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UK - The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) has announced that Diane Grant of DHA Lighting and Andrew Bishop of Carlsbro Electronics have been elected PLASA chairman and vice-chairman respectively, with Tim Brown of Apple Sound re-elected as PLASA treasurer. The Association's previous chairman, David Hopkins (OBE) of Audio Design Services remains on the PLASA committee, but former vice-chairman Sammy de Havilland steps down, having completed his term in office.

During the year ahead, the new committee will focus on several key themes, including improved services for the membership and greater emphasis on safety and training.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - MC2 Audio is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Bradshaw-Smith as a Director with the company. Having started his working life outside the pro audio industry, Robert has been with MC2 Audio for just over eight years and has worked with huge commitment throughout that time, taking on whatever task has been required as the business as grown and developed, whilst acquiring a broad knowledge of electronics at the same time. Managing director, Ian McCarthy says: "Rob is an asset to MC2 Audio and Terry and I are delighted to have him alongside as a director."

The company has also announced the appointment of Stuart Down as UK sales engineer, beginning on 1 February. Down has been with MC2 Audio for just over a year, before which he spent 10 years working as a sound engineer in theatres and on live music productions.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Ray van Straten has been promoted to serve as QSC's new MI/Retail market manager following 15 months spent with the company giving guidance to retail market development. With over 20 years of experience in the retail sector to his credit, van Straten is a self-described "gear hound" who lives and breathes new technology.

"Ray has been out in the field for months, talking with sales people and listening to customers," says QSC global sales manager Greg McLagan. "As the technologies, end-users, and methodologies for doing business have rapidly evolved, he has been on top of things with his finger right on the pulse of what's happening. The wealth of experience he brings to this assignment is invaluable, plus he has solid plans for leading us into new channels not traditionally associated with retail."

An accomplished musician and published son

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USA - Loud Technologies Inc (formerly Mackie Designs) has appointed Mark Madison as group manager for the newly-created EAW Commercial division, with responsibility for defining and implementing sales and distribution programs for the new division. Madison will also serve as the primary link between field sales, marketing and the EAW Commercial product development team with full responsibility for sales strategy, policies and procedures, promotional activities, customer relationships, product applications, and presentation standards.

Madison has over 25 years of experience in the audio-visual world, having worked in broadcast, production, sound reinforcement, studio recording, video conferencing, and all forms of sound and video contracting and systems integration. He has designed and managed over 1,000 projects with ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars for

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USA - Allan Nichols has been appointed as central regional sales manager for DiGiCo LLC. He will also manage the new DiGiCo sales office at the SoundCheck facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Nichols joins DiGiCo after a four-year stint as sales director for Allen & Heath USA. Previously he has worked for a number of audio console companies as director of sales and marketing for Crest Audio, vice-president of sales and marketing for Soundcraft/AMEK USA and six years as national sales manager for Klark-Teknik, DDA and Midas.

"I worked with Allan at Midas, so it's great to have him back as he truly understands audio mixing products," said Ivan Schwartz, sales manager for DiGiCo LLC. "This makes him the ideal candidate to help further grow DiGiCo's very successful business here in the States."

Nichols comments: "DiGiCo offers exceptional technology for touri

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UK - Theatre sound specialist Orbital has made three new appointments to its technical support, accounting and stores divisions. With over 12 years of experience mixing some of the top musicals in the capital, Nihal Bidak ('Sweep') is a well-known face in London's West End. She joins the technical support department to offer vital administrative and client liaison support.

Phil Dormer has returned to Orbital to work alongside Eric Simpson and his busy team in the company's stores. At present he is preparing a number of systems to be dispatched into the West End, as well as a host of touring productions including The Full Monty, Whistle Down The Wind and Slam Dunk.Finally, Sam Thomas has been appointed to work alongside David Gordon as credit control and administrative support, bringing a wealth of accountancy experience to the team.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Primedia Business Magazines & Media has announced that David Johnson, long-time editor of Entertainment Design (ED) and a veteran of both Entertainment Design and Lighting Dimensions magazines for 10 years, has been named associate publisher/editorial director of the magazines with immediate effect, reporting to group publisher, Bob MacArthur.

