Pharos - Leaderboard - May 2024

People

Details
Europe - Nearly 45 years after founding Belgian event staging pioneer Stageco, Hedwig De Meyer is stepping down from his leadership role, and has named Hans Willems as Stageco Belgium’s new executive CEO, effective 1 January 2023.
The move, says De Meyer, 68, was intended to take place two years ago but was delayed due to the pandemic lockdown. “Now that our business has begun to stabilise after a very busy summer, the time feels right to pass the baton to Hans, who gave us every confidence that he was the most logical choice of successor,” he explains.
Formerly head of R&D at Stageco, Willems, 51, established his own business, Wicreations nearly 18 years ago. As CEO, he has driven his company to become one of the global live industry’s leading creative players in motion technology. Together, Stageco and Wicreations have collaborated on many of the world

Details
USA - The seventh Paky Award will be presented to Tony Award-winning lighting designer Donald Holder by Claypaky CEO Marcus Graser at LDI 2022 on Saturday, 19 November in Las Vegas. Sponsored by Claypaky, the award honours an individual who has made a major contribution to the lighting industry, in terms of design or technology.
The Paky Award was created in 2014 and named for Pasquale ‘Paky’ Quadri, founder and former president of Claypaky, who passed away that year. Previous winners include ETC Lighting’s Fred Foster, High End Systems’ Richard Belliveau, Barbizon’s Jonathan Resnick (in memoriam), LDI founder Pat MacKay and projection designer Wendall K. Harrington.
“We are proud to sponsor this award in honor of Paky, who always believed in innovation and who made many contributions to the industry,” says Alberico D’Amato, Claypaky’s sales director.

Details
UK - The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has hired Royal Albert Hall executive Ollie Jeffery as director of event operations and technology. Jeffery spent over 18 years with the Royal Albert Hall, most recently as head of production and technical.
Jeffery’s experience at the Royal Albert Hall included developing the venue’s lighting and audio services, establishing an apprentice scheme, and supporting the delivery of around 400 events a year.
EICC CEO Marshall Dallas comments: “As we aim to further establish the EICC as a globally-recognised conference venue, getting someone of Ollie’s international experience and know-how on board is a major coup and signposts our ambitions for the years ahead. We look forward to Ollie helping to drive continuing success during our next phase of growth.”
Jeffery adds: “I am extremely pleased to be j

Details
Germany - After industry expert Dirk Möhlenbrock joined the HOF sales team at the beginning of the year, the HOF team has now gained another event technology expert in Dominik Rieskamp.
Dominik has been working in the industry for over 13 years and is already very familiar with HOF's portfolio. As key account manager, he will look after HOF's major customers in the German-speaking countries.

Details
Finland - Genelec has appointed Kati Pajukallio as AV business manager and Sami Mäkinen as AV sales manager for Finland. These new appointments will bring Genelec even closer to its key customers and help drive continued growth in both international and domestic AV markets, says the company.
Pajukallio joined Genelec last year, bringing with her a wealth of AV industry experience, having previously worked in marketing communications roles for Electrosonic and Audico Systems, both highly regarded integrators. As AV business manager, she will now lead Genelec’s global AV Installation business, helping to develop the company’s international presence by developing its AV portfolio and partner network. As well as strengthening Genelec’s reach and relationships with customers, Pajukallio’s strong marketing background will be fundamental in helping to shape the company’s

Details
Germany - d&b audiotechnik has announced the appointment of Jan Biermann, head of research and development at d&b, to the Board of Directors of the Open Control Architecture (OCA) Alliance. The OCA Alliance is a non-profit corporation formed to promote and support the AES70 standard for Open Control Architecture as a system control standard for professional applications.
The Alliance, which was founded in 2011, supports the development and evolution of the AES70 standard and promotes its adoption through marketing, education and training. In addition, the Alliance develops new AES70 revisions and related materials to increase the value and usability of AES70 as an interoperability tool for the media systems industry.
“d&b has been a supporter of the Alliance since its founding. Hence I am very excited for the opportunity to join the OCA Board of Directors

