UK - Following the retirement of Andy Simmons, Nexo has announced the appointment of Nick Bolton as Sales Manager for the UK.
In a career spanning almost 30 years, Bolton has gathered a wealth of experience in three key sectors of the audio industry: first in sales and installation with TMC, then in rental and live events with SSE, and latterly in asset financing with entertainment technology specialists Medialease.
“Beyond a world-class range of innovative, high-performance products, it’s the company’s solutions-based approach that really excites me about the Nexo role” says Nick. “I look forward to working alongside the sales, engineering support and training teams at Nexo to ensure the continued success of our dealers with the Nexo brand, and that end-user customers get the best possible returns on their investment in Nexo systems.”
“Whether it’s a boutique hotel or a major sports stadium, Nexo is focused on enhancing the visitor experience through the delivery of pristine, full bandwidth sound, evenly distributed throughout the venue” comments Nexo sales and marketing director Gareth Collyer. “We know Nick well, and his industry experience aligns perfectly with Nexo’s philosophy of working collaboratively with our internal teams and distribution partners at every stage of the process, from system design through to commissioning.”
UK - One of the pro-audio industry’s most enduring and endearing characters signs off her last press release and says farewell to the workforce at the end of this month. After 26 years at Martin Audio - mostly spent in managing marketing and PR - Maureen ‘Mo’ Hayes is taking retirement. She has been the longest serving member of the Martin Audio staff by a clear stretch.
“Giving up something that’s been part of your life for such a long time is certainly going to feel strange, and I can’t imagine not having it in my life,” she concedes. “But while I will miss the camaraderie, I feel comfortable that I am leaving the company in good hands, with a blend of experienced people and new blood coming in to keep things fresh.
“Dom [Harter] has brought some much-needed stability to the company, as has the Focusrite Group. Martin Audio today is very different from the company I joined in 1997. Over the years I’ve been privileged to work with some really great colleagues, both at Martin Audio and the industry in general.”
But for all that Mo will miss her colleagues in High Wycombe. there is a global industry of partners and friends who will equally miss her warm smile, her friendly Scottish dulcet tones and deluxe coffee dispensation to wake them up at international trade fairs.
By the time Mo joined Martin Audio she was already something of an industry veteran, having spent the previous 12 years working first for Otari, and then Sterling Audio and Focusrite. “In that respect, with the company now owned by Focusrite I’ve virtua
Sweden - Brompton Technology has appointed Lotta Schiefer as its new global sales lead. With an impressive career spanning over 30 years, during which she has worked with global manufacturers such as Barco, Vari*Lite and Wireless Solutions, Schiefer brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. She will utilise her expertise to further lead the company’s sales team in their mission to provide top level service to Brompton customers across the globe.
Having started out as a lighting technician, Schiefer soon found herself drawn into the world of pixels. Over time, she transitioned from technical roles to more commercial and organisational positions in sales, business development, and people management.
Most recently, Schiefer held the role of operations manager for broadcast and technical services at the Royal Swedish Opera. There, she established a broadcast service that delivered regular performances amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
In her position as sales lead at Brompton, Schiefer is determined to keep spreading the Brompton vibe worldwide by establishing a cohesive sales strategy that highlights the commercial advantages Brompton processing brings to its customers’ workflows.
“At Brompton, we are privileged to have some of the industry’s most brilliant technical minds constantly innovating to develop cutting-edge solutions,” says Schiefer. “Our company has an outstanding reputation for delivering unparalleled hardware and software products for LED processing, as well as for its 24/7 customer support. In
China - Miao Wang has joined Powersoft China as a solutions engineer in its new Beijing office.
Wang, who will host the Chinese launch of the UNICA platform at InfoComm China (19-21 July), is the latest hire for Powersoft’s local operation, which recently relocated to the national capital from its previous office in Shenzhen. He will report directly to Abbu Hu, Powersoft’s chief representative officer in China.
