UK - Chroma-Q has appointed Paul Pelletier as global brand manager for Chroma-Q. Pelletier is a 30 year veteran in the performance lighting industry working for industry leaders, most recently Martin Professional in the role of solution manager. Bringing with him extensive experience working with key brands, Paul has been an integral asset in brand development and marketing. He has worked closely with product development, sales, marketing and technical support to develop products, as well as to promote and sell these products within the lighting marketplace.
Reporting to Jean-François Canuel, managing director for the Canadian Operations, Paul will provide the direction to promote and continue the growth of the Chroma-Q brand, with support and training for clients and users. He will also work closely with Chroma-Q’s R&D team to create forward-looking, successful product development efforts that anticipate and fulfill end-user lighting design needs.
Paul will be based near Chroma-Q’s North American manufacturing operations in Toronto, Canada.
Paul commenced his new journey for Chroma-Q attending IBC2017 tradeshow in Rai, Amsterdam, and PLASA 2017 international tradeshow in London, to discuss highlights from the Chroma-Q LED product range at the brand's dedicated stand.
(Jim Evans)

UK - Spectra Displays has made a significant addition to its team by recruiting an experienced member of the industry, Rob Marvell as operations director.
With a strong background in audio Rob brings with him 15 years of experience working with Bose Professional UK, where he joined at the start of PRO-Partner to coordinate what was an industry changing distribution model focused on quality.
Spectra’s MD Mike Boxall comments, “We have taken the business as far as we can and to grow we needed to expand; Rob joining the team is a great and crucial addition. Rob is a very personable, highly respected and well-connected AV Professional with a diverse skillset who will fit in perfectly with our organisation. We are already seeing growth since his appointment but the funny thing is that it took an audio guy to give a visual company perspective! At Spectra, our ethos has always been focused on quality over quantity and to ensure that the final installed solution exceeds the client’s expectations.”
(Jim Evans)

South Africa - Ayrton has announced the appointment of Zane Cretten as the latest member of its expanding sales team. Based in South Africa, Cretten will take on the position of regional sales manager, with responsibility for sales across Africa and the Middle East.
Cretten brings with him 11 years’ experience in the live events industry, specialising in video and lighting. During this time he has worked with major global brands including High End, Barco, Pandora’s Box, d3, CreateLED, Wings and Caliber.
“When the opportunity arose to join Ayrton I jumped at the chance,” says Cretten. “I am very excited to be joining such a highly-specialised, innovative lighting company. I’m really looking forward to working with such a creative manufacturer and growing the market share in Africa and the Middle East.”
“Zane will be a valuable addition to Ayrton’s international sales team with a key role representing the company in this fast-developing region,” says Ayrton’s global sales director, Michael Althaus. “We are delighted to welcome him to the team and ensure customers across Africa and the Middle East benefit from the full Ayrton service.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Joshua Bench joins the Audient team this month as new technical support agent, where he is on hand to answer any pre and post sales questions, further augmenting the technical support offered by the British manufacturer.
Well placed to ensure that current and future Audient product owners are fully clued up on their kit, Joshua was originally introduced to recording with Audient’s flagship ASP8024 analogue console and despite being a musician himself, has spent considerable time on the tech side of the glass. “I prefer recording other people and mixing their work,” he admits. “I like to help the good musicians sound as good as they can on a recording.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Mike Elliott has joined Anne Minors and Bob Essert to become a director of Sound Space Vision, the theatre planning and acoustics consultancy formed from Anne Minors Performance Consultants and Sound Space Design.
Mike has been with the company since 2008 and has project managed a number of completed venues through construction including the ACCA Centre for the University of Sussex and The Light in Euston. He is currently leading the SSV team on the refurbishment of Fairfield Halls in Croydon and a new space for Nevill Holt Opera.
Mike originally studied theatre design at Nottingham Trent University and also holds a Masters degree in theatre consultancy from the University of Warwick. His background is in set and costume design, prop making and exhibition design, having previously worked with the Society of British Theatre Designers on their series of exhibitions in 2007.
Anne Minors comments, "We are delighted that Mike is joining Bob Essert and myself in moving the company forward in its passion to create performance, rehearsal and gathering spaces which enhance and facilitate creative communication.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Audio-Technica has announced the recruitment of Jason Williams to a newly-created role as the company’s business development manager, conferencing professional audio for UK and Ireland.
Williams’ arrival continues the expansion and evolution of Audio-Technica’s UK professional audio sales team, following the recruitment of Rich Soper, business development manager for live touring and rental and Tom Macklin, area sales manager, commercial north and Alex Farell’s move to commercial sales manager south.
With 27 years of engineering and consulting experience in delivering AV and multimedia solutions across a number of vertical markets, Williams has focused on the conference market for the last eight years. Previous roles include senior positions at Brahler and Taiden, where he collaborated with Audio-Technica, rolling out over 600 UK courtroom installations featuring the company’s PRO Series microphones in 2012.
Audio-Technica’s UK sales manager Gary Maguire said, “In his new role, Jason will be positioned to offer clients advice and support on commercial projects involving Audio-Technica conference system products and those of its distributed brands in the UK – Allen & Heath, Apart Audio and Artnovion.”
Matthias Exner, Audio-Technica director of sales and marketing EMEA professional audio said, “With Audio-Technica’s increased presence in the conferencing solutions market, I’m delighted to welcome Jason to the Audio-Technica UK team. He brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of client needs and I look forw