Details
USA - Following long careers of service to the entertainment technology industry, two of Elation Professional’s sales partners have announced their retirement effective at the end of the year. Jim Harrington of JLH Marketing and Richard Wilson of R.L. Wilson & Associates, both independent sales representative firms based in Southern California, will be retiring effective 31 December.
The choice to call it a career after so many years in the industry was naturally not an easy one to make for either professional. “The decision took a lot of soul searching,” said Jim Harrington, who has worked in the entertainment technology industry for some 50 years, “but I believe it’s time.” Jim first met ADJ Group founder and chairman Chuck Davies in the early ´70s when both worked in retail audio, and he has been working with and for him ever since. In 2008, he started h

Details
UK - Britannia Row Productions has announced that one of its longest-serving employees, Mike Lowe, is celebrating 35 years with the company.
Lowe joined Brit Row in 1987, originally handling accounts for household names such as Culture Club; Kool & the Gang; Jethro Tull; Soft Cell; Joni Mitchell; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Frank Sinatra; and Iron Maiden to name but a few.
“I’d known of Brit Row since it was formed in 1975 and had come together with Bryan Grant on a number of projects since the early 70s,” says Lowe. “When he found out I was handing in my notice at my previous company, he invited me to discuss joining Brit Row with his then business partner, Robbie Williams. It seemed an easy decision for us all to make, and I came on board.”
Lowe has been involved in some of Brit Row’s biggest and most prestigious events over the last thre

Details
Canada - 64 Audio has announced the promotion of Stewart Millager to senior executive officer. Millager has been with 64 Audio since 2017, most recently as chief operating officer, and prior to that he led the company’s R&D team.
“Since its founding in 2010, 64 Audio has become the leader in the custom and universal fit in-ear monitor market, and that’s due to both our people and our product,” said Millager. “Our founder and chief sound designer Vitaliy Belonozhko is the real creative force behind the company and its products. As I take on the senior executive officer role, it will allow him to have more opportunity to work on new products, patents, and inventions while I take on more responsibility for the day-to-day and overall operations.”
“As a results-driven professional with an impressive resume in the consumer and Pro A/V markets, Stewart has p

Details
EMEA - Martin Professional continues their expansion with the appointment of Chris Munn as account manager for UK & Ireland. With almost twenty years of experience in the industry, he brings extensive knowledge and in-depth experience to the team. His passion for Martin products evident, particularly in his lighting design work, Munn joins Martin from working as an energy zone manager on the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, leaving early to grasp this opportunity.
Munn previously worked across many roles in various venues, including technical manager of various producing and receiving regional venues. Also, a qualified electrician, he brings with him a wide range of skills gained from working on events, festivals and tours in every discipline; along with his already proven can-do attitude and hands-on approach!
Munn comments, “I am excited to be part of the

Details
UK - Cliff Eldridge has been named as the new chief financial officer of online platform Second Warehouse.
Eldridge is best known for his tenure as CFO at Meyer Sound. He spent more than two decades with the company, supporting the growth of the American manufacturer before deciding to step back from the role in early 2022.
“Cliff’s appointment is a serious statement of intent from Second Warehouse,” said CEO Phil Van Peborgh. “We have worked carefully to ensure we have all the right foundations in place to position Second Warehouse as the trusted platform for pro AV cross rental, and Cliff is a vital part of that strategy. His depth of experience and the respect he commands across the industry make him a valuable addition to our leadership team.”
“It is a real honour to join the leadership team of Second Warehouse at such an exciting moment for the

Details
UK - Jamie Gomez has been appointed to the position of global marketing manager for Martin Audio and Optimal Audio. Jamie moves to his new position from within the wider Focusrite Group, where he was GMM for Focusrite Pro. A marketing professional with a strong audio background who specialises in brand development and digital marketing, Jamie spent time with Pioneer Pro Audio, before his move into the world of networked audio, recording and post-production at Focusrite PRO.
Jamie Gomez comments: “The opportunity to return to the world of sound reinforcement and loudspeakers with not one, but two exceptional brands, is a unique and irresistible challenge, and one which I’m very excited to take on. With Optimal Audio, the chance to work on what is effectively an exciting start-up brand with an innovative edge in the commercial sector, dovetails brilliantly with the Martin