Wang joins Powersoft from a local pro-audio equipment manufacturer, where he worked with clients to deliver professional sound solutions, introduce new products, and provide manufacturer support for important projects and installations. Previously, after studying professional audio at university, he worked as a sound engineer at a television station, handling live sound mixing and recording.
“I am looking forward to contributing my experience and understanding of professional audio,” he explains, “and sharing how Powersoft’s powerful products provide the most suitable solutions for the market. I am also excited to collaborate with my new colleagues and partners to meet the needs of and provide the best service to our clients.”
UK - Clear-Com has announced the appointment of Anthony Wilkins as business development manager for industrial and critical communications in the EMEA region. Anthony will work with Clear-Com’s current partners and develop new channels for the company to expand in sectors where communication is critical to success and safety, such as marine/offshore, medical, public safety, transportation, and more.
Anthony brings over 40 years of experience in professional audio systems. He has expertise in distribution and partner management for companies including Sony, DTS, Linear Acoustic and Junger Audio, and directly prior to joining Clear-Com, he was responsible for managing EMEA distribution for Focusrite.
“Anthony’s wealth of experience in both the technical engineering and the sales and business development areas of the communications industry made him the perfect candidate for this key growth role based here in the EMEA region,” says Chris Willis, senior vice president of worldwide sales. “He will be invaluable to Clear-Com as we cultivate business in the Industrial and Critical Communications space in EMEA and we are excited to see those markets in this region grow with his leadership.”
USA - Bandit Lites has announced the hiring of Grayson Bowron to the production team in Nashville. As a moving light technician, Bowron will be responsible for diagnostics, repair of fixtures where needed, cleaning and learning about new fixtures when purchased.
“We were looking for some help in the warehouse and he came in and just got to work,” shares Bandit Lites vice president of business and innovation Jake Tickle. “There was never a project he wasn’t up for. As time went on, he naturally started taking on more responsibility. When talking to him about his future and what he wanted to do as a career, he mentioned he was interested in electronics, I immediately moved him to the technical services department. There, Grayson really showed his capabilities. He has a great intellectual curiosity and precision about him.”
“With a focus in the last six months in lighting repair, I've become very fond of it, and plan on continuing my focus there,” says Bowron. “I'm excited to learn about the industry on a manufacturing level, and I'm excited to gain even more skills that I can use in everyday life.”
South Africa - Andrea ‘Dray’ Fowler has joined DWR Distribution’s sales team in Johannesburg.
For the past nine years, Dray has worked for a company that specialises in signage lighting while her career has seen her operate in business finance, office automation and sales.
“I knew about DWR Distribution from my husband Clint who also works in the live events industry, and from our friend Kyle Robson who works at DWR,” said Dray. “It always sounded like a vibey organisation where I've heard they work hard, play hard and fight hard. To me it seemed like a company where if I looked after them, they would look after me.”
“It’s wonderful to be able to expand the sales team and we are already impressed with Dray’s energy and the way she so easily fits into the team, almost as if she has always been part of it,” said Robert Izzett, sales director at DWR. “Welcome to the team Dray and we hope that you will be very happy here.”
UK - Roger Fox and John Whitaker have retired as directors of global technical theatre consultancy Theatreplan.
Both men helped to build the consultancy whilst working alongside the late pioneering stage engineer, Richard Brett. Having been with Theatreplan as partners and subsequently directors for a combined total of over 60 years, they will be continuing their working association with Theatreplan, as founder consultants.
Fox has brought his knowledge and expertise to a wide range of important heritage theatre projects, including at the Royal Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, and the Victoria Hall and Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, which was one of his first, and biggest projects, involving the repurposing of a 1928 cinema into a modern touring theatre.
Fox also worked as project leader for the technical installations at the St. Luke’s Centre for the London Symphony Orchestra, the refurbishment of the Broadway Theatre, Barking, the conversion of a sports hall into the Cotterell Theatre at Kingston College, and the refurbishment of the People’s Palace at Queen Mary College, University of London.
