Singapore - Kheong Sen Lim has joined d&b audiotechnik as business development manager for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, based in the company’s Singapore office.
Kheong has spent the last 30 years working in various capacities in the audio and performing arts industry. He has hands-on experience in sound system design, distribution sales, system integration and project management.
Fluent in English, Malay and Chinese, Kheong will travel across the APAC region, predominantly focusing on enhancing reach and awareness of the latest developments from d&b, including the SL-Series and the Soundscape system.
Most recently, Kheong was a senior consultant for Marshall Day Entertech, based in Melbourne, providing theatre and sound system design advice to a variety of clients in Australia, New Zealand and globally. He has a degree in Recording Arts, with diplomas in technical production and project management, as well as experience as a sound operator, and sound system designer.
(Jim Evans)

USA - Belgian pro audio manufacturer, Apex Audio, has reinforced its US operations with the appointment of experienced industry professional, Ineke Priepot. Based in Nashville, TN, Priepot’s role is sales and business development with the aim of setting up and running a dealer/rep network across the US.
Priepot will be handling the full range of Apex DSP audio products including the Intelli-Series system processors, with particular emphasis on the newly launched Class D SMA-1 amplifier module.
“Ineke is a highly experienced sales professional who knows this business inside out,” says Apex managing director, Paul Van Hees. “She is also a respected sound engineer with a strong technical background and has a solid network of contacts in the US, so we’re confident that she’ll be able to help us establish the Apex brand in the US.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Orlando-headquartered Professional Wireless Systems has expanded their rental programme with the addition of Lucas Lewis, national rental manager. The announcement was made by Jim Van Winkle, general manager.
“Our organisation continues to expand,” explains Van Winkle. “We have always had a national rental presence but have lacked a specific point person - Lucas is now that person. This will allow us to provide our products and services to a broader base of customers. We are very excited to have him on board.”
Based in Orlando, Lewis is charged with not only working with production companies, but also reaching out to establish a presence with houses of worship, schools, and corporate AV.
Prior to joining Professional Wireless, Lewis worked with PRG as an audio asset manager where he oversaw the flow of assets internally moving between different locations to meet the needs of different regions. Before joining PRG he did commercial AV installs for Ford AV including teleconferencing, video networking and distributed audio.
(Jim Evans)

Spain - Alfonso Luria Carrió has been appointed sales manager for d&b audiotechnik Spain.
Carrió, who has worked in the pro audio industry since he was 16, joins the team from SoundLight Spain. He will focus on coordinating the activity of all d&b partner organisations and consolidating growth in the fixed install market. Carrió’s appointment follows the announcement of Christian Orcin as the new managing director of d&b audiotechnik Spain in March.
“I am happy to join the d&b team, and very excited to be able to offer complete support for our customers across Spain along with a clear strategy and vision,” says Carrió. “d&b is very well known for the high quality of its products and the excellent education and support our technical team provides to the users.
“My contribution will focus on extending the presence of the brand across all sectors. Also, we will improve accessibility, expanding our activities and continuing the widening of our Partner Network.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - London-based technical event specialists Light Fantastic Production Services has announced six appointments at its Borehamwood base.
Five of the new additions have taken up technical roles in the company’s warehouse and fabrication workshop, whilst the sixth new team member has joined the project management team.
Jed Burns and Taylor Bunn have joined to expand the capabilities of the LFPS in-house fabrication workshop. Lauren Tanner, Joe Bentwood and Pius Yiga have become warehouse technicians, whilst Ned Lay has taken up the role of a project manager.
LFPS managing director Rob Myer comments: “It’s always a pleasure to welcome new talent to the Light Fantastic family, particularly during what has been an extremely busy period for us. Adding these new faces to our team adds strength throughout key areas of our business - we are really looking forward to working with them all.”
(Jim Evans)