Details
UK - Applications are open again for Lighthouse Young Technicians, a training course for 12 young people aged 16-19 eager to get to grips with lighting, sound and stage management in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.
Guided by industry specialists, young people navigate all elements of technical theatre to gain the experience that may set them on course for a future career.
“As a young person making your way in technical theatre, it is very important to do what is right for you,” says Poole-based international lighting designer and course tutor James Smith.
"There is no right way to start a career in technical theatre - for some the answer is university, for others it could be an apprenticeship, or a job at their local theatre where they can build their skills. All roads will end in the same place where the aim should be to produce good quality collab

Details
UK Specialist consultancy 3LR Lighting has appointed Stuart West as business development manager for lighting, control and software. West brings more than 25 years of entertainment production experience to the role, having enjoyed a varied career in technical theatre production, venue management and building operations.
Founded in 2019 by Matt Lloyd, 3LR is an architectural and broadcast lighting consultancy which works closely with ETC, Rosco and other leading professional lighting brands and provides expert advice on lighting in TV and film studios, auditoriums, cruise ships and public spaces. Lloyd says: “I’ve known Stuart for a very long time, and he has such a varied and unique skillset that the chance to bring him into 3LR was simply too good to miss. He has so much to offer our clients.”
West’s interest in lighting began in a childhood surrounded by ent

Details
UK - Andy Bell, former operations director at KB Event, has joined Truckingby as events operations director.
Andy has over 23 years' experience in live event trucking, working with bands and artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rod Stewart, the Stereophonics and many more.
“I’m looking forward to bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge into Truckingbyand being a valuable part of their team in expanding their live events division,” says Andy.
Kevin Hopper, Truckingby managing director said Andy’s appointment to the company adds additional strength and knowledge to our live events logistics operation, we are all looking forward to working with him, and wish him all the best for the future with Truckingby.”

Details
USA - This month, the American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC) welcomed Michael Nishball as its newest full member. Membership into the ASTC, follows a highly selective process that considers a candidate’s range of capability and experience, their past industry achievements, and the quality of service they provide to clients.
“I can think of no person more deserving of full membership,” offered Scott Crossfield, Theatre Projects principal and fellow with the ASTC. “Michael’s experience in equipment and systems design is unparalleled, and he is the type of person we want in the ASTC: committed to the industry, dogged about the appropriate use of technology in the design of performance spaces, and invested in safety for audience and performer as his number one priority.”
Michael is Theatre Projects’ principal theatre equipment designer and one of the

Details
UK - Audio-Technica has announced the appointment of Jack Spenn to the role of business development manager for the south of England. Based in Bristol, Spenn’s portfolio comprises Audio-Technica and its distributed brands (Allen & Heath, Optimal Audio, Audio Pro Business and Artnovion) in the UK.
Spenn brings considerable experience within the audio installation industry to the position, having studied acoustics at Salford University before working for Masons Sound, GVAV and most recently Enlightened in Bristol. His hands-on knowledge of AV and sound system design, installation and optimisation in live music venues, hospitlity, education and HOW means Spenn is well-positioned to service and support customers across market segments.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing to build the great brands under the Audio-Technica umbrella in the UK,” says Spenn.

Details
Europe - Two key individuals who have been integral to Robe lighting s.r.o’s international sales team for many years will be taking on new roles in the company.
At 70 years young, Harry von den Stemmen, announces that he will be taking life slightly easier in the immediate future as he steps back from his post as international sales director to continue working as a global key account manager as well as taking an ambassadorial role within the company.
Says Harry, “I celebrated my 70th birthday last month and after 50 hard-working years in this amazing industry, the last nearly 20 as a public face of Robe, I felt it was the right time to adjust my work-life balance, turn in a few less hours and air-miles every month, and spend more time with my grandchildren and the many other hobbies and activities I enjoy in addition to work.”
Since 2003, Harry has been

Details
UK - Michael Grandage has announced that he will stand down as president of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama after 12 years in post. The multi award-winning director and producer graduated from Central in 1984 and was appointed its president during the 2009-2010 academic year.
During his tenure, he oversaw numerous achievements at Central including the acquisition of Royal Title and the opening of the School’s new North Block building.
He established the President’s Circle to raise financial support for Central’s work and to help ensure the availability of scholarships and bursaries for all who wish to train at the School. And through the Michael Grandage Scholarship, which he initiated, he provided Central students with financial support as well as career guidance and advice.
Michael Grandage also supported and mentored Central students thro

