UK - Event design and technical production company Maestra London has expanded its team in readiness for a busy autumn season.
Joining MD Justin Hammond and the London team are Matt Spark (senior project manager), Euan MacLeod (business development manager) and Cameron Pullar (warehouse assistant).
Spark started working at festivals and events like SW4 and the Isle of Wight and other international events, as well as becoming a freelance production assistant for a succession of artists. This experience took him to Australia for three years where he worked with a raft of brands including Star Wars, Quantas and Disney.
MacLeod worked in New York and Woodstock before relocating to Scotland to take a degree in Events & Entertainment Management at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Pullar worked at a Scottish LED company whist still at school and then studied Music Performance & Production at the University of East London. He’s subsequently worked as an audio technician at the New River Studios in north London.
(Jim Evans)

Czech Republic - Architectural LED lighting manufacturer Anolis has appointed Peer Oestergaard as sales director.
Based in Denmark, Peer will be managing and co-ordinating Anolis sales teams globally and travelling extensively in his new role. He has most recently worked at SGM Light (sales manager) and has also held a business development role at Alfred Priess and international sales management roles at Thorn Lighting and Martin Professional.
Anolis director Tim Van den Eede comments: “We are delighted to have someone of Peer’s calibre and talent on-board. His personality, approach to business and smart outlook is the perfect match for us, and we share the same core visions for taking Anolis to the next level of operation. This is the first of several important upcoming announcements for Anolis over the coming months.”
Peer adds: “I am lucky enough to have worked on lighting some truly landmark projects worldwide over the years.”
Based in the Czech Republic, all Anolis products are designed and produced in Europe. The brand is currently undergoing restructuring and positing itself for long term future expansion and the development of new and ground-breaking product lines.
(Jim Evans)

UK - AV technology specialist Peerless-AV has added Kate Butcher as key account manager (southern region) to its UK professional sales team. She will be responsible for maintaining and building on existing relationships with Peerless-AV’s reseller network, promoting new product offerings, and providing support on new tenders and sales enquires.
Butcher brings over four years’ AV sales experience, having held key account manager roles at Exertis-Medium, Sahara Presentation Systems and Beta Distribution. She studied International Theatre at the University of East London (UEL) and spent eight months at the University of Colorado Boulder campus in the USA.
Keith Dutch, managing director EMEA at Peerless-AV, comments: “Kate’s energy and enthusiasm, combined with her AV distribution experience and good industry connections, make her perfect for the Key Account Manager position. We value relationships above all at Peerless-AV and our team is renowned in the industry for being great ambassadors for the company. Kate has the qualities to help us develop this further and drive business growth in key accounts.”
(Jim Evans)

France - Chauvet has named Alain Minet marketing manager of Chauvet Europe.
Based in Chauvet's Paris office, Minet will helm the European marketing of the entire family of Chauvet brands and will report directly to John Castelino, global vice-president of marketing.
CEO Albert Chauvet comments: “We have enjoyed exponential growth in Europe. Our French and German offices, which opened in January, have both been off to incredibly fast starts, while our UK and Belgium facilities have been growing at a rapid pace. Given this growth, we needed someone who could oversee our expanding marketing efforts. Alain fits this need perfectly.”
Michael Brooksbank, European general manager at Chauvet, adds: “Alain brings a wealth of experience to his position. His knowledge, experience and passion for excellence will make him a valuable addition to the Chauvet team.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Rich Rowley has joined Adlib as general manager (lighting and video). Rowley has enjoyed a long relationship with the Liverpool-based full production and rental specialist over the years and brings more than a decade of senior management experience from working at XL Video and PRG.
Rowley will be concentrating on the already substantial lighting and video / AV aspects of Adlib as the company completes the transition from its original audio roots into one of the premier full service technical solutions providers in Europe.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Adlib, which is poised to move into a new warehouse and office facility.
Adlib owner and founder Andy Dockerty comments: “I am delighted to welcome Rich into the Adlib family. I believe it is testament to the growth of Adlib and the development of our lighting and video departments that we have secured the services of a character of Rich’s unquestionable status. His wealth of knowledge will enhance a tremendously focused and talented team.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Cardiff-based events services provider 11th Hour has welcomed Matthew Morgan and Rhys Thomas as warehouse assistants, while Debbie Alexander takes the role of in-house bookkeeper.
Morgan has previously worked in various temporary capacities for 11th Hour across a range of projects and is an experienced stadium safety steward, having worked at Cardiff City Football Club. Thomas has experience as a freelance crew member in operations and logistics and has crossed paths with 11th Hour teams on many occasions. Debbie Alexander brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and accounts, accrued whilst working for a range of businesses in South Wales.
11th Hour director John Davies comments: “Demand for our services continues to grow and it is now common to find ourselves working simultaneously on multiple large-scale projects. Our staff are our greatest resource and it’s imperative that our teams have the manpower to maintain the very high standards of efficiency that our clients are accustomed to.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - API has added Steven G. Christensen as the newest member of its engineering department. He will specialise in digital technology.
Christensen has been in the audio industry for 30 years, beginning as a high-capacity telecom chip designer. He was also part of the original Pro Tools development team, inventing and implementing the TDM system architecture. Christensen then went on to work for Telex and designed their ADAM digital matrix intercom system, before starting his own companies focusing on digital audio.
"Working at API is a breath of fresh air," says Christensen. "Larry Droppa [API president] does a great job leading the company and everybody is following in his footsteps. I love it here and have a lot to learn."
(Jim Evans)

