UK - Charcoalblue theatre consultants has confirmed that it is working on the plans for the redevelopment of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon. The company has recently expanded its operation, taking on three new staff members plus two additions to its board of directors.
Since 2004 Charcoalblue, created by Andy Hayles, Jack Tilbury, Jon Stevens and Gavin Green, has also been working on the RSC's new Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.2005 saw commissions from English National Opera and Bristol Old Vic, in addition to being appointed by the National Theatre to work on its new studio redevelopment with Haworth Tompkins Architects. Following this, Aldeburgh Productions appointed Charcoalblue as theatre consultant for a second concert hall space at Snape Maltings, and to Newcastle Theatre Royal for a renewed flytower.
This year Charcoalblue was awarded the major consultancy contract to remodel the RSC's main theatre, working alongside architects Bennetts Associates.
Managing director Andy Hayles explains: "The success of our first two years has exceeded our expectations - there is clearly a real need out there for the sort of service we provide. That's why we have now decided to strengthen our team. I am delighted that Peter Longman has agreed to come on board as a non-executive director to help us with business development and that Chris Spurgeon has joined us as finance director. We now have a total of 10 full-time staff, have expanded our Bankside Studio Space and have had to buy a bigger biscuit tin!"
New non-executive direct
USA - Solid State Logic, a manufacturer of professional digital and analogue consoles, is pleased to announce the hiring of Quinton Nixon as product specialist. Quinton will be based out of SSL's Los Angeles office.
Quinton comes to SSL from TC Electronic, where he served as product specialist. Prior to that, Quinton was a freelance recording and post-production engineer based in Atlanta, following three years as a staff engineer at Doppler Studios.
As product specialist, Quinton's responsibilities will include product demonstrations to SSL retail partners, in-store clinics and tradeshows. He begins this undertaking with the recent launch of Duende, SSL's new DSP-powered processing rack unit for audio workstation users.
"I was a recording engineer in Atlanta and always had a tremendous respect for SSL," says Quinton. "I'm thrilled to be working for Solid State Logic and really looking forward to engaging with the thriving user community.
"As Solid State Logic grows its channel product range, we've pulled in some great new guys to bring the products to market and give them excellent support," says Phil Wagner, president, SSL.
Solid State Logic is the world's leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for film, audio, video and broadcast professionals. SSL's product range includes the C100 new-generation digital broadcast and C200 digital production consoles, the new C300 Master Studio System, the XL 9000 K Series SuperAnalogue console, AWS 900+ Analogue Workstation System and the XLogic
USA - Meyer Sound has announced that mixer Mark Frink has joined the company in the position of tour manager.
Frink has spent decades on the road mixing FOH and monitors for artists ranging from Tony Bennett to Joni Mitchell to Meredith Brooks. He also has worked on major events including the Superbowl, Pope John Paul II's 1995 Giants Stadium appearance, the New York Philharmonic/Metropolitan Opera's In the Parks concert series, and the Tibet Freedom Concert held at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Frink acted as monitor engineer and production manager for k.d. lang on her 2004-2005 worldwide tour, on which she performed in concert halls with symphony orchestras.
Frink has also kept his finger on the pulse of the industry through his 10 years as sound reinforcement editor for MIX magazine, as well as a recent stint as tour sound editor for Live Sound International.
Frink is a long-time user of Meyer Sound products, starting in 1989, when he installed an MSL-3 system into Dartmouth College's Hopkins Centre for the Arts, staying to engineer on the system for two years. Since then, Frink has worked with many artists, such as lang, who favor the company's loudspeakers.
"I've always loved using Meyer Sound products and respected John and Helen and the approach they defined for the company," says Frink. "I feel like I've been part of the Meyer Sound extended family for a long time, and now, with years of touring experience, I'm going to enjoy bringing Meyer Sound and the touring world even closer together."
F
USA - Loud Technologies has appointed Jeffrey Cox to the position of vice-president for the EAW brand group. As the new business leader for the EAW brand, Cox will be responsible for defining and leading all business and product strategies, including collaborating with Loud's sales, engineering, operations and marketing teams to ensure the deployment of these plans worldwide.