UK - After 34 years in the entertainment lighting industry and 33 years with Avolites, Steve Warren has changed his role within Avolites, moving away from day to day operational tasks and is now focusing on business development for Avolites.
Steve has now extended this service to a complementary organisation under the umbrella of, Lighting Distribution Consulting Ltd, a new company Steve has formed.
Lighting Distribution Consulting Ltd is exclusively assisting Chroma-Q by developing international sales and distribution channels of the award-winning Chroma-Q Range of LED fixtures. Interested parties should contact steve@chroma-q.com to discuss the new opportunity and benefits of international Chroma-Q distribution.
(Jim Evans)

UK - From this month, David Faulkes will be the new sales manager for Highlite in the south of the UK. David has been in the lighting- and audio-business for more than 25 years. With extensive experience with Martin Professional, Miltec and more recently Chauvet, he brings a wealth of knowledge and customer contacts to Highlite.
David states: “I’m looking forward to working with Highlites broad range of audio and lighting products. They have everything you could possibly need to make a great show; a one-stop-shop. I’m enthusiastic about the new range of Phantom and Infinity moving heads. They are well designed products which can be used in a wide range of applications and are a cost-effective solution.
“Their audio-range is very comprehensive. I like the fact that it varies from small installation components to big outdoor systems. I see great opportunities for the new theatrical products that are recently introduced. Furthermore I’m looking forward to meeting all existing Highlite customers and catch up with potential new customers. The first show you can meet me is at the PLASA London Show, from 17 -19 September on stand G30.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - The experienced Dave Ball has joined RCF UK to boost their Technical Support. He will be responsible for the area south of the M62, while Mick Butler will continue to look after the north of England and Scotland.
Ball joins from Polar Audio where he was business development manager. During his long career, Dave Ball has also worked at LMC’s Birmingham office, spent time with KV2 (where he first met Mick Butler) and between 1993-2004 ran his own PA company.
Based between Stafford and Stoke, he says his preference is to work for a single brand rather than multiple brands. “It’s a great opportunity to be involved with a company of RCF’s pedigree,” he said. “This was part of the attraction, and I also wanted to take up a more technical role as I enjoy the training element.”
Of the new appointment, RCF UK director of sales, Dean Davoile, said, “It’s great to have Dave on board. Having four personnel now operating in the UK will allow us to be more pro-active, offering greater in-depth training and increasing the number of product demonstrations we can undertake.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Bandit Lites has announced the hiring of Laura McElmurray to its global headquarters. McElmurray will be taking on the role of accounts payable manager.
McElmurray received degrees in both accounting and business administration and joins Bandit following working several years in other industries as an accountant.
Shay Simpson, Bandit’s controller, comments: “Laura has been such a valuable addition to the accounting team. She not only brings with her 10-plus years of experience in Accounts Payable and general accounting, but a level of detail that is imperative in her role. I look forward to seeing her expand her accounting knowledge with her career at Bandit Lites.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - ETC has announced the promotion of Darren Beckley to the role of sales manager for ETC Ltd. In this newly created position, Beckley will oversee all sales activity in the regions covered by ETC Ltd, including the UK and Ireland, northern and southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He will be based out of ETC’s London office, and will spend time in all territories, providing support to ETC Ltd’s regional sales managers and their dealer and distributor networks.
Beckley has more than 15 years of experience working in the industry, including more than a decade with UK-based dealer Stage Electrics. For several years, he was sales manager for installation projects, leading a team responsible for designing and selling integrated lighting, audio, video and stage engineering systems across the EMEA region. He was also responsible for establishing the Dubai branch of Stage Electrics, and subsequently joined ETC as the regional sales manager for the Middle East in early 2016.
“Darren has done an incredible job in his role as a regional sales manager,” says Mark Vassallo, ETC’s vice president of sales. “He is well-liked and respected by his colleagues and there is no doubt he will do a fantastic job as the ETC Ltd sales manager.”
ETC Ltd general manager, Matthew Brookfield adds: “Darren has demonstrated a special aptitude for relationship building, which is important for ETC and all of our customers. Together with his team of talented regional sales managers and the ETC portfolio of products and services, we expect him to achieve g