Details
UK - CP Electronics – part of Legrand UK & Ireland – has appointed Gilles Silva as its new director of product development.
Having gained almost 20 years’ experience – 14 of which spent in Legrand Brazil’s R&D team – Gilles’ new role will see him take a lead on product innovation at CP Electronics. Focusing on energy efficiency, in line with Legrand’s latest CSR roadmap, Gilles will lead a team of 14 people in the UK, as well as closely working with R&D centres in France, the USA and China.
As part of his new role, Gilles will develop and deliver new products as well as analyse technology trends.
Gilles said: “This is an exciting time to join the CP Electronics team. We have a clear plan to deliver products that help drive energy efficiency, all while developing them sustainably. Our goal is to develop solutions that make installers

Details
UK - Technical business development specialist Neutral Human (NH) has appointed Christian Dickens as co-director of the business.
Dickens first established a solid working relationship with NH founder, Sarah Cox, while working at media server manufacturer disguise as head of support and sales director EMEA, respectively.
“At disguise, Christian and I laid out many successful strategies for onboarding and managing client adoption of complex software and hardware tech as the company grew,” says Cox. “We both understand what each other does and where our strengths lie. Between us, we seem to create the perfect hand-off in the client journey, from discovery to purchase, and then to onboarding.”
Dickens has been in the entertainment technology industry for 26 years, specialising in video tech across a variety of verticals from concert touring to theatre, film

Details
UK - Ambersphere Solutions Ltd has announced the promotion of Lee House to the position of Operations Director. Lee joined the Ambersphere sales department in 2013, following a successful career in technical sales and product management. His commitment and ability to understand all things technical has been a significant factor in Ambersphere’s growth. Lee’s new role will involve him taking on some additional responsibilities and is also recognition of the wide-ranging role he already has.
Ambersphere’s Managing Director Glyn O’Donoghue says: “Lee and I have worked together for more than 15 years, and I am so pleased that he is joining Philip, Ken and myself to help steer and manage Ambersphere Solutions’ future. Lee’s organisational skills and vast industry experience have been invaluable as the industry recovered post Covid, and his commitment to Ambersphere

Details
USA - SMPTE, the international society for media professionals, technologists, and engineers, has awarded the 2022 Samuel L. Warner Memorial Medal to John Meyer, the co-founder, president, and CEO of Meyer Sound.
According to a SMPTE statement, the honour was bestowed “in recognition of his contributions to the design, measurement, and analysis of cinema speaker electronics for cinema mixing, review, and exhibition facilities.” Formal presentation of the award will take place at the SMPTE Awards Gala, to be held on 27 October at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.
“I am deeply grateful for the industry recognition that comes with this medal,” says John Meyer. “Certainly, it acknowledges my personal commitment to excellence in film sound, which is a passion that goes back to my childhood. I always enjoyed the experience of good movie sound – and I was annoyed when it

Details
Europe - Clear-Com has announced the appointment of Andreas Schick to the applications engineering team in EMEA. Andreas holds the title of applications egineer II and brings 10+ years of professional experience in the AV industry to his role at Clear-Com.
Andreas previously worked as a commissioning engineer at Salzbrenner, a Germany-based systems contractor for AV and media technology. His role allowed him the opportunity to work at a number of venues around the world, including music and production theaters, state parliaments, and even the Sydney Opera House. Notably, he helped implement a new stage management and audio system in the Bolshoi Academic State Theatre in Moscow, as well as the stage management system for the State Opera of Berlin, which included a Clear-Com system.
“We are so pleased to have Andreas on board,” said Ernie Addow, senior global applic
  1. Martin Audio strengthens product support team
  2. Walker returns to CT as ME sales director
  3. Adam Hall appoints Gledic global sales director
  4. SGM Light appoints specification manager
  5. Bandit Lites grows sales and integration team
  6. Lightware appoints vice president of education
Page 12 of 184
GLP - MPU - May-June 2024
Robe - Large MPU

Latest Issue. . .