Cox brings to EAW a proven track record of introducing industry-defining sound reinforcement products and building highly successful business organizations around them. As the founder and CEO of Cox Audio Engineering, he was responsible for the introduction and manufacturing of the L-Acoustics V-Dosc Line Array, a product that caused a paradigm shift in loudspeaker formatting which completely altered modern-day touring and installed systems.
"I couldn't be happier that Jeff has agreed to head EAW," said Ken Berger, senior vice-president at EAW's parent company Loud Technologies and EAW co-founder." He and I share a similar respect for industry relationships and the importance of customer service. We have both built successful companies on the foundation of these principles."
Berger continued, "I have tremendous confidence in Jeff's ability to serve EAW customers and to represent the brand within the Loud organization. His direction will add tremendous focus and momentum to our market leading product development efforts as well as brand messaging, and as such, further solidify EAW's leadership position within the live sound market."
Cox added: "EAW is an
UK - JVC is pleased to announce that John Phipps has joined the UK Sales team as Sales Executive, Pro Video. He will also be caretaking Sarah Lambley's Broadcast & Systems accounts whilst she is on maternity leave. "I am delighted to be working for such a strong brand name as JVC. This is a great opportunity for me to use the technical skills that I have to sell some great products," says Phipps. "I look forward to building on the brilliant relationship that Sarah has with her broadcast & systems customers and creating my own with in the Pro Video division."
Phipps obtained his degree in Television and Video Production at Bournemouth Media School and gained sales experience during his time at university. He joins JVC at an exciting time, as more high definition developments enter into the marketplace.
Ian Scott, director of Professional Video Operation UK, comments: "John has a vast knowledge of JVC's products. As a young, enthusiastic salesman, I am confident that he will be a great asset to the UK sales team.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Aviom, manufacturer of the Pro16 monitor mixing system, is pleased to announce the addition of Jason Frenchman to its team as the company's new director of marketing. In this role, Frenchman will handle advertising, marketing materials, public relations, product research and development information, as well as supporting the Aviom sales force at major trade shows.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to join a growing company and help continue branding its public image," says Frenchman. "Aviom's expanding product lines are having a substantial impact on the audio community in a variety of contexts, from concert touring to TV production."
Prior to joining Aviom, Frenchman was the director of marketing for trade publisher CMP Media and held marketing and public relations positions at Crestron Electronics, Crest Audio and Quantel. His responsibilities included creating collateral materials and writing feature news stories for top industry trade publications.
"Jason will be an important asset to the Aviom team," notes Chandler Collison, business development manager for Aviom. "His experience in the pro audio industry and expertise in marketing development will be key factors in Aviom's continued growth."
(Chris Henry)
USA - John Loufik has joined Community as an engineer in the company's Technical Applications Group. In his new position, Loufik will be responsible for providing technical support, applications and systems overview assistance to the company's wide range of consultants, dealers, representatives and end users.
Loufik comes to Community after many years as an independent audio design consultant in the New Jersey area. He is a graduate of Asbury College and Syn-Aud-Con, and a current NSCA member. "We are pleased to welcome John to the Technical Applications Group,"remarked Dave Howden, Community's Technical Applications Director. "His wide range of expertise is certain to be a tremendous asset to Community's product line and to our customers. He will make a great addition to an already stellar team."
"Joining Community is truly a high point in my career," Loufik added. "This is a team of great people, with great products, and a position I'm confident will be both challenging and rewarding."
(Lee Baldock)
France - Digigram, a world leader in PC audio interfaces and innovative networked audio devices, has appointed Remi Oudinot as marketing communications manager.
Oudinot has a strong background in marketing including a degree in the discipline and over 10 years' experience in marketing and communications in a technological environment. He has worked previously for a software vendor in business process management and most recently for a company providing the technology to produce audio guides for museums and cultural centres all over the world, including such prestigious locations as the Empire State building in New York.