The move comes as two of the magazine's staff leave the company - David Barbour, long-time editorial director for the magazines and publisher, Jackie Tien. "Jackie Tien and David Barbour should be proud of what they helped build here over such a long period of time," says Primedia Business senior vice-president Pete May, "and of their numerous contributions to the entertainment lighting industry. We thank them for all they have done. David Johnson will build on that foundation to bring growth and d

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UK - Millbank Electronics, designers and manufacturers of sophisticated PA/VA equipment have expanded its operation in the UK, appointing Rowland Sleap as systems sales manager. Rowland has a wealth of experience in the audio industry, having worked in the distinct but complementary pro audio industry for over 15 years. Working alongside UK sales manager, Pat Bradley, he will handle the southern region of the UK, and liaise with the new Millbank distributor network, presenting integrated PA/VA systems solutions across a diverse range of applications.

Sleap commented: "I'm delighted to have joined Millbank's dynamic team. I'm looking forward to working with the team and expanding the brand into a host of markets."

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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USA - Furman Sound, the US manufacturer of AC power conditioning systems, has promoted Steve Rose to vice-president of product development, from vice-president of operations. In this new position, Rose, who has been with Furman Sound since late 1999, will institute new marketing analysis and plans, develop and source new products, gather competitive market intelligence, and manage the company's strategic marketing plan.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - VME Ltd, the audio and lighting sales and hire company, has appointed Jane Fernihough as its new events director. Fernihough joins VME having spent the past seven years at Wigwam Acoustics where she was part of the Wigwam Events Team. Her experience with both indoor and outdoor events range from the Royal Albert Hall to some of Europe's largest parks, and televised events for Britain's leading gospel television station.

Prior to her post at Wigwam, Fernihough had worked in a variety of roles in the entertainment industry. Her responsibilities as VME events director is to extend the company's client base and to fully utilize all the facilities that VME have at their disposal.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - Having settled in to its new bases in Emerson Street, London and in Crayford in Kent, DHA Lighting has announced several new staff appointments. New to the customer services department are Eleanor Bound (née Eleanor Strathie, and known as such during her time at lighting supplier White Light), Tessa Randall and Michelle Green. They join the rest of the customer services team at DHA's London office. This team is responsible for handling all customer enquiries and, with their comprehensive knowledge of DHA's full product range, can offer advice on the best products for particular projects or for creating particular effects. DHA Lighting's accounts department is also growing, with Carol Galatola joining the accounts team.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - beyerdynamic (GB) has appointed Chris West of Whizwest Ltd to act as the company's Press and PR agent. West, who was UK sales manager of Harman Audio's Professional Products Division during the nineties, has since acted as marketing man for several other companies, including Creative Labs, Mackie, Oram Pro and Soundtracs. He also has hands-on experience as recording engineer for a variety of artists. John Midgley, managing director of beyerdynamic (GB) said: "We're very pleased to have Chris on board. His depth of knowledge and 30 years experience of the industry is valuable to us. The need to communicate the benefits of our products and to monitor the market is paramount."

West commented: "The team at beyerdynamic are fantastic. They are technically proficient, product knowledgeable and really nice to work with. The current portfolio is extensive but well ba

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- With over 25 years at the leading edge of loudspeaker innovation, Mission launched its Professional Division with the intention of bringing products to the installation, pro-AV and studio markets.

For the past two years Mission has focused on development of a range of dedicated products for its new division. The installation and portable products are designed specifically for applications where advanced DML (distributed mode loudspeaker) technology offers a significant advantage over traditional cone systems - applications that require high intelligibility with wide, even coverage within both good and difficult reverberant acoustic environments. In addition, Mission has used its extensive R & D resources to design two new passive and active nearfield studio monitors.

