MGC Lamps, Jackson has been instrumental in developing and growing the business and he will, within his new role, help formulate and implement strategies necessary to facilitate the continued growth and success of MGC Lamps, says the company.

Jackson says, "I am very pleased with the results that have been achieved at MGC Lamps over the last three years and am looking forward to the new challenges ahead."

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Hooper will be responsible for creating and maintaining new endorsement programs for Behringer and Bugera, assembling a list of talent that will represent the two lines across the globe. Furthermore, Behringer will soon be creating a forum and blog platform that will allow potential endorsers to converse with Hooper and engage him directly.

As a performer, Hooper is highly respected and boasts a long list of collaborations with such artists as Sheryl Crow, David Sanborn, Manhattan Transfer, David Byrne, Marcus Miller, Lee Ritenour, George Duke and Donny Osmond.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

He will be responsible for supporting the division of the company towards achieving the goals set during the planning, and to detect the difference between plans and achievements, to establish and implement rapidly any corrective actions along with top management.

After graduating in Law and the attainment of a Master's degree in Finance Administration and Control, Vincenzo Marella has held management positions at Pirelli and C. Real Estate, Denso Manufacturing Italia S.p.A. and Valagro S.p.A. of Atessa.

The a

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14 March 2016

Each brings their own unique specialist skills to the design table. James Thomas specialises in auditorium design and theatre planning, with emphasis on feasibility studies, concept and detail design. He brings 13 years experience as a qualified Architect and has worked at Fosters, Make and Thomas Heatherwick. Whilst at Foster and Partners he was part of the winning team for the Lincoln Centre New York.

Sonya Flynn's focus is on the planning aspects of theatre design. She brings nine years experience in architecture having worked with Hawkins Brown; Foster and Pa

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14 March 2016

Childerhouse joins PSCo from the role of CEO at trade only service company BITS. In his seven years with the company he headed up its sales force, introducing AV products to the company's business and managing large projects for the Royal Mail and BAA with JC Decaux. His previous industry experience also includes working with Fujitsu at the introduction of plasma technology, later implementing the UK's first plasma onsite warranty scheme in the UK.

Says Childerhouse: "The move to PSCo is a chance to work with like-minded people in a company that wants to add value, through technical expertise and new innovative technologies. I will

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14 March 2016

Lab.gruppen international sales manager Claus Behrens says, "Sim has got just the right profile for this position. He's worked as a freelance sound engineer for several UK rental companies, and also has a comprehensive knowledge of the installation market through his experience with companies such as Autograph Sales and Allen & Heath where he was involved in product management and technical sales, so he's a great all-rounder. We're delighted to have him on board."

Ludwell himself is equally enthusiastic. "Lab.gruppen has a strong range of technically advanced products that are involved

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14 March 2016

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Monte Wise, systems applications specialist, pro sound, for Bosch's Communications Systems Division.

"Monte was an expert, a true professional. Monte's 'golden ears' were second to none in the pro audio industry, and he helped perfect thousands of sound systems across the Americas, making friends everywhere he went.

"A model for others, Monte's care for our customers was never-ending. No matter what the time of day, he went to extreme lengths to ensure their happiness. For many, Monte was a mentor who improved and helped shape their businesses.

"Always on the go, always smiling and always gracious and patient, Monte's hands-on know-how was an

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14 March 2016

Founded in 1961, the ABTT was started by a small group of enthusiastic professionals, whose main objective was to raise technical standards in the theatre, through the collation and distribution of information on working methods, theatre planning, stage machinery, lighting and sound equipment, acoustics, scenery construction, stage management and all aspects of live performance.

Starting from a membership of under 100 almost 50 years ago, the ABTT currently enjoys a membership approaching 1800, drawn from theatre consultants, architects, engineers, designer

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14 March 2016

Deane has worked at the coal face of live events in theatre, music touring, launches, celebrations and corporate shows as both freelance lighting designer and production electrician across Europe and North America. His business experience includes a decade as a company director, building a corporate rental house to become the leading quality brand, and several years with a premium event production house managing the operation and building a full service offer.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

On hearing that Tom was in need of immediate assistance to cope with day-to-day living, the trustees of Light Relief had no hesitation in stepping forward with a 'no strings attached' grant. Rick Fisher, co-founder of Light Relief, said: "This is exactly the type of situation for which Light Relief was formed. Tom is receiving chemotherapy, which leaves him extremely tired and unable to work and although he received help from social services,

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14 March 2016

Jim Huang will also work with David Jin and M. Lakshminarayan, China and India country managers and with Charles Owen, vice-president of corporate strategy, to dovetail Harman Professional strategies with the Harman corporate strategy. According to Michael MacDonald, Jim Huang will add a new dimension of focus, experience and commercial expertis

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14 March 2016

"Graham made significant contributions to Zero 88 during his eight years, during which time the brand launched Frog consoles and the Chilli dimming range. We would like to thank Graham for his years of service and wish him well in his future endeavours" comments Ken Walma, general manager, Cooper Controls.

With this change, Cooper Controls says it is "taking the opportunity to restructure the Zero 88 brand to better service customers, increase sales, and support new product development".

With immediate effect Grant Bales-Smith will take on responsibility for Zero 88 profitability in all markets outside the Americas as well as sales responsibility for UK, Southern Europe, Middle East & Africa.

Franck Tiesing will continue to manage Northern & Eastern Europe as Z

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14 March 2016

"The breadth of product and technologies that Philips owns will allow us to set the standard in control of systems that are coming to dominate the entertainment and architainment lighting businesses," says Eales. "Our wide range of Strand Lighting dimming, control and networking products combined with our Selecon luminaire range are powerful tools on which we will be working to build and develop our entertainment businesses."

In related news, Peter Rogers, senior director entertainment marketing at Philips Lighting reports that in North America several changes are in progress. "In December we will move our Cypress customer service operations