Germany - DirectOut Technologies has expanded its sales support team with the appointment of Benno Sonder as of 1 June 2019.
Sonder will serve as sales support engineer for the German pro audio and broadcast equipment manufacturer, taking on technical support of DirectOut clients. He brings 25 years of experience in television broadcasting to the position, with specialist knowledge of intercom technologies and audio editing. Additionally, his skill profile includes work as a support & application engineer at Broadman/Optocore, specialising in digital multichannel audio solutions.
Alongside customer support and trainings, Sonder will assist the DirectOut sales team and the company’s distributors in designing new project concepts.
“The introduction of new IP technologies and growing complexity of setups in our industry demands a diverse spectrum of knowledge from our customers. In strengthening our team, we guarantee our own support for users and distributors in meeting these new challenges,” says Claudio Becker-Foss, CTO and managing director at DirectOut. “We are very happy to have found such an experienced new colleague for our Sales Support team in Benno. With his industry experience, he is already familiar with the views and requirements of our customers, and will be able to cater to them ideally.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - White Light has recently acquired the assets of Imax Lighting, a London and Bristol-based dry hire company.
Imax Lighting’s inventory will now be available through WL, and the acquired company's founder, Gary Churchill, will be joining WL as a consultant. Also joining WL is Rodney George, who will oversee the sale of used equipment to small businesses, theatres, colleges and live music venues in the role of used equipment manager.
WL has also made three key appointments, bringing in Carmelo Amenta as technical account manager responsible for broadcast projects, large-scale award ceremonies and live music concerts; Ian Charlampowicz has joined as senior account manager and will work within the broadcast media sector; and Jade Harrison has been appointed as business development manager.
WL has also expanded the teams within its managed venues. This includes the recently-opened Illuminate with the appointments of Mark Sutcliffe and Luis Quiterio as venue sales manager and venue technical manager respectively. Lastly, Leonard Layton has been appointed as deputy venue manager at Central Hall Westminster.
Retiring from the company this summer will be long-term staff member and head of broadcast and corporate hire, Roger Deane. He comments: “I first joined this world back in 1978 and, after four decades, I think I deserve a break! Whilst I will be sad to leave WL, I’m happy in the knowledge that the company has made so many exciting appointments and will continue to grow and offer clients, new and old, a level of personal service they won

Belgian pro audio manufacturer Audac has appointed Sebastian Chong as sales representative for the APAC region.
By working with Audac’s partners at all levels, Chong will be responsible for expanding Audac’s market share and increasing the company's sales network in the Asia Pacific region.
Mark Asselberghs, international sales director at Audac, comments: “Sebastian will be a valuable addition to the team because of his extensive amount of technical and commercial experience in the professional AV industry. The appointment of Sebastian shows the commitment and increased focus in the APAC region. At Audac we see the APAC region as an important growth field in the coming years for the further global expansion of the Audac brand.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Community Professional Loudspeakers has announced the appointment of Todd Stevens as regional sales manager, joining the North America sales team headed by Steve Young.
With 20 years of pro audio experience, Stevens has held sales and marketing roles with Guitar Centre, Waves Audio and Manley Laboratories. He progressed as a manufacturer’s rep with Techrep Marketing and joins Community from Mavric, where Community was one of the key brands he represented.
Steve Young notes: “Adding Todd to the Community team will provide customers yet another valuable resource in regards to support and immediate accessibility. In this current business climate, where many of our competitors are facing consolidation and staff reduction, we are expanding to ensure 100 percent positive customer experience with our products.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Altman Lighting has announced that Victoria Fisher has joined their North American sales team in the position of southern regional sales manager. Based in Houston, Texas, Fisher joins Altman from Barbizon Lighting Company and will now manage the Altman Lighting partnerships with the many theatrical and architectural lighting professionals throughout the region. She will oversee the Altman Lighting sales efforts in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
“We could not be happier to be announcing Victoria as the newest member of our North American sales team,” says Nick Champion, Altman Lighting vice-president of North American sales. “She has an intangible combination of knowledge from both the designer and the manufacturers perspectives, and this will prove to be a valuable benefit as we continue to expand our line of Altman Lighting solutions.”
(Jim Evans)