UK - ER Productions has announced the appointment of Jean Pierre Jammaers to the role of project manager. He joins ER with over 10 years of experience in the lighting and production industry and was the lead in lighting the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the Chinese New Year Celebrations in 2016 and 2017. He has also produced various installations for light festival Vivid Sydney.
Alongside Jammaers, George Baker has been appointed as special effects project manager for the organisation. Baker has over eight years of experience within the live events sector and has delivered special effects for international stars, including Robbie Williams, and for a number of popular festivals.
Based in the London office, the duo will be responsible for managing the communication for worldwide client projects, ensuring lasers and special effects have been successfully delivered for the show or event.
Marc Webber, co-founder of ER Productions, comments: “Both Jean Pierre and George have joined ER at an exciting time of growth for the business. We are delighted to have them on board, to continue producing stunning work across the globe.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Sensaphonics has promoted Claudia Pyne to the position of artist relations / sales specialist. The company has also hired Richard Sandrok as an independent outside sales and marketing consultant.
Pyne has been with Sensaphonics for 15 years, developing first-hand knowledge of every aspect of the business, starting as receptionist, then spending several years as a lab tech before moving back to “front of house” duties as primary client liaison and support. An accomplished visual artist, she helped develop silicone earpieces with handcrafted multi-colour swirls preferred by artists like Chance The Rapper. Previously, Pyne worked as a multidisciplinary theatre tech in northern California and the Chicago theatre community, doing everything from scenic and properties design to sound and lights.
Sandrok comes to Sensaphonics with a wealth of pro audio experience, including 10 years of artist relations experience at Shure, working with many of the leading artists and sound engineers in touring sound.
Sensaphonics president and founder, Dr. Michael Santucci, comments: “We’re constantly working to extend our reach while providing top-notch service and support to our clients. Claudia Pyne is steeped in every aspect of our business and already has great support relationships with most of our clients. I’m also thrilled to add Richard Sandrok to our team. As a musician and industry professional, he shares our passion for helping people make smart choices with their hearing and monitoring, both on stage and off.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Shure Incorporated has promoted Brian Woodland to vice-president of business development, and Patricia Knoll to associate vice-president of global facilities.
Woodland joined Shure in 2002 and has held positions of increasing responsibility in strategic planning and in global business development. He was responsible for several of the company’s acquisitions and manages Shure’s partnerships in joint business ventures. Woodland has a BA in Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA in Marketing from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.
Knoll joined Shure in 2005 and leads an international team responsible for all acquisition, leasing, construction, maintenance, disposition, and activities associated with company offices, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other facilities worldwide. Additionally, she has led other major undertakings, including the design and construction of the S.N. Shure Theatre and the Great Hall history exhibit in Shure’s corporate headquarters.
Chris Schyvinck, Shure president and CEO, comments: “I want to express my congratulations to Brian and Pat on these well-deserved promotions. Brian’s expertise in developing strategic relationships with outside companies is invaluable to Shure, and Pat has been instrumental in helping guide major facilities projects in support of our growing global business. We are fortunate to have these two leaders on the executive team, as they both will continue to be an integral part of our company’s long-term success.”
(Jim Evans)