Oudinot is looking forward to the challenge offered by working with Digigram. "My primary motivation has always been to work with companies who can offer innovative technological solutions to their market. Digigram's very lifeblood is to be constantly on the cutting edge of technological development and pushing out the boundaries of audio networking possibilities. It's fascinating to be involved in promoting innovation in this field, and I'm delighted to be taking an active role."
Digigram president and CEO, Philippe Delacroix, says: "Remi comes with a high pedigree in marketing and communications and a good technological understanding of our products and our marketplace. I am sure that Remi will be a great asset to our team at a time when we are deploying some key new technologies in the market."
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Missouri-based Brawner & Associates has added Heath Lane to its fulltime design team. Lane was previously an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln (UNL) where he acted as a technical advisor for students in the theatre design/technology program. Prior to this, he was production manager/technical director for Michigan Tech's Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, where he oversaw all aspects of technical production.
Heath received his MFA from The Penn State University at State College, PA, in 2003. He has technically directed over 30 theatrical productions and has designed lighting for more than 100 events. His background includes experience as a rigger, master electrician, sound engineer and crew chief. On the pre-production side of the table Heath has over fourteen years' experience with multiple CAD programs working with general layouts, build drawings, 3D animation work and virtual software. His added experience in the engineering field is very beneficial to the design team at Brawner & Associates.
Brawner & Associates is a turn-key production firm specializing in technical production and design services for theatre, video, concerts, corporate meetings, themed attractions and special events including lighting design and consultation, technical direction, project management and event coordination.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Genlyte Controls is pleased to announce the hiring of Andy Broitman and Steve Gambino as regional sales managers for the Northeast Region of the United States. Broitman will focus his sales and service in the greater Baltimore area and will be based out of his home office in Doswell, VA. Gambino will focus his sales and service in the greater New York City metropolitan area and will be based in Boston. Both Broitman and Gambino will join Mike Connell, Matthew Burstein, and Vince Mrlack in supporting the sales of all products manufactured by Lightolier Controls, Entertainment Technology, and Vari-Lite.
"We have seen a tremendous growth in the sales of all products manufactured by Genlyte Controls in the northeastern region of the United States," says Bob Schacherl, vice president of worldwide sales. "Driven by this sales increase, we have brought Andy and Steve onto our sales team to continue to cultivate the personal relationships with our potential and existing clientele Both of these gentlemen have proven success in the lighting industry and have brought with them an exemplary desire to succeed."
Prior to joining Genlyte Controls, Broitman was the specification sales manager for JJM Associates, Inc. He has also had a distinguished career with Times Square Lighting and Martin Professional.
Prior to joining Genlyte Controls, Gambino was the regional sales manager for Strand Lighting, Inc. He has also demonstrated previous success with Barbizon Lighting Company.
"Genlyte Controls is a powerful organization to be joining," sa
USA - Lightning Strikes Inc, the US-based designer and manufacturer of award-winning SoftSun and Lightning Strikes lighting products for motion picture, television and event production and other professional and industrial applications, has appointed David Heffelfinger as vice-president of engineering. In this newly-created position, Heffelfinger will have management responsibility for R&D, manufacturing and other engineering-related functions.
Prior to joining Lightning Strikes, Heffelfinger founded and served as chief technical officer of Gray Wolf Laboratories LLC, an imaging technology company in the environmental monitoring industry. He has held many executive-level engineering positions within life science companies including Alpha Innotech Corporation, BD Biosciences, and Bio-Rad Laboratories. He received his B.S. and M.S. in Physics from Wayne State University and an Executive MBA from Saint Mary's College, and holds 27 US and international patents in the fields of imaging, optics, bio-systems and instrumentation.
David Pringle, Lightning Strikes' president, said: "In the last year, Lightning Strikes has expanded its business by introducing new products for its traditional entertainment markets and developing new applications such as automotive testing and wide-area lighting. Dave's expertise will be a critical factor in allowing us to meet the challenges ahead. We are very excited about the technical background that Dave brings to Lightning Strikes, including his innovative approach to optical design."