UAE - IBS Stage Sets, an independent provider of bespoke stage sets to the live event services industry, has appointed Glen Dougherty as its new director of business development.
Dougherty will be based at the company’s headquarters in Dubai Investment Park, UAE, and the scope of his work will include providing strategic leadership and business commitment to guide and streamline IBS’s continued growth in the United Arab Emirates and MEA Region with an impetus to kick-start a newly formed “dry hire” division.
He joins IBS Stage Sets with a background in the event industry. In his most recent role as COO of AAG Events, he contributed to substantial growth within the region.
“We are thrilled to have Glen aboard IBS Stage Sets,” says CEO, Scott Davis. “He is a team player, tremendous people’s person and a skilled communicator, with a great passion for the events scene.
“Glen shares our collective vision for delivering superlative customer service at all levels, and his enthusiasm for our dry hire division also reflects our general growth in the UAE and Middle East. He has the knowledge and energy to drive the company forward to meet the demands of our expanding customer base throughout the region.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Creative technical event production company Hawthorn has appointed Jolene Price, who has joined the company as business development manager.
Price will support the development of new business for Hawthorn’s live event technical production service. Before joining Hawthorn, she held the position of sales, events and marketing director at Rail Media and brings with her over 19 years of experience in sales and events.
Scott Rooney-Ashby, account director at Hawthorn, comments: “We’re delighted to welcome Jolene to Hawthorn. She brings a wealth of experience to the position and with her previous experience in the industry, I believe she will be a great asset to the team. Investing in our people is vital to developing the service we provide to our clients and maintaining the extremely high-standards we are renowned for delivering.”
(Jim Evans)

UK/Italy - Goboservice by Sunland Optics has announced the appointment of Indira Metenova as technical consultant for the UK market. Indira was recently promoted from account manager of the Italian branch and has a background in customer relations, marketing and running social media platforms.
Indira says: “I am delighted to be starting my new role in such a respected company dedicated to creating products that are both premium quality and best-in-class. I am looking forward to meeting and cementing relationships with all our existing and potential new clients across the UK.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Audinate has announced its CEO Lee Ellison is retiring in September, with the company’s CTO and co-founder Aidan Williams (pictured) set to replace him in the role.
Ellison is to retire on 13 September following the release of the company’s 2019 full year financial results.
David Krall, Audinate’s chairman, comments: “Lee has been a key contributor to the growth of Audinate, and the results speak for themselves. Under Lee’s leadership as CEO over the past 11 years, Audinate has become the global market leader in audio networking for the professional AV industry. Lee led the company through its successful IPO in June 2017, and since its listing, Audinate has consistently delivered strong results and record growth.
“Together with Lee and the Board, we developed a succession plan over the last year to ensure a smooth transition of the CEO role. Our plan was for Aidan to follow Lee into the CEO role, and we are delighted that this will occur. Having co-founded Audinate, Aidan has been a guiding force in its product innovation and strategy and will continue to do so as CEO. With a talented team in place, we are confident of a smooth transition and continued growth.”
Commenting on the transition, Ellison said: “I am most proud about the passionate team at Audinate that has contributed to our overall success and is brilliantly executing on the growth strategy that has been put in place. I am comforted in my decision to enter retirement, believing the time is right to hand the leadership over to Aidan. Aidan, and the rest of ou