Now, with a complete product range, the organization has been strengthened to turn the focus on to sales, ma

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USA - A.C.T Lighting Inc, the North American distributor of MA Lighting, Zero 88, Artistic Licence and Selecon, has announced the hiring of industry veteran Tim Bachman as sales manager. A.C.T's president Bob Gordon says: "Tim has had a long and successful career in the entertainment lighting industry, and his experiences, both working on the manufacturer and dealer sides of the fence, will prove invaluable to us."

"I'm excited to be part of a team with such a great reputation for exceptional service," says Bachman. "We share the same values for wanting to be able to provide a high-quality product on short notice, and then being there with the details and solutions when the customer needs help. I'm looking forward to working with many industry friends that I've known in my other roles, and making new friends in the A.C.T Lighting customer base."

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UK - After "hunting for someone special" to head up its UK operation for the past six months, PASO, the Italian sound system manufacturer, has announced the appointmentr of industry stalwart Bob Harrison.

Having served a total of 17 years with Beyerdynamic, Harrison is one for long stretches and is now looking forward to doing time with the Milan-based company. He cpmments: "People may be surprised, but it had to be the right opportunity to entice me to leave Beyer and this role with PASO fits the bill perfectly. It is a challenge, but one with a respected and experienced manufacturer with a brand name that is associated with quality throughout the world. Just take a look at some of the recent installations that have used PASO products and you'll know why I was more than happy to be hunted down."

PASO are already well positioned in the marketplace in terms

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USA - Pro audio industry veteran Tim Schaeffer has been appointed director ofsales for Allen & Heath USA. The company was established in 2002 by NAPA to provide US distribution for the British audio mixing console manufacturer.

Schaeffer has over 20 years' experience in the pro audio business and a successful track record in sales management, business development, and strategic marketing. For the last two years he was vice-president of the Public Address Business Unit at Klotz Digital America in California, where he was responsible for all sales and marketing management of the newly established business unit.

Prior to that, Schaeffer was general manager, western region, for AMX Corporation. He joined AMX in 2001 following five years at Otari Corporation, where he rose to the position of vice-president.

Beginning his career in 1979 with several years in pro audio retail sales

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France - Nexo S.A. has announced the appointment of Anthony McLean as its new marketing director, to be based in Paris, France. McLean, who is well known to the audio industry on both sides of the pond, has more than 30 years' experience as a media producer and sound engineer. With a BA in Communications (Hope College, MI) and graduate studies in journalism, McLean's career as a print journalist began in college and continued from 1984 until 1991 as Arts Critic for the Evansville (IN) Courier (Scripps-Howard) newspaper. For 12 years, beginning in 1991, McLean served as editor-in-chief of Live Sound! International magazine. His new role will take him from Kansas to Paris, where he will be responsible for the international marketing operations of one of the world's leading loudspeaker manufacturers. By basing himself in France, he will bring American market knowledge to the heart of

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UK - LCA - Lights, Camera, Action Ltd - has launched its web-shop and product guide, starting with the full range of Filmgear Lighting. New and existing customers can now access detailed information on each of the lights in the FilmGear range and buy online.

Over the coming months, the web-shop will include the full range of products represented by LCA, including Manfrotto, Avenger, Rosco, Mole Richardson, Power To Light ballasts, textiles, replacement bulbs, consumables, spare parts, accessories and second-hand lighting and cameras.

Nick Shapley, managing director said: "Today, with Internet becoming more and more part of everyone's lives, we felt we needed to cater for those living in the age of technology, by offering them the convenience to shop online. We have decided to roll out the webs-shop in stages as LCA has a portfolio of over 5,000 products so it is a mammoth

