UK - Shure Incorporated has announced that Tuomo George-Tolonen has been promoted to senior director, pro audio sales, Western Europe.
Tuomo has been with Shure since 2006, when he joined what was to become the Shure UK Systems team as an applications engineer. He previously worked at Genelec US. In 2008, Tuomo assumed responsibility for RF regulatory affairs, joining the BEIRG steering committee to jointly represent PMSE industry needs regarding RF spectrum allocation.
“His enthusiasm, passion for technology, and ability to identify and realise new opportunities, led to this promotion,” comments Peter James, vice president of global sales, pro audio. “Under his leadership, Shure UK has experienced continuous growth in the pro audio vertical, and has been at the forefront of developing important relationships with the most influential people and organisations in key segments.”
As senior director, Tuomo will continue his regulatory work and industry interactions, and will play a significant role in helping secure Shure’s position as a leading authority on RF for microphone and monitoring applications, supporting Shure UK and countries throughout Europe. He will continue to be based in the Shure UK Waltham Abbey office.
(Jim Evans)

UK - Stage Electrics has announced the appointment of Adam Blaxill as operations director. His responsibilities include managing Stage Electrics’ engineering workshop, service department, purchasing function and sales warehouse. He continues with his marketing responsibilities.
Maria Townsend, Stage Electrics’ group CEO, commented, “Adam was the obvious candidate for this role. He has a great deal of knowledge of the Stage Electrics operation, as well as the technical entertainment industry. His appointment strengthens the team and allows us to continue our plan of further sustainable growth.”
(Jim Evans)

Singapore - Outline has announced the appointment of Patrick Wong to the position of regional sales manager, APAC. This, the latest in a series of major recruitments within the company over the last few months, is a new position for Outline and has been created in response to the steadily increasing demand for their products throughout the region.
Fluent in both Chinese and English, Patrick joins the Outline team after a decade at Sennheiser Asia during which he successfully fulfilled roles as both team leader and regional sales manager. Based in Singapore, he will be responsible for developing each region's business strategy, supporting Outline’s current distributors and reporting directly to the company’s Italian headquarters.
“Outline is a brand with great heritage and reputation in the industry”, Patrick said. “My role will be to build upon this heritage while introducing our innovative loudspeaker systems and unique FPGA-based technologies to the APAC region. I will be heavily involved in product training and market development, engaging regularly with our current distributors, key users and commercial partners alike.”
“Bringing an experienced professional of Patrick’s calibre to the Outline team is a key move to ensure we build on our momentum in one of the most dynamic regions for us,” said Outline’s Leonardo Dani. “Asia Pacific is major growth driver for Outline’s business, and it is vital that we continue to support our distribution partners with expert resources.”
(Jim Evans)

Europe - Kris Vermuyten will be promoted to the position of CEO of Apart Audio. Kris joined Apart Audio more than 20 years ago and was until now marketing & sales director. In his new role as CEO, Kris will “further strengthen Apart Audio as an innovative, global brand for small & medium sized fixed install sound solutions”.
With Steve Johnson as CEO of Community Professional Loudspeakers and Kris as CEO of Apart Audio Audioprof Group will have for every brand a dedicated CEO who will have a 100% focus on developing their brand.
Both Steve and Kris will report to Koen Claerbout as Group CEO of Audioprof Group International (APGI). In that way Koen can free up time for strategic initiatives to develop the group in terms of organic growth, strategic partnerships and acquisition initiatives. Additionally, Koen will be involved in other investment activities of 3D-Investors (majority shareholder of APGI).
Kris Vermuyten comments: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to further expand the Apart Audio brand under the APGI umbrella in the coming years. Together with the management team we will keep focusing on the small & medium sized fixed install market. In cooperation with our worldwide distribution partners it is our goal to continue offering a reliable and competitive product range that fulfils the needs in the retail, food & hospitality, corporate, sports & leisure and education verticals we are focusing on.”
Raf Willems has been appointed as the successor of Kris Vermuyten in the role of marketing & sale