UK - Tamworth-based events production company TechPro has promoted Henry Pratt to the role of project co-ordinator, to help meet growing demand for the firm’s specialist services.
Adam Taylor, senior project manager, comments: “In his new role, Henry will primarily support our project managers with all aspects of the department’s work, ensuring flawless delivery of live events for our clients. It’s a development role within the business and offers a real opportunity for future progression within the growing team here at TechPro.
Commenting on his promotion, Pratt says: “I recognise this is a great opportunity for me to learn from experienced, talented colleagues. I’m looking forward to getting to grips with interpreting the detailed client briefs we work to and specifying the required audio, visual, lighting and staging equipment.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - CUK Audio has appointed Alex Ronald to the role of operations manager, taking responsibility for the new CUK audio distribution centre in East Kilbride along with the management of all the company’s logistics and customer service functions.
Ronald has previously held the roles of group head of logistics at Hornby Hobbies and European logistics manager at OKI Europe. Speaking of the new role, he explains: “Moving from working for very large companies to a growing SME with a close team of colleagues is extremely exciting. I’m already busy setting up the new warehouse and look forward to working with our suppliers across four continents and servicing our customers in the UK and Ireland.”
CUK Audio director, Stuart Cunningham adds: “Alex has already made a big impact in the few weeks he has been with us. To continue growing our business and improving the service we offer our customers, we need to increase the knowledge and skills in our management team and the addition of Alex certainly does that.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - The ETC board of directors has appointed Dick Titus as president/CEO, reports the company.
Titus has led the management team at ETC for 17 years as president and five years before that as COO. He joined the company in 1990.
ETC says in a statement: “The company is dedicated to maintaining the legacy of its co-founder Fred Foster who passed away earlier this year. As ETC continues to grow and develop, Fred’s people-focused and high-quality leadership perseveres. The company remains privately held with an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) that helps to secure the business as an independent company for the future.”
Titus comments: “It’s an honour to lead the executive staff. Together, we have a vast amount of experience serving the people of ETC and our customers. We have a unique culture and I am committed to building that for years to come. We have always been a company built on a model of personal responsibility. Our path of consistent growth continues to come from the wide variety of talents of our dedicated staff around the world.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Robe North America has announced the appointment of Charlie Hulme as business development manager. He will focus on advancing systems sales and the coordination of installation projects.
Robe North America co-CEO Lorienn Cochenour comments: “As business development manager, Charlie will be a perfect partner with Tal Janowitz in managing the Robe Anolis architainment brand and representatives, and he will also liaise with our Robe regional sales managers on permanent installation projects.”
Hulme is based in Austin, Texas and will be travelling extensively in his new role. He has been involved in entertainment lighting for around 30 years, including working for two high profile American moving light brands in this time. He brings extensive experience to the Robe equation.
Josef Valchar, CEO of Robe s.r.o. states: “We offer a warm welcome to Charlie. He already has a great synergy with many of his ‘new’ colleagues and we look forward to his energy and commitment adding another dimension to our already fantastic, highly motivated and very successful team in North America.”
Robe North America has also just relocated to a new 32,000sq.ft purpose-built office and warehouse space in Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
(Jim Evans)

UK - Jamie Kluckers has joined the technical sales consultant team at Stage Electrics. Based on the South Coast, Jamie is responsible for developing new business and maintaining existing relationships with customers in this area.
With over 20 years’ experience as a technical and production manager, Jamie had a long-standing relationship with Stage Electrics as a customer. “As a freelancer, Stage Electrics were my go-to supplier, it’s great to now be part of the team,” comments Jamie.
“Jamie’s appointment falls in line with our continued expansion,” says commented Paul Roughton, national sales manager at Stage Electrics. “Having Jamie join us with his knowledge and background is a real positive and he is a perfect addition to the team.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Bob Schacherl, co-CEO of Robe North America, has announced that he will be stepping down from his post on 30 June 2019.
“After nearly six fabulous years working with one of the most innovative and inspiring moving light manufacturers, which has included amassing a sales ‘dream team’ covering all regions, helping to take the brand to the very top of the entertainment lighting industry, it is time to spend more time with my family and in developing several ongoing projects,” he stated.
Bob joined Robe at the end of 2013, just prior to the launch of the BMFL range of powerful high brightness fixtures that have become one of the Czech Republic based brand’s signature products.
His career began in the 1980s with Blackstone Audio-Visual also based in Bob’s hometown of Austin, Texas.
This became Blackstone Productions / Lightwave Research and then High End Systems. His career continued with a stint at Vari*Lite.
Robe’s CEO Josef Valchar says: “It has been fantastic working with Bob – he has brought a lot of energy and we have all learned and benefitted from his vast knowledge, his great personality and commitment which has been very enriching. We wish him all the best in the future.”
Robe’s sales director, Harry von den Stemmen, adds: “Bob has really delivered during his time at Robe: He has built and coached an excellent sales team, and with his expertise in intelligent lighting, has helped place Robe firmly on the map in North America.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Le Mark Group has announced the appointment of Jeff Demain as northern sales manager, UK.
Demain has worked in the entertainment industry for over 35 years. His experience has encompassed sound, lighting, sales and installation, and he has managed key projects in Russia, the Middle East and the UK. His history has included leading companies including Concert Light Systems, Playlight Hire, White Light North and most recently, HSL Blackburn.
“I have known Jeff for many years and have always been in awe of his industry knowledge,” said Linda Gibbons, joint managing director. “With Jeff now on the ground locally, he is perfectly positioned and readily available to meet with many more companies interested in our products and to expand our sales in the north of the UK. It is an important move forward for the company.”
“We are all delighted to have Jeff join us,” said Stuart Gibbons, joint managing director. “Jeff is exactly the right person to help take Le Mark to the next level. His experience is invaluable and his enthusiasm to succeed is clear. The sales team are eager to work with him.”
“I am really looking forward to joining the team at Le Mark,” said Jeff. “I’ve known Linda and Stuart ever since they began the business and have been really impressed with the company’s growth and innovation.”
Demain will provide sales and support for Le Mark’s leading range of consumable items, including the self-adhesive tape MagTape, Pro Tapes, Slipway and award-winning BlackTak. He will be the lead advisor in the nor

