Jon Petts, formerly with lighting manufacturer Pulsar, has been appointed to the newly-created position of Commercial Manager. He will act as the main point of contact with PLASA members, working alongside the existing team to ensure that members take full advantage of the expanding range of business services available. PLASA is also keen to ensure it has a good understanding of the day-to-day issues faced by members and the new role will be instrumental in further developing the lines of communication.
Petts has many years' experience in both sales and management roles, having worked for several major companies within the industry, including Martin Professional. His knowledge of both the industry and current trends in product development will prove invaluable in increasing membership numbers.Membership growth is central to PLASA's ambitions to raise standards across the sector, develop industry qualifications and strengthen its lobbying activities. Several industry-wide projects are underway, including a major membership restructure, the piloting of qualifications for the rigging and PA/VA sectors and direct lobbying on legislation affecting member companies, most recently RoHS - the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.
In a separate move, this month will also see the departure of Adrienne Gurman from PLASA's New York-based Media Division, responsible for publishing the market-leading Lighting&Sound America. Adrienne has worked on the magazine since its launch three years ago and has been instrumental in its successful growth. To ensure L&SA retains its forward momentum, the magazine is adding two new staff members to the team.
Matthew Griffiths, CEO of PLASA says: "PLASA is making great progress at the moment and I am pleased to be welcoming three very talented people to the team. Jon's role, in particular, is essential to our plans to increase the membership and it will be a big advantage to us to have someone with his experience and knowledge on board. It's good to see L&SA move forward too, and whilst I'm very sorry to lose Adrienne, one of the founder members of the team whose dedication and professionalism was central to its growth, it's rewarding to be at a stage where we can develop the US team and take the magazine to the next level."
For further information please contact Ruth Rossington at the e-mail address below, or telephone +44(0)1323 410335.
(Chris Henry)