Europe - Green Hippo has announced the appointment of Juha Kiuru as international sales manager. Kiuru, who has been working in the lighting and video sector since 2000, will represent Green Hippo throughout northern European territories, including his native Finland.
As well as extensive industry experience, Kiuru also brings proficiency with various languages, including fluent written and spoken English.
On his appointment, he comments: “I am really pleased to join Green Hippo. I have always been thoroughly impressed with its range of award-winning media servers, and I look forward to helping the company continue its success all over northern Europe.”
James Roth, head of sales and marketing at Green Hippo, adds: “It is a pleasure to welcome Juha to the team. This is an exciting time to join Green Hippo and we fully expect Juha’s experience and skills to help us drive further growth.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Ben Virgo has joined Chauvet as European senior product specialist for the company’s lighting products. Virgo brings an extensive technological background to his new position having previously served as head of technology at Factory Settings Ltd., where he was tasked with integrating technology into large-scale production projects. He was also the European technical manager at ENTTEC lighting controls.
Albert Chauvet, CEO of Chauvet, comments: “We’re excited to welcome Ben to our team. The growth of our company has been fuelled by the high quality of our products and service. In light of Ben’s experience, ability and passion for excellence, we’re confident he’ll fit right into the Chauvet culture and make valuable contributions to our efforts.”
Michael Brooksbank, general manager of Chauvet Europe, adds: “Ben is a great addition to our team. His technical qualifications are outstanding, but beyond that he shares our philosophy of building Chauvet by offering customers the best possible value.”
(Jim Evans)

Switzerland - Audio over IP pioneer Barix thas announced that the company has promoted Reto Brader to CEO, following a successful tenure as vice president of sales and marketing. The change in company leadership correlates with the availability of new products that Barix introduced in 2018, including its award-winning RetailPlayer platform for background music distribution.
The remaining Barix management team, which has worked together effectively for the past several years, will continue in their established roles with full support from Brader. This includes company founder Johannes Rietschel as CTO, Joan Parrilla as VP Engineering, and Mario Almeida as VP Production.
Before joining Barix, Brader held key business and technical roles at Hewlett Packard, Pixelmetrix, Utah Scientific and Alcatel. He has a degree in Electronical Engineering and an MBA.
Rietschel comments: “Reto knows the market and has demonstrated his strength in building and managing the distribution channel and key customer relationships. His many years at the frontline in the worldwide AV and broadcast markets are key assets to Barix.”
Departing CEO Ivo Killer will leave Barix following a three-year tenure that laid the business foundation for Barix’s recent success. “We thank Ivo for his years of excellent service and wish him well in his future endeavours,” says Rietschel.
(Jim Evans)

UK/USA - In response to increased global demand and expanding research activities at its Berkeley HQ, Meyer Sound has added three new hires and announced a key promotion.
Roland Morcom has been named UK sales manager. Based in Cambridge, Morcom will direct sales efforts throughout the UK and work closely with both Andy Davies, head of UK technical support, and Roger Harpum, who takes on a continuing role in developing business relationships and hospitality. Morcom’s prior experience includes top-level sales and management posts at Nokia Technologies, Martin Audio and Meridian Audio.
David Leuschner has been appointed sales manager, Southeastern United States. He will be responsible for sales from the Ohio Valley and Carolinas through the Deep South and Florida. His previous positions include IT, media production and technical management responsibilities at broadcast facilities and prominent houses of worship, most recently Calvary Assembly in Florida and Gateway Church in Texas. Leuschner is based in Orlando, Florida.
Rick Coleman has been promoted to sales director, Southeastern United States. In his new supervisory role, Coleman will direct and coordinate the activities of Leuschner in their combined territory. Coleman has represented Meyer Sound in the South since 1996.
Swapan Gandhi has joined Meyer Sound’s R&D team as an auditory researcher in Berkeley, where he will take a lead role testing, measuring, collecting data and documenting research for a broad range of scientific projects. He has held research-related positions at St

UK - Stage Electrics has welcomed a new apprentice to its buying team in Jemma Dove.
Previously studying A-Level business, Dove will be working at Stage Electrics’ HQ five days a week alongside studying for a qualification in business administration.
She comments: “I am eager to get into the world of work. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further develop my professional skills in such a great company.”
The apprentice will report directly to Stage Electrics’ head of procurement, David Friend.
He comments: “Holding over £1.2m in sales stock here at Stage Electrics, the buying department have seen continuous growth over the last few years. We are pleased to welcome Jemma to the team, to help manage stock. We have recently had one apprentice in our department who graduated to a full-time roll here. Employing a team member through an apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic way of injecting new energy and creative ideas into a business. The way apprentices approach problem solving can often lead to new and innovative ways of working.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Tickets for the upcoming Paul MacCallum benefit concert can now be purchased via Eventbrite only, the organisers have said.
MacCallum, who founded PLASA member company Wembley Loudspeaker, has been confined to a hospice due to suffering with an advanced form of multiple system atrophy. He was the bass player for Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and was also known as ‘The Womble’ from his days as Uncle Bulgaria in Mike Batt’s original Wombles. The entertainment industry has rallied to help fund his medical expenses through buying tickets to the charity event, taking place on 29 October at the O2 Academy Islington.
Follow this link to buy tickets (£20). The venue is capped at 250 and organisers warn that when capacity is reached, no further orders for tickets will be taken.
The PayPal donations-only page has now been closed but those wishing to donate should do so via the Eventsbrite platform. A JustGiving page may be set up for donations-only in the coming days, the organisers have said.
Last updated: 4 October 2018 at 9:37

