UK - PRG XL Video, the UK operation of Production Resource Group, LLC has announced that media server and creative video technology expert Patrick Verhey has joined its team.

Patrick Verhey has taken on the newly created role of director media/creative, reporting directly to UK CEO, Lucas Covers. With media servers and control technology taking on ever-increasing importance, especially in the field of interactive and experiential events, this role is a key one within the video side of PRG XL Video's business.

Before joining PRG XL, Patrick worked as a freelance media server programmer and technical specialist, and prior to that was project manager and head of technical support at Coolux Media Systems GmbH. During his time with Coolux, he gained extensive knowledge of Pandora's Box media servers, and in more recent years has extended his expertise to include a variety of ot

UK - POLARaudio has promoted from within to fill the new role of integrated solutions director. Existing head of installation Stuart Leader takes the position and will relinquish his direct day to day management of accounts, taking on a wider responsibility across the whole installation sector, including coordinating system design and heading up the sales management.

As POLARaudio's business continues to grow, Stuart's team has been expanded accordingly, with new installed business development manager Adam Brown taking direct responsibility for key accounts in London and the South East. In turn, Jason Spooner and Matthew Farrugia have been appointed to expand POLARaudio's technical support team.

POLARaudio managing director John Midgley comments, "During Stuart's time at POLARaudio, he has established himself as an integral part of our business and this was a very straight

UK - It is with great sadness that the ALD has announced the death of founder member and Fellow, Francis Reid who passed away on 9th June aged 86. Reid was a much-loved and respected lighting designer, author and teacher who lit hundreds of shows and shared his knowledge and experience of lighting in many popular books and publications and with countless students throughout the world.

A statement from the ALD reads: "Francis was a founding member of the Association, playing a key role in establishing the practice of stage lighting design and the role of Lighting Designer in the UK.

He was 86, and had spent all his working life in and around theatre, but was also an inspiring teacher and a prolific author, who made lighting and the arts of theatre making come alive for several generations of practitioners, at RADA, at what is now Central St Martins, the Royal Conservatoire

UK - Lighting designer and LSi columnist Rob Halliday remembers the late Francis Reid, who sadly passed away on 9th June, aged 86 . . .

"(I wrote this five years ago, as a gift to Francis on his 80th birthday. Following the news of his passing last week, it feels like deserves a wider audience, with just a very sad change of tense...)

Every month as I sat down to write about another classic product, a wave of guilt swept across me: I was the wrong man for the job. There was someone out me who could write better, light better and, for good measure, lived through more of the products that are now classics (and many, many less good ones besides!) Maybe Classic Gear would have been better in the hands of Francis Reid. Or maybe that age, that experience means something different: that we should actually have considered Francis himself a classic!

The qualifications? Well, th

USA - In February, ETC expanded its research efforts, creating the Advance Research Group (ARG) to uncover new technologies and boost current product capabilities. ETC has hired Wendy Luedtke to join the ARG as a product technology specialist. She will work closely with lighting professionals to identify their most important issues, helping the ARG develop technology that tackles their problems and opens new possibilities.

"The ARG facilitates innovation, allowing new ideas to be explored in every area of R&D," describes ETC CEO Fred Foster. "With Wendy coming on board, we can be certain that we're developing the right tools for lighting designers to use in the real world."

One of the first projects the ARG has been working on involves LED colour control. Last year's award-winning Eos v2.3 software upgrade is just the beginning of an initiative to revolutionise colour cont

Germany - Green Hippo has announced that Denis Hessberger, has joined Green Hippo as freelance product specialist from June 2016.

Denis has a strong background in the world of lighting and video programming & design. "As a long time Hippotizer user I am excited to pursue this new challenge and am looking forward to support existing and new users from a user perspective, while bridging the gap between users and development," he says.

Denis's role will be product specialist, meeting and engaging with both current and potential German users; liaising with both development and the marketing team to ensure that the Hippotizer media server range and all its newest features are bought directly to German customers.