Whitaker was part of the team that designed Theatreplan’s flagship venue, Copenhagen Opera House which opened in 2014. He considers London’s St James Theatre (now The Other Palace) and the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, as highlights of his consultancy career. Other projects include the Derngate in Northampton, Brighton Dome, and School of the Arts and Genexis Theatre in Singapore. Whitaker has become a specialist in smaller flexib
USA - SGM Light has announced that Nicolas Champion has joined the company as managing director of North America.
With over 25 years of experience in both architectural and entertainment lighting, Nicolas is a trusted and well-known lighting professional. As managing director, Nicolas will work closely with North American key accounts and distribution partners as well as the SGM Light sales and customer support teams to develop and coordinate business in both rental and fixed installation markets.
Nicolas has a strong background through progressive roles in lighting and sales management, most recently as the vice president of sales for Altman Lighting. Nicolas also has prior experience as regional sales manager for Strand Lighting. Both roles included a respected track record of business development as well as project and sales support.
Champion comments: “I am elated to be joining SGM's team of lighting professionals whose clear commitment to innovation and customer care is known industry wide. SGM is a company that I have long respected from a distance and now to have an opportunity to help grow their business through such a strong base of customers and partners is an honour. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”
SGM Light CEO Ulrik Jacobsen adds: “Nicolas is the right person to execute our development strategy in North America. I’m confident that his new leadership in this important market will continue to grow and reinforce SGM Light’s innovative reputation and further help to increase product awareness as well as customer
UK - Funktion-One says farewell to Bill Woods as he announces his retirement following 11 years with the company and 35 years in the pro audio industry. Woods' departure marks the beginning of a new chapter for Funktion-One as the company welcomes its new director of business development, Andrew Low.
During his time with Funktion-One, Woods has played an important role in the company’s international growth, particularly in Asia. His sales expertise and rapport with customers have helped to develop relationships across the global Funktion-One network and throughout the wider pro audio industry.
Funktion-One’s Ann Andrews said: “Bill’s retirement comes with mixed emotions, as his departure marks the end of an era for Funktion-One. We are very grateful to Bill for the contribution he has made to the business since joining us in 2012. Over the last three months, Bill and Andrew have worked side-by-side to ensure a seamless transition. We look forward to a new chapter with Andrew as director of business development and wish Bill a very happy retirement.”
Woods' journey in the pro audio industry is a testament to his affability and professionalism. After leaving school in 1974, he began his career in the building trade and after a spell with a local insurance company, Woods entered the world of sales when he joined Kimberly Clarke, a company renowned for its sales training programmes.
It was his passion for music, combined with his sales experience, that made him the perfect candidate for a role he spotted in a 1988 edition of The Groc
USA - Matt Dean has rejoined Bandit Lites as its newest project manager. As a member of the Nashville production office, Dean will oversee the planning, directing and coordination of his designated tours and events.
Dean got his start in the lighting industry in 2007 at Bandit Lites and has since worked in various roles across the lighting industry for the last 15 years, gathering experience in concert touring, integration, architectural lighting and houses of worship.
“Sometimes when people leave, you always know you’ll cross paths again,” shared Jake Tickle, Bandit Lites vice president of business and innovation. “Matt never really left our family; in fact, he and I had kept in touch during nearly every phase of his career.”
UK - Andrew Allen has been appointed product & marketing director, a new role at Audient. In addition to heading up the marketing department, he is now overseeing product for both Audient & EVO lines, with immediate effect.
Audient owner, Simon Blackwood says: “Technological innovation is moving incredibly fast these days and we want to ensure we're perfectly positioned to capture emerging markets and technologies, as well as allow continued development of our world class products. So we’re extremely pleased to announce the restructuring of our director team to align product and marketing into one role under Andrew Allen's direction as Audient product and marketing director.”
With over a decade of experience at Audient, Andrew has been solely responsible for the company’s global marketing strategy for much of that time. “Audient has an incredibly exciting future ahead and I'm honoured to be part of a values-led company that’s not only committed to innovation, but passionate about enhancing the way we make and record music,” says Andrew.