Germany - d&b audiotechnik is expanding its research and development department and has appointed a new member to its management team. With effect from 1 August, Jan Biermann takes over from Frank Bothe as head of research and development. Bothe will now focus on the company’s medium to long term technology roadmap in his role as chief technology officer. As leader of the R&D team, Biermann will be responsible for implementing product development projects, reporting to d&b managing director Markus Strohmeier.
“I am delighted to welcome Jan aboard,” says Strohmeier. “We searched extensively for someone who could further strengthen our already incredibly talented research and development team as we look to create the technologies that will shape the future. The role that Frank’s knowledge and vision has played in d&b’s development to this point is immeasurable and we are thrilled to find in Jan the experience and expertise to build on that work.”
After graduating in physics, Bothe joined d&b in 1990 and has been steering the company’s technical direction ever since. At that time d&b co-workers numbered just over 20; today the team has grown to almost 450. With 50 co-workers in the research and development team alone the department covers a growing range of disciplines from acoustics and loudspeaker design to an increasing focus on electronic hardware and software engineering.
“This technology diversification will promote d&b’s continued success as it evolves from a loudspeaker systems manufacturer to a

USA - Kinesys USA has expanded its team with Tracey Anderson joining as office manager. This reflects a successful couple of years in North America & Canada for the leading motion control and automation brand.
Tracey is based in Kinesys USA’s Atlanta, Georgia HQ and will be working alongside David Bond. She will be handling the day-to-day activities coming in via the office which includes client orders, office administration, payments and order creation, freight & shipping, and generally ensuring that the increasingly busy office keeps running smoothly and efficiently.
Tracey is from Georgia and studied photographic imaging at the Art Institute of Atlanta. This was followed with nearly 10 years of experience working in the booking and promotions sector of the music and entertainment industry.
David Bond commented, “We were extremely lucky to find Tracey. Her enthusiasm, creative flair and multiple skills will be a great asset to the company and we are looking forward to the many organisational and imaginative ways in which she will be involved as we grow and expand further.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Following a period of substantial growth, Hawthorn is expanding its team of project managers in London & the Midlands.
The creative event technical production expert has welcomed Kate Doughty to their Leicestershire based team whilst Sam Kilby and Paul Leimonas will be joining the company in London.
Doughty joins from mclcreate where she worked as a project manager, delivering the technical production for a variety of events from super theatres at the Good Food shows to wide screen solutions at pharmaceutical events across the UK and Europe. Having initially trained in stage management and technical theatre at LAMDA before embarking on a successful freelance career, Kate brings over 10 years of live event and AV experience to the team.
With over 12 years’ experience in the live events industry, Kilby joins the Hawthorn team having worked as a freelancer in the UK, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This is not the first time Sam has worked for Hawthorn, having been previously employed by the company as Sound head of department in London.
Leimonas joins the Hawthorn team from Aztec where he worked as a senior technician and brings with him 10 years of industry experience. In his new position, Paul will be based at Battersea Evolution where Hawthorn is the technical production partner, and will manage a wide range of events from gala dinners and conferences to exhibitions and product launches.
Simon Wood, Group Director of Projects at Hawthorn, said: “We’re delighted to welcome three excellent new project managers to the Hawthorn team. Ka