Green Hippo product manager Ryan Brown states, "The German market is important to us and we're delighted to have someone of Denis's experience and knowledge. He has

USA - CEO of the PRG Music Group, Mickey Curbishley has announced that he will be leaving Production Resource Group as of 30 June, 2016. As CEO of PRG's Music Group, Curbishley oversaw business development and client support for concert tours, special events, television, and other music-related projects around the world.

"After 18 great years at PRG, I have decided to move on," says Curbishley. "Looking back what a fantastic journey it has been. From a tiny warehouse in West London where we spent the first week removing dead pigeons to the glamorous Hollywood Hills. I have been extremely proud of the professional and personal achievements my time at PRG has afforded me but now I feel it is time to begin a new journey in this amazing and ever-changing industry."

Curbishley also notes that he wants to thank the people that have made his journey at PRG so special. "I will mis

Ireland - Global flightcase hardware and premium 19" racking manufacturer Penn Elcom is launching Penn Elcom Ireland, a new all-encompassing facility and operation which will spearhead expansion in a growing market and be headed by the charismatic Rory Winston.

Penn Elcom chairman and founder Roger Willems stated: "The Irish pro entertainment industry market shows definitive signs of recovering from the economic dip, there are many installations and other projects happening and flourishing! It's been our intention to open a base there for some time, but then circumstances converged to make this a really opportune time."

These circumstances include Rory becoming available to run Penn Elcom Ireland and also the 7000sq.ft warehouse facility in south County Dublin coming on-stream, so with these two plusses, Roger activated the plan. Stock of Penn's extensive standard flightca

Adamson Systems Engineering has announced the expansion of their APAC team with the addition of James Ritter, who will serve as sales manager for the region. The announcement was made by David Dohrmann, technical director, Asia Pacific for Adamson. Ritter is tasked with continuing to build relationships and brand perception in the APAC region.

"James' passion for audio will be an asset to the company and will help him promote the Adamson narrative to the area," explains Dohrmann. "His business acumen and expertise in the Asian pro audio market will help us to continue our fantastic growth in the APAC region."

Ritter began his career in audio as an audio technician gradually working his way through service, sales and R&D. Most recently he worked in China for a major international audio manufacturer as business development manager for APAC before making a move into R&D for the same

UK - Marquee AV has announced the appointment of Ed Draycott as project manager. Draycott will oversee the company's installations in large scale venues, with applications including performing arts, live sound, visitor attractions, education and marine.

Achieving an ABTT diploma from the City of Westminster College, Draycott commenced his audio career in theatre sound before running his own audio installation and hire business. He was systems engineering director of Fuzion plc and joins Marquee AV from RaceTech, where he held the position of head of audio engineering.

Ed Draycott commented, "I'm very excited to be joining a company with the reputation and profile of Marquee AV. The company has an experienced team of people that combine enjoying their work with delivering great results. The scale and variety of applications make this a challenging and rewarding role and I'm

Australia - Lexair Entertainment has announced Renaat De Wilde has now officially joined the company in the newly created role of sales and marketing director.

Renaat brings considerable experience to the role, and will be responsible for driving business growth and enhancing customer experience through marketing and sales activity across Australia and New Zealand including the Lexair regional dealer network.

Alex Mair, managing director of Lexair Entertainment, said, "We are extremely happy that Renaat has joined Lexair. I have worked closely with Renaat previously during his time at High End Systems, and I know his knowledge, skills and passion for the industry, people, brands and products will be invaluable and allow us to meet the increasing demands of our growing business."

Renaat has recently moved to Australia from Texas where he was most recently the VP of sale

UK - Adlib has announced the addition of two key appointments to its Scottish operation - Barclay Dakers joins as business development manager and Craig Hamilton as operations manager.

Both have strong backgrounds and considerable experience in professional audio and the production industry and will bring further dynamics to the mix in the Scottish market.

Adlib's commitment to business in the region was established in early 2015 and consolidated with the acquisition of EFX Audio in November 2015.

Barclay and Craig will be working alongside general manager Graham Cochrane and Steph Fleming, head of audio.

Barclay will be dedicated to building Adlib's brand and customer relations in Scotland and connecting with past, present and future clients to provide creative and appropriate sound, lighting and AV solutions for all scenarios.