USA - Lighting designer and creative technology expert Marty Postma is coming off the road and joining Robe North America’s sales force as regional sales manager for the Northeast.
Marty has over 20 years’ experience on the front-line of concert touring and live events, working as a lighting designer, director, programmer, operator, and technician.
Marty’s recent design portfolio includes interesting and edgy clients like Alice in Chains, Evanescence, and two ice skating shows aboard Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Symphony of the Seas.
Bob Schacherl, CEO of Robe North America comments, “I’m delighted with Marty Postma’s decision to join the Robe North America sales team. With his prestigious design career, he brings a wealth of lighting experience, product knowledge and contacts throughout the North American market. Historically the Northeast territory has consistently been one of the top performing in the US and I’m confident that Marty will be embraced by customers and have an immediate positive impact on Robe’s sales.”
Marty will be based from his home in New York City’s Queens area and will be travleling regularly to meet clients and dealers across the northeast region. “There’s no substitute for meeting people face-to-face,” he comments.
(Jim Evans)

UK - Technical manager and vision engineer John Steele has joined Blitz, a GES company, as technical director.
Prior to joining Blitz, Steele specialised in providing engineering support, planning and technical solutions for large-scale, multi-camera mobile broadcasts.
Steele has engineered and managed in most areas of the video industry, including corporate presentations, concert tours and international sports coverage.
Steele is responsible for running the Blitz technical teams, including video, sound, lighting and set and staging, as well as the project management team. In this role, Steele is part of the Blitz senior leadership team and reports to Blitz managing director Mike Phillipson.
Phillipson commented, “As Blitz grows, we need to bring in the very best talent and John Steele certainly fits that bill. His wide-ranging technical experience and personable approach will ensure we continue to deliver a world-class technical production service to all our customers.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Dan Ryan has been promoted to commercial manager for Stage Electrics’ and Northern Lights’ testing and inspection division.
Previously the company’s electrical compliance and quality manager, Ryan is now responsible for ensuring the provision of compliance and maintenance services enabling customers across the UK to enjoy peace of mind about the condition and safety of their technical performance systems.
Dan Aldridge, commercial director at Stage Electrics, comments: “After a demanding 12 months with levels of business continuing to grow significantly, we have appointed a commercial manager to focus on leading the commercial, engineering and quality aspects of our testing and inspection offering. Dan has recently achieved professional recognition as an incorporated engineer from the Institution of Engineering and Technology. It’s great to be able to offer Dan this promotion and I look forward to supporting him in his new role.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Alan Jacobi of Unusual Rigging was honoured with the 2018 Gottelier Award at the PLASA Show. Named in memory of Tony Gottelier, the renowned industry innovator and commentator, this annual award recognises product developers who have made significant long-term contributions to the advancement of entertainment, presentation or installation technology.
Voted for by his industry peers, Jacobi was this year's recipient, having worked rigorously to raise the profile and professionalism of the rigging industry and having long recognised the need for training and education in the sector. He has been a driving force behind the NRC accreditation scheme since the beginning in 2005, and Unusual Rigging is an Assessment Centre for the NRC.
Jacobi comments: "I am so very honoured, not just to be this year's recipient of the Gottelier Award, but to know how much support I have from industry peers, friends and colleagues. They not only voted me the winner of this year's award, but have been a source of support over the years as we strive to give riggers the credit and professional respect they deserve."
He continues: "We have just made a giant step forward, having just this month won the case for having a CSCS card for members of the rigging industry to access construction sites and carry out the work they need to do. The Gottelier Award by no means signals that my work on this issue is done – there's still lots left to do and I look forward to the challenge."
(LSi Online)

The Netherlands - The ADJ Group has announced ‘the sudden passing’ of Jo Mulders (61) on 17 September.
Described as an ‘esteemed and beloved colleague’, Mulders worked for the company for over 15 years, most recently as a general manager at ADJ Group’s European headquarters in Kerkrade, The Netherlands.
Toby Velazquez, ADJ Group president, comments: “On behalf of everyone at the ADJ Group, we are stunned and deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Jo Mulders and send our sincerest condolences to his family. Those of us that had the privilege and honour to know and work with Jo have lost an inspiring friend. Jo was a warm, infectiously positive person who really cared for others and his absence will be felt with great sorrow. Jo was always sympathetic and team-oriented, valued for his know-how and drive, and was essential in helping to lift the company over the past 15 years. He will be sorely missed as both a friend and colleague.”
Mulders grew up in The Netherlands and lived in Landgraaf. He is survived by his wife, two children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, 22 September, at 12pm at Heilige Jozef parish church in Kerkrade.
(Jim Evans)

