ETC CEO Fred Foster passes away at age 61

USA - ETC has announced that Fred Foster, its co-founder and CEO, has passed away at the age of 61. Foster started ETC in 1975 with the goal of installing the first memory lighting-control system in the New York Metropolitan Opera House. He went on to develop a wide range of innovative products including Mega-Cue, perhaps the first console to utilise digital multiplexed data over two conductors between the desk and dimmers; the Concept console that led to the Expression / Express line of control desks; the Obsession Console and the Sensor Dimming System. He also contributed to the design of the Eos, Congo and Ion desks and led the commercialisation of what became the Source Four family of spotlights.
A statement from the company reads: “Foster was a visionary, an innovator, and a role model. The ETC culture of family, support, and encouragement is attributed to Foster and his vision of a creating a people-focused environment. It’s difficult to put into words what it has been like to work for and with such an inspiring leader.”
“One of Foster’s greatest qualities was his ability to bring people together and rally them around a goal or a vision. Whether it was a new product technology, a tradeshow booth design, or an employee meeting space, he was always creating, always making, and always giving. His ideas were big, and his heart bigger.”
Foster is credited with countless industry contributions, ranging from product innovations to student mentorship programmes. He has been recognised repeatedly for his philanthropy from a number of organizations, and in 2010 was awarded PLASA’s prestigious Gottelier Award for his impressive work in product development.
ETC continues: “Foster announced his cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2015 and went through extensive treatment to prolong his life. Those who knew him best would confirm he was a nature lover and enjoyed activities such as pond yachting and downhill skiing. Foster died peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. Both of his children, daughter Kate Foster and son James Foster, as well as his wife, Susan Foster, are employed at ETC.”
You can read more about Foster and his life of giving at etcconnect.com/Fred-Foster
(LSi Online)

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