Germany - Martin Schlockwerder has been appointed to international sales and marketing manager at Hannover-based speaker manufacturer Kling & Freitag. This division was previously taken care of by Michael Kinzel, who left the company recently.

Schlockwerder was previously employed as the branch manager of Gahrens & Battermann GmbH in Hamburg. Before that, he gained experience in sales and marketing and project management at renowned media and entertainment companies. As a professional musician, a free-lance sound engineer and a project manager, Schlockwerder has well-founded knowledge of the professional audio market.

With a new colleague in the sales and marketing team, Kling & Freitag will be emphasising the increasing relevance of the international market for the company. Schlockwerder will have the opportunity to expand his network of global contacts at the PLASA Show (10-

UK - Tim Searle has been promoted to project manager working from Blackout's London office. He will further develop the installation service offered to clients and is currently working on numerousevents including film screenings at Somerset House. Other projects Searle has managed include a celebration event for Pernod, a corporate seminar for SPS and the Reebok Tennis Event held in Notting Hill Gate, London.

"Having worked for many years in an installation capacity at Blackout, I am delighted to be a part of the project management team working alongside Chris Brain and Kevin Monks," explains Tim Searle.

Steve Tuck, managing director says: "Tim has proved his strong knowledge and experience of the industry and of our core products and services. His excellent technical and people skills ensures that he is well respected by customers and colleagues alike. Tim also

USA - Wybron, Inc. today announced the appointment of Larry Turner as chief executive officer. Turner brings with him more than 25 years of high-technology business experience with companies that include Bell & Howell and Canon.

"Larry has extensive experience successfully building customer-focused teams in fast-paced, highly competitive markets," said Keny Whitright, president and founder of Wybron, Inc. "His marketing and business development experience along with his technology background will be instrumental in building the Wybron brand and developing product solutions. We look forward to drawing on Larry's expertise to continue to deliver innovative lighting systems to our customers."

Turner comes to Wybron from BancTec, a $350 million corporation focused on business process outsourcing and professional services. Turner was responsible for running a $1

USA - Bandit Lites has announced the hiring of Kimberly Ainge as public relations manager. Ainge will be the primary contact for all advertising enquiries, media relations and general public relations.

Ainge was most recently the marketing manager for D1 sports training, a speed strength and agility training company. There, Ainge oversaw all aspects of marketing coordination and media relations. Other previous employers include SpearHall Advertising and PR in San Diego, CA and First Tech Credit Union in Beaverton.

A Portland, Oregon native, Ainge graduated with a BA in Communication Studies from the University of San Diego.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to join a staff of such impressive people," says Ainge. "Bandit Lites, Inc offers a level of customer service that surpasses all of their competition. It is that dedication to pleasing people that ma

UK - Adlib Audio introduces three new managers to its Merseyside-based operation - Dave Jones (PA hire), Roger Kirby (sales) and Peter Abraham (lighting hire).It is the final element of a staged realignment exercise that started 12 months ago and has included a £250K investment in revamping, expanding and re-organising its warehouse and offices and the acquisition of lighting rental operation Adlite by Adlib Audio.

"It's all designed to streamline the company further and ensure we deal efficiently with the massive increase in workload we've experienced over the last two years," explains director Andy Dockerty. He says: "It's also aimed to free up the director's time to focus on actually structuring and 'directing' the company. Apart from that, hopefully I'll also get time to mix more live bands and possibly even embrace the 'digital console revolution' that

USA - Altman Rentals has appointed Sabrina Asquith to its staff as a rental agent. "We are very happy to have Sabrina join our strong team," says Randy Altman, owner of Altman Rentals. "Her focus will be on working with many of our existing clients as well as introducing the services that Altman Rentals can offer to new clients as we continue to expand. Customer service is a main priority for us and I think that Sabrina understands that and will offer first rate support to our customers."

Prior to joining Altman Rentals, Asquith worked in sales and customer service for City Theatrical Inc. Asquith is looking forward to working in the rental shop side of the business; she is a graduate of SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Film Design Technology with a Lighting Design focus. "I like being able to work more directly with the customers," sa

USA - Production Resource Group (PRG) has named Darren DeVerna president of the company's east coast operations. He will work out of PRG's offices in New York City, Mount Vernon and New Windsor, NY, and North Bergen, NJ.