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UK - CIE-Group has said a fond farewell to managing director John O'Boyle, who retired on Friday 30 January, after 29 years with the company. CIE-Group, which includes commercial audio brand CIE-Audio, has built a formidable portfolio over the years under O'Boyle's direction, with exclusive UK representation for brands including Inter-M, Amina, Chiayo, Euromet, Armstrong i-ceilings, Switchcraft and Chauvet Lighting - to name but a few. O'Boyle comments: "My time with CIE-Group has been a great and varied experience, having visited over 20 countries in the course of business, met many interesting people and enjoyed some unforgettable experiences with rarely a dull moment in between. In retirement, I will be focussing on the really important things in life - golf, sunshine holidays and sleeping late(er)!"O'Boyle's responsibilities within CIE-Group will be taken over by the

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UK - LCA - Lights, Camera, Action Ltd - has appointed Cheryl Jack to its sales team. Cheryl, who has a degree in TV stage and floor management, has taken the position of client contact at the Greenford office after an established career in the industry, most recently at Rosco in London. She comments: "After being away from the industry for a few years, I was delighted to be offered this role and am excited about the opportunity to work with a very informed and dedicated group of people. I'm also looking forward to widening my knowledge of the lighting industry."

Nick Shapley, managing director stated: "We are very pleased to welcome Cheryl to our team and with her knowledge of Rosco products believe she will be a true asset to the team."

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Complementing the recently-announced changes to the staff of White Light Hire, the White Light Group is pleased to announce one further change of position and two more new appointments.

Richard Wilson, White Light's long-serving operations director spent many years as he making the practical side of getting the lights out of the door work he is now moving to the position of business development director, working to introduce The White Light Group to new clients and new areas of business. Bryan Raven, White Light Group's general manager, commented: "Richard's record of making the sharp end of our business work is well proven - after all, however much we promise it means nothing unless we actually get the right lights out at the right time! Having successfully established new working methods for our warehouse in the two years since our move to Wimbledon from Fulham, Rich

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Acclaimed lighting designer Rory Dempster passed away on 7 February. A pioneering lighting designer, Rory worked with Andy Phillips at the Royal Court in London during the 1960s and 1970s, establishing the Court's 'white light' principle - that nothing was more important on the stage than the actor's face. During this time, Rory worked with some of the best playwrights of the day, including Trevor Griffiths, Michael Frayn, Howard Brenton, Athol Fugard and David Hare. He could also change style when the show demanded, such as in his design for the Royal Court's original production of The Rocky Horror Show.

A lover of theatre, Rory subsequently became involved in projects beyond the Royal Court: he was a founding partner of lighting rental company White Light; he was part of the team that created the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith; he was deeply involved with Field Day in Northe

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UK - Pro audio manufacturer Allen & Heath held a presentation last week to commend several members of staff who have been employees of the company for 20 years or more. The honours list comprised design manager Carey Davies, PCB supervisor Winnie Gerred, product tester Mandy Berry, SMT production engineer Mike Cock and production manager Chris Abbott. The selected members were presented with personalized gifts of their own choice, including jewellery, commemorative coins and a guitar.

Allen & Heath relocated to Cornwall in 1981 from premises in London. The presentation coincides with the company's 35th anniversary, which it plans to celebrate later in the year. "In the modern era of job mobility, somebody who has committed 20 years or more to the same company is a valued employee and should be recognized as such," commented managing director, Glenn Rogers. "Allen

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USA - American Audio, a division of the American DJ Group of Companies, has completed the expansion of its management team with the appointment of Tom Freret as audio sales manager. A well-known audio industry figure for nearly two decades, Freret will work closely with the company's current management staff - accounts coordinator Alfred Gonzales, technical director Joey Corral and consumer and artist relations manager Danny Cabrerra.

"Our entire audio team is delighted to welcome an individual as talented and knowledgeable as Tom on board," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. "Tom brings with him a unique blend of skills and experience. Not only does he have an extensive background in audio, he's worked in every facet of the business including retailing, so he has a hands-on understanding of our dealers' concerns and can prov

  1. Todd Hucul joins Q1
  2. Pablo La Rosa joins Stanton
  3. Audient strengthens its Board
  4. D.A.S. marketing shifts gears
  5. New developments at the PSA
  6. Powell made director of Bandit UK
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