A well-known and highly respected figure in the pro audio industry, Rob was most associated in recent years with UK manufacturer Martin Audio, where he was sales and marketing director - a role he left relatively recently, having helped guide the development and launch of the award-winning MLA system.
As is so often the case with leading pro audio figures, Rob did not start out in audio: he trained and qualified as a drama teacher before dabbling with work as a DJ, promoter, lighting designer and roadie - all of which led him to join forces with Malcolm Hill and start Hill Audio in the early 1980s. Hill Audio would go on to build the PA system for the world-famous Live Aid concert in 1985. Later, after selling Hill Audio to Millbank Electronics, Rob spent more than three years with Renkus-Heinz, before moving to David Bissett-Powell's Martin Audio.
PLASA informed its members yesterday: "Rob had been battling cancer for over a year and it is a testament to his courage and strength that he continued to play an active role in the industry right up until this last month."
PLASA's CEO Matthew Griffiths said of Rob: "Rob was a major player in the pro audio side of the industry, particularly during his time with Martin Audio, but he was also an influential and strong advocate of PLASA which saw him lead the organisation as Chairman from 2007 up until the present day. His ability to see the bigger picture and ask crucial questions of the PLASA management ensured that a clear direction has been followed over the past five years, including the successful merger with ESTA. His energy, counsel and support will be incredibly missed by us all. Our thoughts are with his family, his colleagues at Martin Audio and the many, many friends he has in the industry."
As those friends and colleagues continue to pay their heartfelt tributes to Rob, there can be no doubt that the industry has lost a true gentleman and one of its best-loved individuals.
Rob, who passed away peacefully on Sunday night (June 19th), is survived by his sons Edward and Harry, and long term partner Andrea.
Details of the funeral arrangements will be made available shortly.
(Lee Baldock)