DeVerna most recently served as PRG's senior vice-president of business development. He also managed the company's lighting, audio, and video operations in the northeastern US and oversaw PRG's support for theatrical productions on Broadway and on tour throughout North America.

He began his career with Four Star Lighting, which he was instrumental in growing into one of the major lighting companies serving the Broadway market. He was president of Four Star when the company merged with PRG in 2001.

"Darren literally grew up in the entertainment industry and his range and depth of experience give him an unparalleled ability to understand a client's needs

UK - Hawthorn has announced that Mark Bailey has joined the company as a project manager. A renowned lighting designer, Mark Bailey, has been successfully running his own lighting company, Embee Lighting, for the last 17 years, working with a diverse range of clients, including major corporates.

"For the last 10 years I have had an association with Hawthorn and had admired how the company had grown, with the right attitude and philosophy for our industry," said Bailey, "so when Martin Hawthorn offered me the opportunity to join the Hawthorn team, I was flattered and I am really looking forward to 'making a difference' for our clients, in my new role."

"Mark is a valued member to the growing team at Hawthorn," said general manager Simon Wood, "He did a great job on his first project for us at the Edinburgh Moonwalk and we expect great things f

France - SA Europe has announced the appointment of Eric Guillaumin as its new Senior Technician. His appointment follows the company's business expansion in Europe and its successful one-year partnership with Robert Juliat, say the company. Guillaumin holds a degree in Electronics Engineering and has gained extensive experience in dimming engineering and development working at Robert Juliat for almost 20 years.

"Eric's technical experience will be so valuable to our growing business here in Europe," said Bertrand Dauphant, SA Europe's director. "We now have many installations on the way which require Eric's skills and knowledge to ensure smooth operations."

Guillaumin's focus will be to provide in-depth technical trainings and supports to distributors and customers while working closely with installation contractors on projects.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - dpa lighting consultants are delighted to announce the appointment of four new designers. Ben Acton, Stuart Barrett, Carole Grainge and Louise Mari Santiago. Ben, Stuart and Carole are based in the Oxfordshire office, and Louise is based in the Dubai office.

Nick Hoggett, partner, commented: "We are delighted with the new designers who further strengthen the dpa teams, both in Oxfordshire, and our fast growing Dubai office. The most encouraging thing is that they all come from different backgrounds, which fits entirely with our approach of making sure the Practice and our clients can benefit from the widest possible range of experience."

Ben joins dpa with a degree in Industrial Design & Technology and three years' experience of home sound and lighting installations, whilst Stuart has worked in film and television lighting over the last seven years and has recen

UK - Patrick Jordan, managing director of Mojo Barriers, has received an Honorary Doctorate, presented at a degree ceremony at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College (BCUC) in recognition for his significant contribution to research into crowd safety at live events.

Mojo Barriers has worked closely on a research project with a team headed by Professor Chris Kemp, Dean of the Faculty for Leisure and Tourism at BCUC, over recent years. Mojo Barriers developed their Barrier Load Monitor System (BLMS) in 2004 to measure the pressures exerted on Mojo Aluminium stage barriers, and measurements have since been taken at over fifty festivals and concerts in conjunction with crowd studies for analysis.

Professor Kemp said: "Patrick's commitment to improving safety at concerts and festivals has been consistent. This Honorary Doctorate recognises the incredible level of his sup

Canada - Pyrotek has welcomed back Gordon Hyndford as project director after a long absence from the company. Hyndford started Pyrotek in 1981 with current owner, Doug Adams, but left the company to explore life on the road. He soon found success touring with rock and roll acts such as The Rolling Stones, Prince, Bon Jovi, and Janet Jackson as well as working with corporate shows like the Pope, American Standard and many others.

Hyndford says: "The knowledge I have gained in lighting, pyro, scaffolding, temporary power, and automation control over the last 23 years has been invaluable and rewarding. However, at some point you have to get off the road. What better place to go then back to where it all started."