“This also allows the well-deserved promotion of Chris Phillips to Audient marketing manager, responsible to Andrew Allen,” adds Simon. Chris brings six years of marketing and branding experience to his new position.
USA - Developer and manufacturer of video processors, signal distribution technology and media servers tvONE has augmented its sales team with the appointment of Vince Schuster as vice president of sales, Americas, and Kristen O'Hara as inside sales manager. The company has also fortified its support team by welcoming two new technical support associates, including Eric Sievers.
Vince Schuster brings more than 20 years of executive-level experience in audio-visual, information technology, digital signage, and display technologies. His career has taken him to roles including CEO and president of Salitek, a specialised manufacturer and distributor of video wall display solutions, plus key positions at Philips Professional Display Solutions and Panasonic Systems.
“We’re thrilled that Vince has joined the tvONE family,” says Andy Fliss, president, tvONE. “His professionalism leverages foresight and a thorough understanding of the value of unique solutions.”
Kristen O'Hara brings years of experience combining partnership growth, strategic planning, B2B/consumer marketing, and team leadership to effectively grow travel and tech businesses to her role as inside sales manager. At tvONE, her role will focus on delivering a great customer experience and cultivating business opportunities with new and existing customers.
Eric Sievers joins tvONE as technical support associate, armed with an associate degree in Audio Visual Production from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and a two-year position as audio visual technician at ITA
Germany - The HOF team continues to grow and has gained another event technology expert in Lars Noske.
Lars will work as product manager, and will reinforce HOF‘s product development and product management team. He has been working in the event technology industry for many years and is already very familiar with HOF's portfolio.
Europe - Ayrton has announced Iain Quinn as the latest member of its growing global install team. The role begins with immediate effect. Iain brings to the position over 30 years of experience in business development and project management roles with some of the industry’s major lighting manufacturers.
Iain will be working alongside global install director, Paul ‘PJ’ Johnson, focusing on the large-scale, permanent installation market, both on land and sea, exploring and expanding the Ayrton brand on a global scale.
He describes his new role as a ‘natural evolution’ in his career. “I’m very excited to be joining Ayrton right now,” says Iain. “The product is at its absolute peak, the people, company culture, agility and pace are amazing, and the company is in a dynamic phase of growth and development, but with an attention to quality that is awe-inspiring. The future potential for my role is extremely exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”
“Iain’s years of experience in project management and business development will be an undeniable asset to our newly formed global install team,” says Michael Althaus, global sales director of Ayrton. “His understanding of the global lighting market, specifically in the Middle East, as well as his extensive experience with large-scale projects and his people management skills will play a vital role in the advancement of Ayrton in the install field.”
USA - Fulcrum Acoustic has announced the promotion of Rich Frembes to director of loudspeaker engineering. In this new role, Frembes will assume greater responsibilities in leading the development and coordination of daily engineering activities at the company.
Having been an integral part of the Fulcrum Acoustic team for over 14 years, Rich Frembes joined as employee number two and has partnered closely alongside David Gunness, senior VP of engineering and company co-founder. Throughout his tenure, Frembes has played a significant role in the evolution of Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeaker designs and voicing, contributing his expertise and passion to an abundance of successful projects.
Stephen Siegel, president of Fulcrum Acoustic comments: “Rich has been with us from the beginning and has played a pivotal role in creating and enforcing our high standards for design and product quality. As we considered expanding our management capabilities, it was only fitting for Rich to step into this role.”
Rich Frembes adds: “I am happy to take on this new role at Fulcrum Acoustic. As our department expands and new projects unfold, there is an increasing need for daily coordination, project management, and staff development. It feels like a natural progression for me to assume these responsibilities.”
Finland - 3LR Design has announced that renowned architectural lighting and controls designer, Karoliina Helin has joined its international team.