Barclay has been in the industry

UK - Chauvet Professional UK has announced two new appointments to its UK sales team with the introduction of David Faulkes as the UK south territory manager for the Chauvet Professional & Iluminarc, and Simon Cox, UK south professional key accounts manager.

Faulkes joins the Chauvet Professional sales team with a robust foundation & knowledge in the entertainment lighting sector. Having worked in the industry for nearly 25 years, with companies such as Martin Professional and Miltec.

Simon Cox, previously UK south territory manager, has moved across to a new position covering UK key accounts with a greater focus on the television and theatre marketplace.

(Jim Evans)

UK - As part of their ongoing growth and expansion into new territories, international theatre consultancy practice, Theatreplan, has recently welcomed several new members to the team: practice manager for the London office, Wioletta Ziemba; compliance and training consultant, John Young; and Revit technicians, Paolo Ribichesu and Andrea Martin Gonzalez.

Wioletta Ziemba joined the team earlier this year to replace Paul Connolly who is now managing the Theatreplan's Hong Kong office. An experienced office manager and passionate about the performing arts, Ziemba is also a gifted linguist fluent in six languages. Her enthusiasm and attention to detail are much appreciated in the London office which is home to the biggest of Theatreplan's three teams.

"Keeping track of all the projects we have on the go at any one time and providing the necessary support to our consultants out

Italy - ETC has appointed Enrico Nobile as European rigging sales manager, a new position devised by the company to fuel the growth and development of its rigging division in Europe.

In his role, Nobile will be based out of ETC's Rome office, with much of his time spent in the sales territories of ETC GmbH and ETC Ltd, working in collaboration with distributors, dealers and integrators.

Nobile's involvement in the industry began in 1979 when he established the design and installation company Elettrosistemi. Six years later, he accepted a position with ARRI Italia and developed the technical department while working alongside Fulvio Cotogni, the former ETC regional manager for Southern Europe and the Middle East. Subsequently, Nobile served as a project manager for Strand Lighting, and later for the Manfrotto Vitec Group, before setting up the TEYCORIG rigging brand in 2011

Denmark - DPA Microphones has announced that Kalle Hvidt Nielsen will become the company's new chief executive officer on 1 September, 2016. At this time, Nielsen will succeed interim CEO, Thorsten Reuber, who has managed the company since January 25, 2016.

"I'm thrilled to join such a strong and talented team," says Nielsen. "DPA sets the standard for professional-quality microphone solutions and I am thrilled to lead the company as it continues to innovate the audio industry."

Nielsen comes to DPA Microphones from Topsil Semiconductor Materials A/S, where he has held the CEO position since 2011. Previously, Nielsen occupied CEO positions at Bang & Olufsen A/S and Br

UK - Leading trade-only distributor of technology solutions, Midwich, has recently hired 30 new employees across the Group in a variety of locations and roles. Ranging from Brand Campaign Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Solutions Specialist and General Sales Manager, the new employees highlight Midwich's ongoing investment in its people and in the areas of operation.

Midwich is constantly investing in its staff to continue to service its channel partners to the highest possible standards, the company says. All new staff will be involved in induction weeks as they are welcomed to Midwich.

Iain Campbell, Sales Director at Midwich, said: "We are delighted to be able to announce so many talented individuals joining Midwich. Our employees are the expertise in this business and they are crucial to our success. We are always looking to invest in our existing workforce and to brin

Germany - The marketing department of GLP recently welcomed a new face as Andrea Schulnig took up the role of new head of marketing. Andrea brings widespread experience in marketing and the event sector, and most recently worked in the IT industry.

Bringing new perspectives and ideas to the lighting industry she will be supported by Uli Steinle, who remains with the Karlsbad company.

"I am looking forward to the projects and challenges ahead," stated the new marketing manager. "Already, by attending Prolight + Sound in April I have been able to get a snapshot of the industry and was thrilled by the effects, emotion and consequent opportunities that present themselves in this area."

GLP CEO Udo K

Europe/USA - Manufacturer and distributor of lighting control products, ENTTEC has announced the appointments of Chelsie Chinnick, marketing executive; Brandon Mitchell, technical sales & support, and Roz Dahlie, training and education coordinator.