UK - In a move to grow big in the APAC market OHM has appointed Sushil S John as executive director – Asia Pacific.
“OHM is strongly committed to invest and grow in the APAC region and we are extremely pleased that Sushil will be bringing his vision and direction to our team in the region” said Krishna Hegde, CEO, OHM-UK.
“Sushil brings a record of exceptional leadership, growing companies and deep experience in the Asia Pacific regions” Krishna added. “We look forward to working with Sushil as OHM executes the near-term growth strategy to become a leading brand in the APAC’s pro audio markets.”
Most recently, for the past seven years, Sushil was the business director – SAARC for QSC. He previously served as country head for Hasrman in India for six years. Sushil has also worked closely with OHM, Electro-Voice, and Martin Audio, in the past.
“His industry knowledge and priority to customer experience, relationship management will be well complimented by OHM’s Asia Pacific expansion plans. He has indeed contributed significantly to the Pro Audio Industry within the region, building a strong reputation for himself.” said Gareth Coleman, director – international sales, OHM-UK.
(Jim Evans)

UK - ChamSys has named Aziz Adilkhodjaev as the company’s international business development manager. In his new role, he will be responsible for expanding and strengthening the international distribution network of the brand, as well as improving international customer support and training to enhance the user experience.
Chris Kennedy, ChamSys managing director, comments: “With his detailed knowledge in the field of lighting control, Aziz will assist in taking the MagicQ MQ500 and MagicQ software to a new level, and his expertise in international distribution will also help ChamSys to expand into new markets.”
Aziz states, “I am really excited about the MQ500. It’s an extremely powerful product with up to 200 universes from a single console and many unique functions - it can really deliver a punch. I am looking forward to playing a major role in its evolution. With ChamSys’ quick turnaround on new software features, which is second to none, I’m sure we’ll see even more ChamSys consoles in the front of houses and venues around the world.”
Tony Cameron, sales director, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Aziz to the growing ChamSys family. His appointment comes at the perfect time with our new and exciting MQ500 Stadium range and our continued expansion of our distribution network.”
Aziz will be overseeing distribution in the Middle East, Africa, Asia - Pacific regions and Russia.
(Jim Evans)

UK - Presteigne Broadcast Hire has announced the appointment of Ben Hawker as senior supervisor of RF and special cameras.
Hawker comes to Presteigne from Broadcast RF, where he amassed considerable experience as a senior RF engineer for major international news and sporting events including the London Summer Olympics, Royal wedding, Brazil World Cup, multiple London and Singapore marathons, crown jewel horse racing events, and the UEFA European Championship among many others.
Hawker will apply his planning, technology build, and high-level project management experience to lead Presteigne’s specialist RF camera hire and deployment activities.
Presteigne CEO, Mike Ransome, said, “Ben is a highly respected, world-class expert on RF development and deployment. His engineering experience is vast, and his track record of success unrivalled. I am personally delighted that his experience will now be available to Presteigne clients around the world as well as right here at home.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Altman Lighting has announced the appointment of Miles Dudgeon as their new Northeast regional sales manager for North America. Based in upstate New York, Dudgeon will manage the Altman Lighting sales efforts in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
“I am thrilled to add Miles to our sales team,” said Nick Champion, Altman Lighting vice president of North American sales. “His background working with industry manufacturers is extensive, and his work as an end user adds a perspective that will help him be able to quickly understand and address the needs of our customers and partners.”
As an ETCP-certified entertainment electrician, Dudgeon most recently worked as the master electrician for Fingerlakes Musical Theatre Festival, as well as the assistant master electrician at Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse University Drama Department.
(Jim Evans)