Germany - Absen Europe has announced the appointment of Christian Czimny to the role of R&D director, EU Business Unit. A new role for the company and the first R&D position based in Europe, it will see Christian take the lead on establishing a R&D team in the region to develop the future pipeline of LED display technologies and solutions with features that are specifically sought after by customers in the market.
Christian will be working closely with Absen Europe’s team based in the Rüsselsheim HQ in Germany, where he will also host customer visits. Christian will also travel frequently to Absen’s China-based HQ and manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen and Huizhou respectively, in order to align with all departments. The position will take Christian on site visits to customers in Europe to gather their feedback on existing and future products and what developments and innovations they would like to see, as well as to industry fairs and to suppliers.
In this role, Christian will work in partnership with Absen’s chief technology officer, taking responsibility for the overall coordination, functional management and development of the European LED display product portfolio – in close communication and cooperation with counterparts in the R&D department in Shenzhen (China) where Absen is headquartered.
Christian joins Absen from LANG AG, where he held tenure as LED product manager and event technology specialist over a 15 year period – with responsibility for creating the requirement specifications of the LED products for int

USA - ADJ Group has apppointed MI veteran Raul Resendiz as product specialist for ADJ Lighting. Raul will work directly with company staff, dealers and end users with ADJ’s growing line of technical products in ADJ Products, American Audio, and Accu-Cable.
Southern California native, Resendiz, has been in the MI industry nearly two decades in roles as technical specialist, field trainer and sales manager at Guitar Center, M-Audio, PreSonus, and most recently at Roland USA. Not only does he know the technical side of the audio business, but he’s also immersed himself in DMX lighting programming and installation. With his vast knowledge of audio and lighting, Resendiz is excited to take on new heights in AVL at ADJ Lighting.
Resendiz’s primary responsibilities will be to work hand-in-hand with ADJ’s sales and R&D departments to help train staff members, regional representatives, authorised dealers designers and end users about ADJ’s emerging technologies in video walls, moving heads and stage lighting. He will attend trade shows, ADJ Road Tours, retail stores and other educational forums offering technical training.
(Jim Evans)

UK - Industry veteran Chris Hale has joined Chauvet as its new UK product specialist. Prior to joining Chauvet, Chris was the senior product specialist for Martin Professional UK. During his 23 years with that company and its predecessors, Chris worked with lighting products utilised in the touring, theatre, broadcast and film markets.
“Chris is a valuable addition to our team,” comments Albert Chauvet, CEO of Chauvet. “He has a broad and deep understanding of many different lighting applications. We’re confident he will be able to make good contributions to Chauvet as we continue to expand and serve more markets with our products.”
Working out of Chauvet’s UK office, Chris is involved primarily in the company’s professional product range. “We feel there is an excellent match-up between Chris’s experience and our company’s mission,” says Michael Brooksbank, general manager of Chauvet Europe. “Not only does he have a great deal of expertise, he also shares our value and customer service driven philosophy.”
Chris echoes this enthusiasm. “I’ve already experienced first-hand just how far Chauvet goes to give the customers the very best experience,” he states. “With such a broad product range, we have the right products for every application and deliver this with passion and care.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Lighting and rigging specialist TSL Lighting has announced the appointment of respected head rigger Ali Morris to the team as rigging project manager.
Morris brings a wealth of rigging experience to TSL, having worked in the live events industry since the mid-90s. His work has encompassed many disciplines, from theatre, television and rock & roll to festivals, sports, corporate and political events, both in the UK and abroad.
During the 2012 Olympics, he looked after the rigging of specialist cameras in many of the venues across London including both vertical and horizontal tracks in the iconic Aquatic Centre.
He has also served as head rigger at Glastonbury, Wireless and V Festivals, supervising the main stages. His most recent challenge involved touring a 4.5t custom built gantry crane for Matthew Bourne’s new production of The Red Shoes.
Morris’s appointment coincides with TSL’s investment in a further 36 x Litec EXE Rise SF8:1 30m HOL hoists, supplied by Adam Beaumont at Area 4 Industries. This takes stock levels to well over 200 hoists, all rated at D8 or D8+ level.
TSL's managing director Sam Tamplin, says: “Ali is a fantastic rigger and all round great guy. He already shares a close working relationship with so many of our project management team and works on many of our projects in a freelance role. Welcoming him onto the team on a more formal basis is a no-brainer. We’re really looking forward to working more closely with him in the future.”
(Jim Evans)