Canada - Solotech has announced David Brazeau’s appointment as director, research and development (R&D).
In this role, Brazeau will lead a team of audio, lighting and video technology solution consultants and specialists. This team will support other Solotech professionals, contribute to the delivery of various complex projects and help select equipment from suppliers, in keeping with the company’s overall technology strategy.
During more than 21 years as a Solotech employee, David has developed a diversified expertise, first, as a shop technician, then as a production technician on international stages while touring with André Rieu and Céline Dion. He went on to make a name for himself as an audio project manager for various Solotech clients, including Britney Spears and Michael Bublé. Until recently, he was a technical advisor in the audio department.
(Jim Evans)

USA - Community Professional Loudspeakers has announced the appointment of Francesca Lynch to the position of a marketing associate.
She will report directly to Community’s director of marketing and sales operations, Julia Lee. Community says that in previous roles Lynch “had demonstrated herself to be an experienced content marketing specialist, using her skills in advertising, integrated marketing, event planning, public relations and social media management to enjoy eight successful years in the food and beverages industry”.
Lynch comments: “I’m thrilled to join Community, an outstanding brand that continues to innovate and transform in this exciting industry.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Ambersphere Solutions has announced that David Martin and Ian Green have joined the company as key account managers.
David Martin joins with almost 30 years of industry experience, having worked as an electrician at London Studios and as a key account manager at Martin Professional and most recently at Elation Professional. He will focus on the UK Film & Broadcast markets providing a knowledgeable contact for the gaffers, designers and rental partners for the Ambersphere range of products.
Ian Green spent 10 years in theatre, first qualifying as an electrician and then progressing to chief technician, before he made his move into business development. During the next 11 years Ian used his experience at Stage Electrics in a regional role and more recently in a national role at GDS. Green will be based in Glasgow and will focus on the northern UK region.
Ambersphere MD Glyn O’Donoghue comments: “Our business is only as strong as the team behind it and I am so pleased that David and Ian join us at this exciting time for Ambersphere. We recently started to work with two new supply partners; Astera and Zactrack, and David and Ian are going to help us ensure that we can continue to deliver on our commitment to quality service and support.”

www.ambersphere.co.uk

Europe - Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) has appointed Peter Schädel as European marketing manager.
Peter Schädel is a marketing and industry expert, having previously worked for Meyer Sound Germany for over 10 years as marketing manager. With his sound expertise, he will be in charge of establishing and expanding the marketing activities of AVIXA in Europe.
"I am very happy about my new challenge. While AVIXA has been a fixture in the US for decades, there is still a great potential for growth in Europe. It is therefore important to further raise awareness and communicate the benefits of membership." said Schädel.
(Jim Evans)

USA - Signify Entertainment Lighting has announced the return of Philips Vari-Lite veteran George Masek. Based at the company's Dallas office, Masek will look after business development for the Philips Vari-Lite, Philips Strand Lighting, Philips Selecon and Showline brands.
A well-known figure in the international show lighting business, Masek has specialised in automated lighting for almost 30 years. Beginning his career in 1990 as a Vari-Lite road technician, he toured the world with leading artists, providing on-site support for Vari-Lite products from the renowned VL1 onwards. He later moved into technical support and sales, becoming Vari-Lite product manager in 2002.
In 2012, Masek left Philips Vari-Lite to take the role of VP of automated lighting at ACT Lighting. In this position, he represented a range of leading manufacturers to the US market, gaining further invaluable experience with a broad variety of new customers and product lines.
Masek comments: "I'm thrilled to be able to return to a company where I've had so much history. Working with all the talented people there over 22 years to create, sell, and support cutting edge, industry changing luminaires, was a great pleasure. Since the first time I saw Vari-Lites on their early tours in the 1980s, it was my dream to work for this amazing company. I'm honoured to be able to come back and see that dream continue to the next stage."
Welcoming the appointment, Brian Friborg, business leader at Signify Entertainment Lighting, adds: "We could not be more delighted to welcome George back