UK - Genelec is strengthening its customer support in the UK with the appointment of Andy Bensley, whose new role as regional business development manager is effective immediately.
Bensley is already closely associated with Genelec after more than six years of service with their UK distributor Source Distribution, first as the company’s pro audio product specialist then later as brand manager. Both roles saw Bensley play a central, hands-on role in the growth of Genelec within the influential UK market as he commissioned and supported dozens of high-profile projects.
In his new role, he will continue to provide support to ongoing Genelec activities while also delivering new opportunities for training, education and more at the Genelec Experience Centre in London. Based in London, he will report to international sales director Ole Jensen.
“I am delighted and excited to welcome Andy to the Genelec family,” enthused Jensen. “He brings a wealth of UK market knowledge and of course he has a very deep understanding of what makes Genelec special.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - NEP Group has announced the promotion of Graham Andrews to global president of NEP live events and CEO of the Creative Technology Group. The announcement follows significant growth in NEP’s live events operating segment over the last several years, growing from two US-based businesses in 2012 to today a family of six brands and one of the largest live events platforms in the world.
As global president, Andrews will continue to report to CEO Kevin. Rabbitt and oversee NEP live events globally to help each division accelerate growth, service clients across geographies and cross-sell services from NEP’s other operating segments.
Andrews has worked in the live events industry since 1976, beginning his career as an audio engineer working on theatre and music productions around the world.
Rabbitt says: “We have great opportunities ahead of us – and the right people, resources and strategy to be a strong partner for our clients. I’m confident in Graham’s ability to support our talented live events teams in meeting their operational needs and to act as a global advocate and resource for all of NEP live events.
(Jim Evans)

APAC - Powersoft has hired Raymond Tee as application engineer for the APAC region, effective 1 April 2019. He brings a wide range of experience in live sound and fixed install application to the role and will report to Powersoft’s global business development manager for fixed install and application engineering manager, rack amplifiers, Marc Kocks.
Tee’s primary duties will be to support Powersoft’s distribution networks and end users in the region, enabling them to get the most out of the company’s products, as well as providing training and support for control software platform, ArmoníaPlus.
Kocks commented: “Raymond has proven to be a perfect fit thanks to his work as application engineer for other manufacturers, as well as his experience with local Malaysian companies. The APAC region is a very important one for Powersoft, with many established and emerging markets, and this appointment strengthens the team even further.”
After being chosen for the role, Tee undertook an intensive training period at the Powersoft headquarters in Scandicci, Italy and he has been conducting training sessions with end users and distributors in the APAC region since then.
“At Powersoft we are investing heavily in enlarging our application engineering team,” continued Kocks. “We want to help customers getting back the value they paid for our products, and we put in place a global team available 24 hours-a-day to assist end users, consultants, system integrators, rental companies and distributors with design support, training and integratio