(Lee Baldock)
USA / Worldwide - High End Systems (HES) has added to its sales organization with new hires, a restructuring of territories and the creation of a new AV market channel for its Digital Lighting products.
KK Mak joins HES as the regional sales manager for China, Southeast Asia and Korea. Mak comes to HES after 15 years of running operations at Strand Lighting in Hong Kong. Based in Hong Kong, Mak is working with HES Singapore in developing sales for Korea, China, Singapore and Malaysia.
Chris Ferrante moves from within High End Systems to become regional sales manager for North Africa and the Middle East. Ferrante, who came to HES almost three years ago with a lighting background, most recently worked in a product support role for Wholehog products throughout Europe. Based in Germany, he will continue to also offer console support until a replacement for his position has been made.
Tony Magana, who previously handled sales for the Middle East, moves to manage all of Southern Europe including France and Spain. Based in the Austin, Texas office, Magana is a senior member of the HES sales organization with more than 15 years of industry experience.
Randy Mayer, regional sales manager for the Western Region, now assumes additional responsibility for Australia/New Zealand. He has been employed with HES for more than five years and continues to be based at the HES Los Angeles office.
Finally, to accelerate the movement of HES Digital Lighting products into the pro AV market, HES has hired Tim DeLaere, formerly with Barco, as the national sales manager for AV in Nor
UK - Tannoy have announced the appointment of Andrzej Sosna as managing director, effective immediately. It's almost six years to the day that Andrzej joined the company at its Scottish-based headquarters as sales and marketing director. The company organisation and management team was restructured when TC Group bought the TGI group of companies in 2002 and since that time Andrzej has been the driving force behind Tannoy's recent product successes in his role as product development director.
Commenting on the internal promotion of his successor, current Tannoy MD and CEO of TC Group, Anders Fauerskov, said: "The appointment of Andrzej to this position will allow me to focus 100% on Group activities and will also ensure that there is now a dedicated 'champion' for all Tannoy matters within the Group. With his wealth of experience relating to international sales, distribution, manufacturing processes and marketing knowledge, the choice of Andrzej as my replacement was an obvious and easy one. Andrzej and his enthusiastic team have already been responsible for many recent successful product introductions in the professional, commercial and residential sectors of our market. His efforts have already contributed extensively to Tannoy's growth and I am confident that with Andrzej managing the company he will push Tannoy forward with even greater success."
Andrzej says: "Anders has spent the last few years setting strong new foundations in place across every aspect of our business and we are now in a healthy position for future growth. I am very proud to
USA - TMB is pleased to announce Lisa Kerwath's promotion to sales manager. Lisa will coordinate global sales with TMB's European general manager, Paul Hartley, and oversee TMB sales operations in the western hemisphere and Asia. Lisa will also help implement a restructuring to accommodate the company's OEM and new architectural divisions.
Kerwath joined TMB in 2001 and is based at the headquarters in Los Angeles. Having worked in TMB's LA, NY and UK offices, Kerwath will help the continued strengthening of TMB's global reach. A native of Georgia, Kerwath represents a tradition of southern hospitality and integrity, qualities that compliment TMB's commitment to friendly and reliable service.
"I am looking ahead," says Kerwath, "TMB's business is more than transactional; it is relationship driven. I intend to maximize our ability to foster and maintain relationships, both internal and external. Worthy goals involve hard choices, risk, and a capacity for change, while never forgetting where we came from and who helped us along the way. I look forward to the challenge!"
TMB CEO Colin Waters declares, "Lisa represents the very best of TMB and its people. With sales under her guidance, we look forward to TMB continuing to go from strength to strength. It's all good!"
(Chris Henry)
USA - Color Kinetics have announced new roles for its senior sales executives. Philip O'Donnell has been promoted to vice president, Americas, Europe and Middle East lighting systems sales. Ray Letasi will become vice president, APAC lighting systems sales, including responsibility for Color Kinetics Japan.