USA - DPA Microphones has announced that Paul Andrews and Chris Brunhaver have joined the company as the new global sales support & business development manager and regional sales manager, Pacific Northwest, respectively.
"With the addition of Paul and Chris, we are adding over 23 years of industry experience and expertise to the DPA team in the U.S.," says Christopher Spahr, VP of marketing and sales, DPA Microphones, Inc. "We are excited to welcome these two highly qualified individuals and look forward to their many contributions as we continue to grow our market share and reinforce our commitment to the industry."
In his new role, Andrews will be responsible for brand development and support through technical and application driven informational presentations. Andrews began his musical career as a student at the University of Denver, studying classical guitar under Ricardo Iznaola. He made the transition into audio recording at A&M Records, and currently acts as the owner/engineer of Bridge Recording Studios. Andrews has recorded artists such as Sheryl Crow, Aerosmith, Boyz II Men, Dennis Chambers, Bill Evans and the CSU Symphony Orchestra and Big Band.
Brunhaver brings over 15 years of experience in the A/V industry including design, project management, systems integration and sales with successful stints at Sony and Digital Projection where he covered a similar sales territory. Brunhaver's nine state territory in the Pacific Northwest is comprised of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Alas

UK - Pinewood MBS Lighting (PMBS) has announced Billy Smith as the first team member to complete its apprentice programme. The PMBS Apprentice Programme was introduced to provide in-depth, hands-on instruction and tuition covering all aspects of working within the electrical department.
Smith joined PMBS as an apprentice lighting technician in June 2015 and has undergone training throughout each department within the warehouse, gaining working knowledge of the company’s specialist lighting equipment.
Along with in-house experience, Smith also completed the necessary electrical qualifications at Uxbridge College whilst adding some additional practical proficiency via secondment with a contracting electrician.
Toby Dare, PMBS operations director, says: “Billy has built up a solid working knowledge of all aspects of the lighting department. From stands to distribution, from textiles to automated fixtures, we have been able to augment Billy’s education with in-depth training on the proper, safe operation of a broad variety equipment.”
As part of the scheme, PMBS apprentices also benefit from experience working within Pinewood Studios, often including assisting in rigging stages or lighting short films. During his time with the company, Billy was able to act as part of the crew on a recent commercial filmed at the studio and, having completed the PMBS Apprentice Programme, is now embarking on a freelance career working with a group of well-established commercials gaffers.
Dare concludes: “We’re extremely proud of our apprentices.

Canada - Solotech’s Toronto-based Integration Division has announced the appointment of Keith Danby as senior business developer.
Danby will be in charge of growing Solotech’s integration business and market share in Southern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area, developing new and existing business accounts in the corporate, government and institutional segments.
Regional sales manager Rob Poretti comments: "Keith brings many years of lighting industry, sales and marketing experience to our group of professionals. We welcome him on board and look forward to expanding our industry-recognised level of service even further.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Professional Wireless Systems has announced the appointment of David Belawski to the role of technical project manager. Belawski will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of client projects including managing communications between clients and Professional Wireless Systems team members to ensure a successful event or installation.
Prior to joining Professional Wireless Systems, Belawski spent 11 years working for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Athletics department, first as assistant director of video production and for the last six years as the director of production services. In that role, he managed four full-time staff members and more than 30 freelancers and student interns while being responsible for the maintenance of all hardware assets, including sound systems, the centralised video control room, and LED video boards.
“The experience David brings to our customers is invaluable,” explains Jim Van Winkle, general manager for Professional Wireless Systems. “His knowledge of production and the gear used is very impressive and he understands the importance of communication and organisation.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Lighting and rigging specialist TSL has announced that Jonathan 'Jonny' Tingle, has joined the team as a senior project manager. In his new role, he will focus on expanding and developing the company's work in the corporate and special events sector.
Following the recent acquisition of Blinding Light by TSL, Tingle will be based at the Blinding Light office in Basingstoke, where his role will be to support existing business and grow the company's client base.
Tingle comments: "I'm delighted to have joined TSL and I anticipate being here for many years to come. I will certainly enjoy working with the fantastic team of experienced, dedicated and skilled professionals, in a relaxed and friendly environment. I'm looking forward to building productive relationships with my new colleagues and with TSL's clients, both existing and new."
Prior to joining TSL, Tingle was a senior account manager at PRG / XL Video, and before that held positions at both Eclipse Presentations and Spirit Design.
(Jim Evans)