"The world of marketing and technology continues to transform rapidly. To keep up with these changes, we've identified three key areas where our staff numbers needed to grow, and so we are thrilled to welcome Chelsie, Brandon and Roz aboard during this exciting period of growth here at ENTTEC," says Jeremy Kumin, general manager of ENTTEC Americas.

Kumin adds, "By fortifying and extending our team and resources, ENTTEC is showing commitment to the future growth and demand for products. We are developing and continuing to maintain our reputation as a leading player in the industry and it is a very exciting time for our new employ

USA - Jim Digby, a 30 plus year veteran of the entertainment industry has accepted an invitation to join the Behind the Scenes Foundation Board of Directors. Jim is the founder and chairman of the Event Safety Alliance and owner of Collaborative Endeavor Group (CEG), which provides international touring strategies and complete production solutions for the live entertainment industry. He currently serves as director of touring and production for the multi-million selling artists Linkin Park, and has previously worked with artists as diverse as The Backstreet Boys, Bon Jovi, and Marilyn Manson. He is a four-time recipient of Tourlink's Production Manager of the year award, as well as Parnelli's Production Manager of the Year award for 2012.

Upon accepting the appointment, Jim commented, "I am humbled to be asked to serve on the Board of Directors of the BTS Foundation and contri

UK - Yamaha Music Europe has appointed Reece Stead as its new commercial audio sales representative for the northern UK and Northern Ireland.

Since graduating from a degree in audio production with first class honours, Reece has engineered, teched and stage managed at numerous live events, including the Village Green and Festifeel festivals, as well as working with artists including Rizzle Kicks, Reef, Lucy Rose, Lianna de la Havas and alongside Andy Shillito, live sound co-ordinator for The Darkness.

"My passion is for live sound reinforcement, so to work with Yamaha's industry-leading products on a day in, day out basis is a wonderful opportunity," he says. "It's very clear that the time and care that goes into the development and manufacture of every Yamaha professional audio product is reflected in that which is taken to look after the customers and end users. I am rea

Europe - SGM has announced the appointment of David Keighley as new executive vice president of SGM, effective 1 July. Keighley has an impressive track record in the lighting industry both as a lighting designer, tour manager and production manager and as executive vice president and chief of operations of Syncrolite, managing director and CEO of PRG Europe and managing director of Light and Sound Design.

Keighley has been involved with the Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2012) and worked with artists such as Madonna, Rolling Stones, Spice Girls, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd and Deep Purple.

Keighley's primary area of responsibility will be to work with and support designers and architects to ensure the right equipment for the job. He will be based in the UK, but will be travelling to oversee global activities for SGM.

Keighley said, "I am excited to be joining SGM

Italy - In order to give a better support to its sales network in this positive trend period for the company, DTS has announced the appointment of Antonio Parise as area sales manager.

Antonio Parise has gained an extensive sales experience working for many years in the lighting industry in the same position. He already knows many international distributors and he is well respected by all industry professionals for his integrity and reliability.

"DTS is in a positive trend due to the big success of the new products, and the reputation of our brand in the professional market is steadily growing, says Paolo Albani, sales and marketing director. "That's why we need some help to give our sales network the support they deserve. So we are really glad to welcome this passionate and motivated new colleague; Antonio is the perfect match to maintain and further boost this success."<

Belgium - Barco has announced the departure of its chief financial officer, Carl Peeters, who has decided to pursue a new professional opportunity. Ann Desender, currently vice president finance & control will succeed Carl as CFO for Barco. This change will become effective as of September 2016.

Ann Desender joined Barco in 2008 and has been leading Barco's global finance team since 2010. She will succeed Carl Peeters as a member of Barco's Core Leadership Team and will report directly to the CEO.

Carl Peeters joined Barco in 1987. His initial roles were in business development. He took up his first senior finance role as CFO of BarcoNet in 2000. He was appointed group CFO of Barco NV in 2010.

Eric Van Zele, CEO of Barco and Jan De Witte, CEO designate, commented, "Carl has been a long term senior manager with Barco and throughout his career has played an important rol

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