As Vari-Lite Production Services expands into new markets and increases its market appeal, the company today announces the addition of lighting industry veterans Andrew Nikel and Mark Rudge as account managers for the VLPS offices in New York and Los Angeles respectively. "Because VLPS is expanding its sphere of influence, we need leaders with experience in new markets who also have an understanding of the markets that have long been a part of our foundation," said Rusty Brutsché, Vari-Lite chairman and CEO. "Andrew and Mark have that expertise, and will be key in helping extend our reach into new markets where automated lighting is beginning to be used more frequently."Nikel, who began in the lighting industry as a master electrician in regional theater, spent 13 years with Production Arts/Fourth Phase. He most recently served as senior project coordinator for their systems integration group. Rudge joins VLPS from Olesen Lighting, where he was general manager of the film- and TV-based company. A 16-year industry veteran, he previously worked with Key Light PSI, a film lighting company, and also spent time as a freelance lighting designer, working with corporate and industrial events as well as musical acts.