USA - Lawo has continued its expansion in the Americas with the appointment of Jeff Smith to the post of vice-president of sales, Americas. Smith’s career in broadcast began in 2006 at Canadian broadcast equipment and solutions manufacturer Evertz, where he first worked as regional sales manager before becoming director of sales (sports and entertainment) this year.
Jamie Dunn, Lawo’s head of global sales, comments: “We are seeing rapid growth in the Americas based on our ability to deliver full IP broadcast infrastructures. This region has become our fastest-growing global territory. Jeff’s experience and background with these technologies makes him a natural choice to lead our sales organization there. I am delighted to welcome him to our team.”
Smith adds: “I have always had a deep passion for technology and science and what Lawo is doing with IP technologies for television and radio contains equal parts of both. This orientation toward innovation and the future is what attracted me, and it’s why I’m so glad to be joining the Lawo team.”
Lawo recently added a new logistics hub in Elmsford, New York to support its US headquarters in New York City, West Coast sales and support offices in Los Angeles, and Canadian headquarters in Toronto.
(Jim Evans)

UK - Technical production supplier Blitz has announced the appointment of Martyn Hunt as theatre and sound project development manager.
Hunt will work towards growing the company’s portfolio within the theatre sector. He will also act as technical support on a daily basis for all theatre productions.
Hunt has worked worldwide designing and engineering sound in theatre, live events and broadcast. He started out in in regional theatre 30 years ago and quickly moved to the West End. Hunt has since held the role of head of sound on a number of long-running productions.
Aron Ross, sound director of Blitz, comments: “It is a real pleasure to have Martyn as part of the team here at Blitz. His wealth of industry experience and technical expertise will prove invaluable as we grow our client base. He also brings a fantastic work ethic and sense of humour to everything he does.”
Blitz, a GES company, has supplied the theatre industry for over 30 years and currently provides sound and technical support to high profile productions including The Phantom of the Opera and the UK tours of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and Trainspotting.
(Jim Evans)

South Africa - DWR Distribution’s SOS Charity Fund has helped finance the hand surgery of Vibe Audio & Backline owner Vincent Joubert, with further financial backing promised by DWR.
Joubert, who has worked at festivals and alongside South African artists Jo Black, Ray Dylan, Liezel Pieterse and Deon Groot, developed septic arthritis in a joint of a finger he injured a decade ago.
“Ten years ago, I hurt my finger and the joint was damaged,” Joubert explains. “Initially, the doctor was going to amputate, and I was actually relieved as I was in such immense pain. It was difficult to function.”
The surgery, which could not have taken place in a government hospital, was enabled by an SOS Charity Fund donation of R7,000 (£400).
Joubert adds: “People in the industry, including artists I work with, and DWR Distribution’s SOS Charity Fund have been wonderful and assisted me with the initial operation costs. They have all been amazing - thank you very much!” As a single dad, kind gestures have gone a long way.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Corporate and event audio professional Dave Woodman of DWA has agreed to act as a senior project manager on a wide range of live events for London audio rental company RSH Audio.
Woodman has over 20 years in the live audio industry and is responsible for audio design and engineering on a series of high-profile events and productions. DWA’s rental equipment tailored to the corporate events market is now integrated within the RSH hire fleet.
Joe Haycocks, RSH managing director, comments: “Dave brings his knowledge and experience to our team at a time of rapid growth for our business. Combining his equipment, projects and skill with ours provides a broader resource for the benefit of all of our customers.”
RSH recently made a series of significant investments in d&b audiotechnik audio equipment to grow and diversify its rental stock. The business is focused on provid-ing audio services and equipment rental for the corporate event and live music markets.
(Jim Evans)