"As a consultant based in Finland, Karoliina will allow 3LR to develop, design and support even more customers and clients in the European Union, the UK, and beyond," says Josh Allen, global director of design for 3LR and co-founder of 3LR Group. "We've had the opportunity to work with Karoliina on multiple projects to date, and her work has always been top-notch. Moving forward, it made perfect sense that she join the Group. Her skills in lighting layouts and presenting lighting data are second to none, and we are excited to have her on board."
"Karoliina's work spans many of the sectors and genres we operate in," says Matt Lloyd, co-founder of the 3LR Group. "She brings to the team a wonderful mixture of design concepts, bespoke light fitting specifications, and lighting simulation modelling and analysis. She does incredible work with the creation of technical lighting design packages. She's such a good fit for the team and an amazing designer, and she will definitely be another key member of the Group."
USA - Ahead of InfoComm, Martin Audio has announced the addition of Paul Lamarre to its US sales team. Joining the company from Symetrix, he will take on the role of South-East regional sales manager - a position vacated by Brad Stephens, who moves to the newly-created role of director of strategic projects and consultant relations.
Commenting on the appointment Lee Stein, VP, North America, said: “Paul is an experienced and proven industry veteran who held a similar position at EAW, prior to joining Symetrix. Having spent many years working in the pro audio field we expect him to hit the ground running, since his background provides him with a combined knowledge of loudspeakers, the market, and the region itself. I’m certain Paul will be a great asset to the sales team and to our resellers and partners in the region.”
“Having spent time as a dealer, independent rep, then regional manager for both EAW and Symetrix - as well as having had retail experience as a GM at Sam Ash Music - I’m very excited to be back in the live sound business,” responded Lamarre.
Meanwhile Brad Stephens’ charter, in his new position, will be to increase the outreach of Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Linea Research and Focusrite Pro, by visiting key end users and consultants across several vertical markets, including Hospitality and Houses of Worship. Stephens will increase awareness of the Professional Audio solutions within the Focusrite Group and increase demand for existing sales channels.
USA - After nearly two decades at Walt Disney World and Disney Live Entertainment, Ryan Stumpp has joined Elation Professional as vertical market manager for themed environments. Ryan has designed and programmed lighting for a variety of marquee shows and spectaculars, including the recent redesign of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom.
In his role at Elation, Ryan will work to drive Elation product adoption with designers, specifiers and consultants focused on theme parks, cruise ships, hospitality venues, resorts, casinos, museums and other themed spaces.
“Themed environments is a vast and challenging market that spans multiple genres of lighting and applications,” stated Elation director of sales John Dunn. “Ryan’s passion for immersive theatrical shows and storytelling, his years of experience and not least his extensive connections in this key market will help us foster more collaborative technical and creative relationships with designers across themed spaces and we are excited to have him on board.”
Ryan has worked as a freelance lighting designer/programmer for over 20 years - the last 10 through his own company Cue 13 Design. Throughout his career, he has fulfilled a variety of roles in themed environment applications and was an early adopter of IP-rated lighting fixtures for use in outdoor installation environments. Notably, his lightshow design at The Wharf entertainment district in Orange Beach, Alabama, has received widespread acclaim. He is an accomplished stage a
UK - Trade-only display specialist PSCo (part of the Midwich Group) has announced the appointment of Mark Harrison as image processing specialist, and Rob Stallard as consultant partner manager.
Harrison will be primarily responsible for providing pre-sales technical, commercial and solutions design support to customers and colleagues for large screen display projects. A key focus will be on growing the image processing category within the business and to strengthen PSCo’s ‘validated system’ approach to support channel partners with fully validated source-to-screen display solutions.
“I’ve worked alongside PSCo and Midwich for a number of years,” says Harrison. “They are a well organised group of experts who work hard for their customers. I’m very much looking forward to extending existing industry relationships and making many new ones in my new challenge to grow to the PSCo image processing business, both in terms of revenue and the technology solutions we offer.”
In his role as consultant partner manager, Stallard takes on a key strategic role within the PSCo sales team, working closely with architects, audio visual consultants, users, and other specifiers, to identify, develop and support complex project opportunities for the business.