Belgium - Patrick Van de Sande, founder and CEO of Belgian pro audio manufacturer PVS, has announced his son Tom will succeed him as CEO.
The company is also finalising an investment of €12m in new buildings for R&D, quality control and distribution in Stevoort, Hasselt.
Tom Van de Sande comments: “A few years ago, PVS invested heavily in its own experience centre at the Veldstraat in Hasselt. In the meantime, the company has bought the buildings and land of a former transportation company in Stevoort, Hasselt. We have invested 12m euro in our new logistics centre, complete with new testing facilities and R&D centre. From this location our products are shipped worldwide, to every continent.”
The own brands Audac (audio equipment), Procab (cables and accessories) and Caymon (flightcases and racks), all developed in Hasselt are finding their way to 83 countries. “We are proud to collaborate with several leading brands worldwide”, says Van de Sande. Today the PVS equipment can be admired at branches of Nike, Starbuck, IKEA and many others. There is even more than 70 kilometres of Procab cables in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.”
The company celebrated its 35th anniversary along with over 200 clients from all parts of the world.
(Jim Evans)

Europe - To support the growth of Luxibel, AED has announced the appointment of Damon Crisp as the new international sales manager for the Luxibel brand and for the VMB Show Lift.
Damon's wealth of industry knowledge and contacts spans almost 30 years. Recently he has been running his own UK distribution company (DAC Pro-Media LTD) and prior to this he was managing director of Numark Alesis Europe LTD (now In-Music Group).
Damon comments: "I have watched over the past decade the incredible growth and achievements of AED group. It is with this unique insight that it was clear to me that any development of own brand products would be as a result of demands requested from our vast rental business. It was an easy decision for me to join AED. They understand and know that dedicated and unique products are the future. It is for this reason that I wanted to be part of this extensive operation.”
Hans Vanderheijden, MD of Luxibel, comments: “The last two years, AED invested heavily in the development of the entire new Luxibel range. Damon will contribute to the expansion of Luxibel in the international markets. We’re delighted to welcome Damon in the Luxibel team and to the AED family.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - Event production and equipment specialists Light Fantastic Production Services has appointed Andy Vere to the role of director of production at their Borehamwood headquarters.
A well-established member of the Light Fantastic production team, Vere joined the company in 2014 and has been instrumental in building the company’s reputation as a premier provider of technical production equipment and support services.
With a background in theatre lighting design, Vere has a wealth of experience covering a broad range of production disciplines, including theatre, live music and corporate events. Vere’s depth of technical understanding and artistic skills have proven to be invaluable in the successful delivery of a wide range of projects.
In his newly expanded role Vere assumes responsibility for supervision of the LFPS project management team, overseeing all aspects of project delivery.
He comments: “Being part of a growing, successful business has been a great journey for me. Our team is committed to providing the highest levels of client support and together we have helped take the company from strength to strength. I’m looking forward to this new chapter, both for myself and the entire Light Fantastic team.”
(Jim Evans)

Canada - Solotech has announced the appointment of Jason Howard as director of operations for the Ottawa office, effective 5 September 2018.
In this role, Howard will lead the operational activities, including the integration of advanced equipment and technology for clients for all the segments of expertise (government, business, cultural and sports facilities) of the sales and integration division.
Jason has been working in project and operations management for almost 20 years and his areas of expertise include quality assurance, strategic planning and process improvement.
(Jim Evans)

Germany - Phil Myers has joined German IP video, audio and control specialist Lawo as senior director of IP Systems. In this newly created role, Myers will coordinate the IP product portfolio and core technology development across the Lawo business as well as supporting the Advisory Board with strategic and technology direction during this fast-changing transitional period in the broadcast industry.
Myers previously held the role as IP product manager for SAM (Snell Advanced Media) and Grass Valley, a Belden Brand. Additionally, Myers has undertaken technical product management and head of technology positions at Pinnacle Systems Inc. (now part of Avid Technology), Sony and CVP.
Myers comments: “It’s great to be part of a team with such a great vision about the future of our industry and that has the commitment, passion, right people, and leading-edge IP audio, video, networking and control technologies to achieve this vision, for the benefit of our clients. The inspiration and inventiveness of Lawo people, coupled with their drive and determination, are revolutionizing the way broadcasters work.”
(Jim Evans)