UK - Paul Sadler, founder of Delstar Engineering, part of the Stage Technologies Group, and now a senior engineering consultant with the operation in Suffolk, has recently been incorporated as a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Sadler is a chartered engineer who specialises in modern theatre hydraulics and is actively involved with the running of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Eastern Area, acting as treasurer for the organisation. He is also a technical associate of the Royal National Theatre and received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Association of British Theatre Technicians in 2009.

Since 1978, Sadler has been closely involved with many industrial and theatrical projects including the stage settings for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express and The Phantom of the Opera. He is currently working on the hydraulic systems for

UK - TC Group International (TCGI) has announced that Scott Wakelin has joined as sales manager for installed sound products in the UK and Eire markets. Wakelin has spent over 15 years as an AV sales and installation manager, most recently as installation sales manager at UK based Dimension Audio. Previous positions include sales manager at Marquee Audio, as well as stints at Crest Audio and Renkus Heinz.

"I am thoroughly delighted to join TCGI as UK installation sales manager," says Wakelin. "It gives me the opportunity to work with many of the most highly regarded and respected products from some of the leading brands in pro audio. I look forward to getting out there and continuing to develop and support our market partners."

Doug Green, VP of installed sound products sales for TCGI, adds, "Scott is the perfect addition to our worldwide Installation

UK - UK-based A.C. Entertainment Technologies has announced the resignation of Glyn O'Donoghue from AC-ET and its sister companies.

AC-ET managing director David Leggett commented: "I would like to thank Glyn for his important contributions over the past 19 years and I wish him well and all the best for the future."

O'Donoghue himself comments: "I have a massive respect for AC-ET and am proud to have played a small part in helping it become one of the premier companies in our industry. The team at AC-ET are incredible and I have no doubt that they will handle my departure without any loss of service to customers. I would like to thank my industry colleagues for their great support over the years and look forward to meeting them again socially in the future."

Following O'Donoghue's departure, the new Chroma-Q contact at AC-ET is Thor-Andre Saether (Spantax

UK - Martin O'Donnell (MOD) has been promoted to director of sales at HHB. A key member of the HHB team for more than 22 years, MOD will continue to report to Steve Angel who moves up to group sales director - a new position with responsibilities for the sales performance of HHB, its Soho-based subsidiary Scrub and its distribution division, Source.

Effective from 1 December, the move precipitates a further reshuffle of the HHB sales team, while also creating new positions which are expected to be filled in the near future.

Nikki Kalsi is promoted to manager, broadcast & SI sales, focusing on sales and services to UK broadcast media technology companies, and with responsibility for Dolby product management.

Greg Wheeler becomes manager, professional audio sales, encompassing a wider brief for sales in the broadcast and computer game sectors with Avid Pro Tools and file-based

UK - John Hornby Skewes & Co has announced the appointment of Richard Morgan as media relations coordinator. A journalist, Morgan will be working as part of the JHS marketing team.

Most recently, Morgan spent 18 months in Berlin as an editor at Communication Director magazine. He has previously lived and worked in the UK, France and Germany. "As someone who has been into music since a very young age, it's great to get the chance to work with musical instruments and fellow music fans on a daily basis," says Morgan. "I'm looking forward to my new role and getting to know and work with everyone in the industry."

(Jim Evans)

USA - Meyer Sound has announced a new dedicated cinema team to lead the development, sales, marketing, and technical support efforts for the EXP line of cinema products (formerly known as Cinema Experience). This strategic taskforce includes Steve Shurtz as technology director; Mauricio Saint Martin as global sales director; and Brian Long as senior cinema and live sound design manager. Jim Sides, who was formerly the CEO of Meyer Sound Germany, will become business development director, EXP.

"As we continue to grow in the cinema market, it's important that we provide the same level of support to our partners in the field," says Helen Meyer, co-founder and vice president at Meyer Sound. "These personnel changes will enable us to work more closely and effectively with the cinema industry and also allow Steve, Jim, Mauricio, and Brian to focus on their core strength

UK - Soundcraft Studer has promoted Alan Wright, previously UK R&D Manager, to the role of quality and continuous improvement manager, reporting directly to Andy Trott, vice president & general manager of Harman's Mixing and Microphones & Headphones Business Unit.

Trott says, "We pride ourselves on the levels of quality and ingenuity across our businesses but we also have a mantra of continuously improving everything we do; however large or small that improvement might be. It is Alan's role to drive the business on all fronts of quality, ISO, process improvements and Green initiatives; we consider these to be business imperatives, hence why this function reports directly to me."

Wright joined Harman in 1995 with BSS Audio then moved to Soundcraft under the same roof in Potters Bar. He has an MBA from the University of Hertfordshire.

"During the past few years

UK - Soundcraft Studer has recruited Garry Blackmore, previously programmes manager at Xerox, to spearhead a wave of new product developments as part of its rapid growth strategy.

Blackmore has a background in research and development, having worked on developing Xerox's multifunction systems, and has a BSc in computer science.