Stallard previously held senior project management and technical support roles at Electrosonic and White Light
Graham Pow, general sales manager at PSCo adds, “We are delighted to welcome Mark Harrison and Rob Stallard to the team. They are two seasoned AV professionals whose stron
UK - Videndum Media Solutions has announced the appointment of Simon Beesley to the position of sales & business development director EMEA for the Pro Audio Group. In his new role, Simon will be responsible for sales and business development in the region for the company’s professional audio portfolio of brands, which includes Audix and Rycote.
Simon Beesley joins Videndum with a broad spectrum of experience in the professional audio and broadcast marketplaces. He started his career in this industry at Raycom, the manufacturer of radio talkback systems for broadcast, as well as performing engineering work on wireless mic systems. He has served in a variety of roles such as business development, sales, product management, and rental and installation division management for companies including Sony Professional, Riedel Communications and Sennheiser.
“We are very pleased to welcome Simon Beesley to Videndum Media Solutions. He brings his extensive knowledge, skills, and experience in the broadcast and professional audio marketplaces to our team,” says Bjørn Rennemo-Henriksen, audio sales senior director.
“Videndum Media Solutions has a long and rich history and its brands have a well-known reputation for producing products and solutions which meet the very highest standards in their respective marketplaces,” adds Beesley. “I am very excited to get to be part of this team and look forward to furthering the brand recognition and building new relationships in the region for Audix and Rycote.”
South Africa - DWR Distribution has announced Patrick Manicom as the new workshop assistant in Cape Town.
Patrick was introduced to the entertainment industry by his sister, Jade Manicom, a lighting designer. “I first learnt about DWR in 2020 via my sister before she joined the company,” Patrick comments. “She arranged for me to visit their workshop for a week, and that’s where I discovered that I wanted to work with my hands. DWR was happy to have me tinker around and assist with repairs while teaching me about the different equipment. Everyone was so welcoming from the workshop team all the way to the CEOs, and I seemed to have made an impression too as Bruce Riley remembers me from just that week.”
Patrick recently relocated to Cape Town and now works closely with DWR’s Johnny Scholtz and says the experience has been a combination of nerves and excitement as he hopes to help grow the branch.
Germany - DirectOut has announced the addition of Nicolas Sturmel to their team. Nicolas will assume the role of senior network technologist, leveraging his expertise and commitment to expand the audio network capabilities of the company's R&D team.
CEO/CTO, Claudio Becker-Foss comments: “Nicolas has been a fellow engineer in the audio over IP field since the advent of Ravenna more than 10 years ago. We worked together in the AES67 task group and at ST 2110 interop and JT-NM Tested events. His passion for audio, accurate engineering using the latest technology, and the mindset of thinking off the beaten track to create the best solution for a customer, fit DirectOut’s philosophy perfectly. Nicolas’ knowledge and curiosity will be a great addition to our team.”
It was during his tenure at Digigram as an innovation project manager and later as head of research that Nicolas had the opportunity to combine his two passions and play a pivotal role in defining and promoting the adoption of AES67. In 2016, he joined Merging Technologies as a senior technologist, leading the ANEMAN project and continuing his work on AES67 and ST 2110 implementation.
Nicolas stated: “I'm delighted to join DirectOut, a company I have long admired for its innovation and commitment to the development of bridging solutions for audio networks. I have always believed in the transformative power of audio over IP technology and am excited to bring my knowledge and expertise to an organisation that shares this vision.”
USA - Bandit Lites continues its year of growth with the hiring of Tristan Weaver and Gavin Smith to its world headquarters in Knoxville. Weaver steps into the Integration department as the logistics & inventory specialist, while Smith has entered Bandit’s production team as one of its newest lighting technicians.
Prior to joining Bandit, Weaver worked as an inventory manager. As Bandit’s logistics & inventory specialist, he’ll assist in the daily operations of the Knoxville warehouse including general facilities maintenance, assisting with sales preparation and production prep.
Smith has been hired as a lighting technician, having previously worked as a Dollywood tech where he ran the sound system for the singers and dancers.