O'Donnell joined Color Kinetics in September 2005 as vice president of North American sales, leading direct and channel sales for the company's lighting systems business. A highly-regarded lighting industry veteran, he brings extensive sales, business development, and management experience to his role, which will now include responsibility for Color Kinetics' domestic sales force, its growing sales presence in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and its affiliates operating across many distribution channels.
Letasi joined Color Kinetics in 1999 and most recently served as vice president of international sales, in which capacity he managed the company's internationally dispersed sales force and broad network of distribution partners. In his new role, Letasi will return his focus to the Asian markets, which he previously oversaw as regional vice president for two years. During that time he led Color Kinetics' sales initiatives and distribution partnerships, and contributed to market-share growth in the region. He was also instrumental in building Color Kinetics' presence in the Japanese market, including the establishment of Color Kinetics Japan.
(Chris Henry)
Audio-Technica announces the appointment of Harvey Roberts as senior marketing manager for the company in the UK. Roberts, who assumed his position with the company on 20 March, has a background in hi-tech and IT consumer markets. He has more than 10 years experience in product and brand development, and marketing and communications with Psion PLC, and Fuji Photo Film's camera division.
Roberts previously spent five years as senior product marketing manager with Psion PLC.His responsibilities included the development, planning and launch of all new mobile computing products, into business and consumer global markets. Representing the company on an international level, he was a key pioneer of mobile computing within the business, initiating and leading product developments. As Product Manager at Fuji, career milestones included the review and repositioning of the company's camera brand.
Roberts' responsibilities at Audio-Technica include overseeing all UK marketing activities for the Audio-Technica brand and distributed brands, and reporting to Richard Garrido, European sales and marketing director, to develop the company's UK marketing strategy. "Having been responsible for communications and brand management of cameras at Fuji, and more recently in steering product development of a range of mobile computing products at Psion," he says, "I am able to bring a wealth of experience in all aspects of the marketing mix to the role at Audio-Technica. I am certain that the skills I developed while at Fuji and Psion, companies who also excel in their field throug
USA - Color Kinetics Inc has announced that company co-founder Ihor Lys is to take on the role of chief scientist, while Fritz Morgan is promoted to chief technology officer, with effect from 1 April. The company says "these executive management changes support the company's aggressive plans for technology advancement and underscore its commitment to continued innovation".
Previously served as chief technology officer for over eight years, Lys will as chief scientist be responsible for the company's strategic technology advancement and implementation, including applied research and advanced engineering in the development of new lighting, power and control products. He will collaborate with the extended executive team to help formulate corporate strategy and product vision, addressing both near-term and forward-looking market opportunities.
As chief technology officer, Morgan will lead the company's product vision and positioning, as well as its technical vision and direction. Morgan joined Color Kinetics in 1998 and has served as vice-president of engineering for the past four years.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Adrian Turpin, who has worked at BBC Scotland for the past 18 years, has moved on to become a freelance lighting designer and programmer. Turpin came from a theatre lighting background prior to joining the BBC in 1987 and for many years has specialised in moving light design as well as Catalyst image design and programming. He will be based in Manchester. He can be contacted on +44 (0) 7801 040747.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Mode Lighting (UK) has appointed Tony Kinsey as export sales manager with immediate effect. A veteran of over 15 years in the lighting controls industry, Kinsey will be responsible for developing Mode's international distribution network.
Kinsey has a sound technical knowledge and many years of experience in conducting international business in Australia, Singapore and Europe. Tony joins at a time of determined growth in both the home and international markets for Mode. "I couldn't have come aboard at a better time. It will be challenging but very exciting to join such a successful team with some amazing products to handle, including the Evolution and SceneStyle dimming systems and I am looking forward to expanding our global presence."
Mode Lighting is currently seeking overseas representation and exclusive distributors in certain countries. The company will be exhibiting at the Light & Building Exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, from 23-27 April - on stand F89 Hall 4.1.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Yamaha's Commercial Audio team and technical support capability has undergone significant expansion since the recent appointment of new general manager Nick Cook, who recently announced the changes.