"Garry joins us at a time when we are turning a performance corner, said head of Harman's mixer business Andy Trott. "We have delivered the first two phases of our growth strategy and now aim to accelerate projects even faster. With Garry's skills and experience I am confident we'll continue taking market share and providing our customers with even more irresistible products."

BIackmore adds: "I hope to use my experience to help develop a project management methodology that helps us release even more products to our quality, cost a

UK - Following the retirement of Claude Burton at the end of September, Lee Shuttlewood has taken over the role of professional sound sales - south for Sennheiser UK.

Shuttlewood spent the past 10 years working in the broadcast and systems integrator markets at pro audio technology supplier HHB.

"Claude is very well regarded and played a vital role within Sennheiser's pro audio sales team," says Nigel Mann, business area manager - pro systems. "But Lee's extensive experience in broadcast and systems integration means that he is already proving his worth."

A key part of Shuttlewood's remit is to liaise directly with broadcasters, systems integrators and broadcast hire companies to assist them in the switchover from Channel 69 (854-862 MHz) to Channel 38 (606-614 MHz), which comes into force during 2012.

"We have taken a proactive approach to the Cha

UK - Martin Professional has announced that longtime Martin UK sales manager Clive Bailey has assumed the position of product manager - smoke, working for the company's Danish-based global headquarters.

Bailey's new responsibilities include globally overseeing the company's complete range of Jem and Magnum brand haze, fog and heavy fog machines. A past recipient of Martin's Subsidiary Sales Rep of the Year award, Bailey began in the new position in September and continues to work from his base in the UK.

"Having worked for Martin Professional for many years as sales manager - commercial whilst dealing with a high calibre customer base from hire to installers, including architects, designers and consultants, I know how important our smoke product range is to them," says Bailey. "I'm confident we will remain as the preferred partner within the industry."

(J

UK - POLARaudio has appointed Clive Burns as national sales manager for its retail division. Burns has many years experience within the audio industry and has previously worked for prestigious companies including Korg and most recently Behringer.

Burns has been brought into the business to head up the newly created retail division and to strengthen the rapidly expanding team at POLARaudio. His main objectives will be to underpin POLAR's already strong product portfolio within the Retail and MI sector, whilst developing new business.

POLARaudio's managing director John Midgley commented: "Clive brings with him a wealth of experience and technical knowledge, he has worked within retail sector for many years and has longstanding strong relationships with key figures. He reinforces our quality driven approach to business, we are delighted to have him on board and look forward

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has bestowed its top accolade on Chris Higgs, a PLASA National Rigging Certificate Assessor and manager of the Birmingham NRC assessment centre.

The ABTT Fellowship, given only to individuals who have rendered significant service in the technical aspects of theatre, was announced at the Association's annual Christmas Party, hosted by ETC at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane last Friday.

On behalf of the Association, Thomas Mannings, English National Opera's Head of Technical and an ABTT Council member, commended Higgs, who it was felt particularly warranted the honour this year, due to his masterminding of the PLASA International Rigging Conference (September) - an event which created the first opportunity ever for riggers from throughout the world to gather and discuss c

Norway - Theatre sound specialist TTA has boosted its sales and marketing team with the appointment of Flemming S°rensen to the company. With an extensive background in professional audio sales, primarily in the distribution of blue-chip branded products to the Scandinavian market, S°rensen takes up the job of sales & marketing manager.

Formerly the director of the professional audio department at Denmark's leading distribution company Kinovox, S°rensen is now responsible for TTA's international export. He will also oversee national sales for Denmark and Norway, a territory which hosts some of TTA's most extensive and prestigious system installations, including Trondheim's Tr°ndelag Teater, the new National Opera House in Oslo and the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen.

The appointment of Arva Trading AB as exclusive distributor in Sweden completes the picture

UK - It has been announced that, following a restructuring of the Stage Technologies' group of companies, Mark Ager has been appointed as CEO of the new holding company Stage Technologies Group Ltd. The company's subsidiaries include Stage Technologies Inc. in the USA and Stage Technologies Ltd and Delstar Engineering Ltd in the UK.

As part of this rationalisation Nikki Scott has been appointed managing director of Stage Technologies Ltd.

The Stage Technologies group continues to provide automation and engineering solutions for entertainment venues, live productions, TV and film around the world.

(Jim Evans)

USA - DigiTech has announced the appointment of Tiffany Feltenberger as marketing manager. In this role she will be responsible for all marketing, promotional and new product launch efforts for DigiTech. Feltenberger will report to Jay Woolley, director, marketing for Harman Music Group.

Most recently, Feltenberger was director of product management at Covario, where she managed five major corporate product lines, including three new products that were in development. She also developed online marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and implemented web analytics along with SEO marketing.

"With over 13 years of marketing and product management experience with innovative technology companies, Feltenberger's professional background makes her the perfect addition to the DigiTech team," said Woolley. "We look forward to the wealth of knowledge and expertise Tiff

UK - Worcestershire-based communications and events management firm drpgroup reports that it is creating 12 new roles within the business.