Hyndford will be based in the Toronto office, but will also be overseeing some installations in the field for Pyrotek and Laser Design. Adams says: "I am

UK - MGC Lamps Ltd, one of the largest global independent specialist lamp distributors, has announced the appointment as David Jackson to export sales manager. Jackson joined the company in 2004 as area manager of export sales for the Far East and Australasia, recently expanding this area to include Middle East. With a wealth of knowledge from his time at Martin Professional and Celestion, he will now manage the continued growth of the company's export division.

MGC has also welcomed Justin Althorpe to its UK sales team. Althorpe will help promote MGC's new entertainment products including Tryka's range of LED lighting solutions.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - David Stewart has taken over as business development manager of DiFuzion, the lighting division of Fuzion plc. Formerly with Spirit Design, specialising in corporate lighting design, he also spent two years in the entertainment sector with Stage Electrics as well as working with Martin Professional.

Stewart says that he jumped at the opportunity to take on the position in view of the challenge offered by the Futurelight range, which DiFuzion represents in the UK. "I am looking forward to increasing exposure for the brand in the marketplace," he said. "They have a great range of fixtures, from the 1200W scanners on down, and the fact that they also have products fo the live sector formed part of the attraction."

DiFuzion's new recruit says that his medium-term aim is to grow the lighting and control portfolio into a position where the company an offer a

UK - Following Dominic Harter's move to the position of product development director, UK loudspeaker manufacturer Turbosound has appointed Chris Hinds as its European sales manager. Hinds began his career in the pro audio industry with Turbosound, where he spent seven years before leaving to run a tour sound company. He then moved into distribution with beyerdynamic, then on to EM Acoustics before returning to the Turbosound fold.

"I've worked for manufacturers, end users and distributors," says Hinds, "so I can appreciate how each part of the chain works. My move back to Turbosound was prompted because I wanted to have a more European role with a company that has a huge amount of focus.

"Turbosound has a product set that really works and makes sense, going as it does from entry level all the way up to a full touring PA. And Aspect is especially exciting as

UK - Harman Pro UK has appointed Vince Borrelli to the role of senior music retail sales manager in charge of MI sales for the UK.

Previously with Mackie UK for more than seven years, Borrelli explained that he saw a huge untapped potential in the MI market for Harman Pro UK, a fact that he finds very exciting. He says: "I joined Harman because I believe I can make major improvements in the company's profile in the marketplace."

Harman Pro UK managing director Max Lindsay-Johnson said: "We are very pleased to have Vince on board. We believe his experience in music retail is unparalleled and we think he will be decisive in reaching our targeted growth goals in this sector."

(Lee Baldock)

USA - Robe America has appointed Tony Magana as business development manager. He will be based in the east coast HQ at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and will be co-ordinating with the full Robe America team, covering all areas of the country, the company says.

Magana has nearly 20 years' experience in the professional lighting and production industry, including four years touring as a lighting director, programmer, technician and crew chief for leading international acts and companies. He brings a wealth of hands-on, practical experience to Robe America, coupled with a firm understanding of systems integration and the latest digital technologies. He's also worked in sales for 10 years with a major moving light manufacturer and is well in tune with the needs of specifiers and end-users of all types.

Robe America's president, Michael Carattini, comments: "Tony Magana will add d

USA - Arup has announced the appointment of David Taylor, an internationally known consultant for theatres, concert halls and other performing arts venues, to lead Arup's performing arts sector work in the Americas. Taylor, an associate principal based in New York, will be the primary point of contact in the Americas for performing arts clients and the linchpin for Arup's overall work in the sector.

"It's an excellent fit for both Arup and David," said Neill Woodger, principal and leader of the Arup Acoustics practice in the Americas. "He has worked with Arup for more than 20 years on key arts projects around the world. His expertise in theatre planning and design brings an important skill set to our practice, augmenting our existing acoustics, lighting, simulation, venue consulting and engineering disciplines and allowing us to provide a complete and integrated p

UK - With a record year and world sales up over 25% in 2006, Stourport-based XTA Electronics reports never being busier.