Australia - KV2 Audio has announced the appointment of Australian sound engineer, Angus Davidson as technical support director for Asia Pacific and North America. Angus who has mixed for major international acts including Supertramp
and Crowded House has had a long and diverse career within the audio industry.
KV2 Audio CEO, George Krampera Jr. comments: “We are excited that Angus is joining our international technical support team. His years of hands-on experience in large scale sound reinforcement plus background in audio education will be invaluable in his role of developing a training and certification process for KV2 Audio users. We want to ensure that engineers and technicians understand how to correctly use our systems for the best possible results. This is especially important with the release of our new flagship large format concert system VHD5.0, this system enters a market Angus is very familiar with.”
Angus adds: “KV2 Audio's technologies bring a whole new paradigm to sound reinforcement and represent some of the most intelligent and innovative audio design I have seen. When used properly the results these systems produce are simply outstanding, I look forward to developing a training program that empowers KV2 users worldwide. Also, being part of the team that brings VHD5.0 to the world is certainly exciting. I am sure this system is going to turn a lot of heads.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Autograph Sound Recording has announced the appointment of Scott Arnold to the position of managing director. He will also assume a directorship of Autograph Sales & Installations.
Arnold was appointed to the main board of Autograph Sound in June 2013 as hire director, having joined the company’s service department in 1997 and subsequently being appointed to head the hire division in 2002.
Former MD Terry Jardine, who joined Autograph Sound in 1989 and was appointed managing director in 2000, assumes the role of group chairman but is moving to an additional role within the company - a noted theatrical sound designer in his own right, his new position allows him to refocus his passion on that discipline and to lead Autograph’s internal team of sound designers.
On his new role Arnold commented: “2017 marks my 20th year in Autograph Sound. Some things - notably much of the technology we employ daily - have changed beyond recognition in that time, but many others continue to reflect the original vision of company founders Andrew Bruce, Philip Clifford and Julian Beech.
“We are busier than ever, both in the West End and with our touring shows, and I believe that is because we never stop trying to do better. We are currently expanding our operational activities into new areas and our Sales & Installations division is successfully bringing style and techniques developed in the West End and on Broadway to venues big and small all over the country. I see my role as continuing to build on the brilliant work of those who have brought

UK - Event design and technical production company Maestra London has expanded its team with three new staff.
Leonie Cumisky joins as PA and office manager, Paul Hayes comes on-board as assistant technical manager and Frank Uhl is the new warehouse manager.
Says Maestra London director Justin Hammond, “We’ve had a fantastic year and it’s very exciting to strengthen the team with more excellent personnel. Leonie, Paul and Frank come from a diversity of backgrounds and their dynamics, vitality and excellent personalities will be a great asset to our collective vision and goals.”
Leonie graduated from Goldsmith’s College, London, with a BA in Media & Modern Literature and previously worked for over three years as office manager for a leading UK design practice. Prior to that, she freelanced in the worlds of advertising and digital media.
Paul’s previous work experience includes gaining a degree in Music Production & Business at the University of Westminster and since has worked freelance for a number of different event and technical production companies and music venues, honing his technical skills.
Frank attended a Jazz conservatoire in France after which he completed a BA in Music Performance in London and then focused on audio and music production. He’s also taught world music production and digital drumming at West Herts College.
(Jim Evans)

Europe - Absen Europe has announced the appointment of industry experts Liam Winter as product director and Michael Scott as technical and project manager.
Winter joined Absen Europe in July from PSCo, Absen’s UK distribution partner. With more than 15 years of experience in the AV industry in a variety of senior sales, business management and product management roles, he has a wealth of knowledge to draw on.
Based in the UK but with frequent travel to Europe and Absen’s headquarters in China, Winter’s brief is to manage the customer experience end to end for Absen’s European client base.
“The LED market is exciting, fast moving and continuing to grow exponentially. I have witnessed first-hand how Absen has taken a lead role in product innovation without compromising on outstanding product quality and customer service.”
Complementing Liam’s role, Michael Scott has taken up the position of technical and project manager. In post since last month, Scott is based at Absen’s European headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and will manage all aspects of Absen’s Technical Service Department – defining processes and standards, providing direct supervision and leadership to all technical personnel, and establishing and training the local service and project management teams to ensure customers continue to receive the outstanding levels of service that are synonymous with Absen.
Scott joins Absen from world digital signage leader JCDecaux, where he oversaw a programme to standardise the configuration and software across its 2

France - Airstar has announced the appointment of Clément Guittet as export manager to strengthen its international presence.
With 80% of its lighting turnover generated abroad, the company is focused on supporting and growing its global network. Commented Xavier Ponson, Airstar sales director: “Our brand is already represented in 40+ countries through 12 subsidiaries and over 70 independent distributors. This role has been created to help nurture our existing relationships and further boost our international presence.”
Based in Airstar’s Headquarters near Grenoble, Clément will be responsible for Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, Russia, India and Switzerland, with the aim of supporting the existing Airstar international network and developing the company’s presence in the event, construction, industry, security, architecture and cinema sectors.
With 12 years of experience in international business development for the industrial, telecommunications and first response industries, Clément has a deep knowledge of international sales.
“Airstar’s international success is very impressive for a SME, and is part of its DNA. I am looking forward to bringing my business development knowledge and experience to the table at this pivotal time for the company as it enters new markets and sectors” Clément stated.
While Clément will manage and expand the existing Airstar business network, his role will also be to find new distributors and sales partners.
(Jim Evans)