The drpvideo team is looking for new video producers and directors keen to get started in the industry as well as both Midlands and London based editors. The drpdigitalmedia team is looking for a senior web developer, graphic designers and a presentation designer/operator to join the busy team. drpevents is looking for senior level event management staff to help deliver projects for new clients and the drptechnicalservices team is looking for production manager, senior show technician, show technician, warehouse servicing assistant and assistant stage and set carpenter.

The positions, apart from one London-based video editor role, will be at the group's Hartlebury base and are in addition to the 19 full-time and 17 part-time staff members t

USA - Hitachi America Digital Media Division Division has announced the appointment of Debra Beckman as western regional sales manager. Beckman will be responsible for overseeing sales of Hitachi 3LCD projectors in the Western United States.

Debra Beckman has an extensive background in sales management. Previously, she worked as sales manager at Lumens Integration, where she was responsible for the company's higher education document camera business. She has also worked at SMK-Link Electronics and Incline Corporation, and she has led her own advertising and consulting firm.

"Debra brings a diverse range of talents to Hitachi, with a proven ability to create and implement successful sales programs," said Ray Soltys, director of sales, Hitachi America, Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group. "With the addition of Debra to our team, we are in a stronger p

UK - James Isles has joined Richard Martin Lighting as warehouse technician. Previously with lighting suppliers Panalux, Isles says, "I am always up for a challenge. It's a good feeling to be starting a new role at the start of a new year. I am sure there is a lot to learn but I also hope that I can bring a lot to the company and the guys in the Warehouse."

(Jim Evans)

UK - TMB has announced the addition of Kevin Woods to its global Customer Development group. Based out of TMB UK in London, Woods' role will be to maintain existing and establish new customer relationships, plus develop the markets for TMB's proprietary and exclusive products.

Woods received his BA with honours in Theatre Practice at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Before and after graduation, he did freelance work at several different theatres in and around London, including lighting design for Eugene Onegin at the Richmond Theatre and My Fair Lady at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Between gigs, Woods taught technical theatre classes at Richmond upon Thames College.

"Relationships still mean a great deal in our business," says Woods. "I was drawn to TMB because I wanted to be with a company that cares about people - customers, vendor

Canada - John McArthur, vice president of sales & marketing at PAG Canada has announced that Eric Prevost will be joining the sales team as Quebec sales representative beginning 1 February 2011.

"In mid-December we had a sudden need for an experienced and respected sales representative to oversee Electro-Voice & Bosch (Conferencing & Public Address Systems), so we started our search," McArthur says. "When it became public that we were looking for someone, we were surprised, humbled, and very pleased with the selection of candidates to choose from. We chose Eric, in part, because of his successful track record at Steve's and Solotech and what he recently accomplished with Sennheiser. We are very thrilled to welcome him to our team."

(Jim Evans)

Italy - RCF has created a new PR & strategic marketing job function within the company and has appointed Kenneth Bremer to fulfil this role, starting from January 2011.

Bremer will work closely with the marketing team, to keep branding RCF internationally, developing marketing strategies and to keep relationship with all relevant media and to support customers providing them fast product information, and suggestions to invest in professional audio equipment. Bremer will also define the company PR strategy and work closely with company branches .

The strategic marketing role will also support the sales division and research & development department.

Bremer has been working in the professional audio industry for more than 25 years, from retail, distribution and international work. He will be based in RCF headquarters in Italy.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Rosco has expanded its UK Sales force with the appointment of Laurie Giraudeau as sales executive. Giraudeau has experience within the entertainment industry having previously worked as marketing manager for trussing and staging manufacturer Litestructures.

Paul de Ville, senior sales manager comments, "I am delighted that Laurie agreed to come and work with us and help take advantage of the opportunities at this exciting time for us at Rosco. With many new products and markets opening up the timing could not have been better, and I wish her well with her appointment."

(Jim Evans)

USA - Larry Eschelbacher, J. R. Clancymanager of controls engineering, has been promoted to the position of director of engineering.

In his new role, Eschelbacher will supervise both the controls engineering and mechanical engineering departments at Clancy. His responsibilities include both off-the-shelf products and custom jobs for performance spaces of every size.

Eschelbacher came to J. R. Clancy in 1994 to manage the company's controls department. Since his arrival, he has designed controls for more than 1,000 motorised rigging projects, from simple up/down operation to complex systems with more than 300 motors. Some of the projects in Eschelbacher's list include the just-completed Carmel Performing Arts Centre in Indiana, the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City, and Segerstrom Hall in the Orange County Performing Arts Centre

USA - Liberty AV Solutions has appointed Alan Richards as the company's new Eastern director of sales.

Now responsible for overseeing all aspects of sales activity conducted throughout the region, Richards comes to his new post with over 20 years of experience within the AV industry. Formerly with Jerusalem, Israel-based Kramer Electronics, where he served as VP of sales for the US market, Richards will make New Jersey his home base of operations on behalf of Liberty.

Richards effectively replaces Liberty's former Eastern director of sales Dan Reich, who has taken on new responsibilities within the company as its sales operations manager. In this capacity, Reich will assume day-to-day management of all zone managers throughout the US, order entry, and be working closely with internal sales operations revolving around purchasing, marketing, and finance.

(Jim Evans)

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