"We doubled our production area in 2005 in anticipation of how the DP4 Series would be accepted," says sales and marketing manager Guy Lewis. "This has proved a life-saving investment, as we have been able to keep up with this surge in demand from all parts of the globe, keeping new and old customers happy!"

To maintain the momentum, Stuart Down has joined the company as market manager, with specific responsibility for XTA's growing business in Europe and Eastern Europe. "We have had some great business this year, in Eastern Europe especially, and Stuart will be able to continue moving this forward. He has great account management skills and will, as the saying goes, be a great asset here."

Down started in the audio business b

China - The International Audio Group (IAG) have announced that Paul Dodd has joined the company as general manager of sales, marketing and business development, Lighting Division.

Based in Shenzhen, China the IAG Lighting Division comprises the well-known and established brands of COEF, F.A.L and Apogee Lighting.

Dodd brings a lifetime of experience to IAG in all aspects of the industry having been involved at a senior level in sales, marketing, design and manufacturing for major brands worldwide.

Most relevant for IAG is the fact that for nearly ten years Dodd worked at FAL in Italy as product development and marketing manager. Working with Omar Bertani, he produced some of the most dynamic lighting products in the market today and IAG are pleased to re-establish such a winning combination.

Having spent the last five years as vice president of PR Lighting, Dodd is no str

UK - Dialight Lumidrives, the UK based LED technology provider, has appointed SimonAldred as sales manager.

Aldred, 35, joins Dialight Lumidrives with over 10 years experience in the lighting and electronics industry. He joins having spent the previous five years selling high power LED technology in the UK and Europe in his role as Lumileds' UK supplier development manager. Aldred will be responsible for increasing significantly Dialight Lumidrive's sales in Europe over the next three years.

Gordon Routledge, managing director at Dialight Lumidrives says: "We are entering a period of rapid growth thanks to an increasing number of customers recognising our wide ranging LED expertise. Simon's role is to help us manage this demand and continue to widen our customer base."

Aldred adds: "Joining Dialight Lumidrives is a fantastic opportunity for me, as the company

UK - Northern Light have announced the arrival of Calder Sibbald as their new events manager. Prior to joining the company, Calder was branch manager of Tower Productions South where he worked on glamorous A-List celebrity parties and events.

Calder possesses a degree in Stage Management and Theatre Production gained at Queen Margaret University College. Whilst at university, Calder moonlighted as technical manager for two Edinburgh institutions - The Venue and Liquid Rooms nightclubs.

Calder says: "This is an exciting opportunity for me to develop Northern Light's Events division. Since I was at school, I have worked in various fields of production in Scotland, the UK and Europe. In conjunction with Gregor Murray, our events services manager, I'll be working to build up Northern Light's market share of corporate and celebrity event production."

Northern Light's ma

UK - Bandit Lites has announced the appointment of Lester Cobrin as chief executive for all UK & European operations. In his new role, Cobrin will oversee one of the largest lighting supply companies in the UK & Europe.

Cobrin began his career in the entertainment industry in 1991 working at SamuelsonConcert Productions & Theatre Projects. While there, Cobrin acquired experience in alldepartments. Starting on the shop floor, he moved into company purchasing and sales, andlater into client management. Cobrin covered a variety of projects while acting as clientmanager, including touring shows to corporate events and everything in between.

In 1997, Cobrin joined Light & Sound Design and began to build a substantial client basewithin the concert touring, special events, corporate and theatre market sectors. Whilethere, he also had the opportunity to get hands-on experience as ligh

Italy - Proel has announced the appointment of Hasna Nahdi in Proel's ExportDepartment. Nahdi boasts experience in products and international markets in the installation field and is excited about the opportunity to join the Italian company.

Proel Installation Division has specialised and skilled staff, able to give suitable solutions fitting any customers' needs, says the company.

"I am enthusiastic about Proel Installation Division because I have seen in this company the essence and the great capacity to integrate different fields synergies with the sole objective to match the PA market demand," says Hasna Nahdi.

"Thanks to Proel's consolidated experience and prestigious position in the entertainment, stage equipment, sound reinforcement, lighting . . . we will be in the position to answer widely to any kind of enquiries."

To offer further technical a

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