Reinforcing plans to further extend activities within the installation and network solutions markets the company has named Scott Fraser as installation manager. Fraser will be responsible for supporting dealers and prospective customers with aggregating and installing Yamaha products into complete solution systems. A respected sound designer, Fraser brings valuable experience and insight to the organization, and will also have special responsibility for liaison with houses of worship sector.
Well-known Live sound engineer Nick Pemberton, formerly with console manufacturer Audient, is the newly appointed technical sales manager for the south of England. His role in the North is complemented by Gianni Abruzzese. Pre and post sale technical support capability is also being strengthened with the appointment shortly of an additional technical support person who will work alongside Wayne Powell. An office-based dealer support coordinator will also be announced in the coming weeks, whilst Karl Christmas continues as Commercial Audio marketing manager.
The new enlarged CA team are additionally supported by the recently-formed London-based European Commercial Audio Support Centre. Manned by Tim Harrison, Tree Tordoff, Andy Cooper And Taku Nishikori, this unit has been established to support dealers on an pan-European basis and will also work closely with the London R&D
UK - Richard Keegan has been appointed as operations manager at PSCo, taking over management of the logistical and warehouse aspects of the company. PSCo, a specialist in AV rental and advanced product sales, is the UK distributor of the Infinite plasma, 84" plasma and award-winning Fogscreen. Keegan joins the team as PSCo continues to grow its product range and improve support services. With 15 years' experience in the world of AV in both technical and management roles with companies including PSL and sethire.com, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the company. He says: "Joining PSCo gives me an opportunity to work with a very forward thinking company, with innovative products, that is fresh in mind as well as strategy. They're a great bunch of guys and I look forward to the challenges that this new role will bring."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Award-winning AV company Electrosonic has appointed Peter Gumm as marketing and communication manager, based at their European headquarters in Dartford. In his new role, Gumm will be responsible for the implementation of the Company's European strategic communication and positioning plans. In particular, he will work with the Product, System, and Service teams to implement marketing strategies that assist in increasing brand awareness, market penetration and generating revenue.
An experienced professional with over 10 years business-to-business marketing and communications expertise, Peter has been responsible for marketing a range of wireless and network technology solutions throughout the EMEA region.
"With his international marketing experience, Peter will be a positive addition to the Electrosonic team and I am pleased to welcome him as marketing and communication manager," said David Ambrose, managing director of Electrosonic. "With Peter's broad range of marketing experience and skills, he will centre his efforts on developing greater market awareness of our unique, and industry leading capabilities within the AV application arena. In addition, he will be researching and evaluating some potentially exciting new market opportunities."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - The team at large format projection specialists E//T//C UK expands with the arrival of Andy Joyes as video development manager.
Joyes will head up E//T//C UK's new high power video projection department. One of his immediate tasks will be to help introduce its revolutionary new OnlyView multi-screen control software to the market.
Joyes brings a wealth of technical experience and knowledge in both lighting and visuals to the equation at E//T//C UK. He's worked in the production industry for over 25 years, across every discipline - from theatre, rock 'n' roll and corporate events to festivals and large scale spectaculars - and has also undertaken many shows with E//T//C UK as a freelance engineer and programmer. His touring video exploits include working with pioneering artists such as David Bowie, Madonna, Peter Gabriel and the Stereophonics.
E//T//C UK's Ross Ashton says: "We're really excited about having Andy onboard. This plus all the new technology we are introducing will broaden E//T//C UK's scope for producing the most dynamic projection shows. We will become a one-stop-shop for those wanting very large spaces filled with PIGI, video, or a combination of the two mediums."
E//T//C UK has also invested in a substantial stock of high-powered video projectors including Barco R18s and XLM25s, and Christie K25s.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
USA - Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies, received a Lifetime Achievement award for his service to the DJ industry at the Mobile Beat DJ Show 2006, held in Las Vegas 21-23 February. The award was presented to Davies (centre) by Mobile Beat magazine publisher Bob Lindquist (left) and Mobile Beat Show Producer Mike Buonaccorso (right).
(Sarah Rushton-Read)