UK - The McKenzie Group has appointed David Laing as general manager of the Glasgow Academy. He joins the team from Queen Margaret Union at the University of Glasgow, where he set up and headed the Entertainments Department. In just over four years, Laing successfully increased the number of live gigs at the University, as well as promoting a number of key dance events and club nights.
The 2,500 capacity Glasgow Academy is the latest sister venue to be added to the expanding list of McKenzie Group venues, namely Brixton Academy (London) Bristol Academy, Birmingham Academy and London's Shepherd's Bush Empire - famous for staging events as diverse as Madonna and the Rolling Stones. Glasgow Academy will launch in March this year, and to date has confirmed live shows with Massive Attack (April 8th & 9th), Inspiral Carpets (April 2nd) and Sugababes (March 28th).
The McKenzie Group is now looking to recruit additional members to the Academy team, including a technical/stage manager.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Columbus McKinnon has announced the addition of Adrian Forbes-Black to its international sales team. Forbes-Black, who will be regional manager for Europe, was previously general manager at Tomcat UK, a distributor of Columbus McKinnon products. Ned Librock, vice-president of sales, commented: "The Lodestar chain hoist continues to be the theatrical market leader and we believe this appointment will further support our European distributors, customers and users."
Adrian will be based in the Wirral, UK and will be supported by Columbus McKinnon's UK and European-based subsidiaries.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Caroline Moss, former pro audio journalist, editor and industry specialist, has joined Faith Communications, the independent PR and marketing consultancy set up a year ago by Aviva Ozin.
Ozin and Moss first worked together in the mid-eighties at Britannia Row, the recording and PA group owned by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason. Since then both have gone on to amass more than three decades of industry experience between them, with Ozin holding PR and marketing posts with the Autograph group of companies and gaining experience in the recording sector with Harris Grant Associates. She also spent a two-year break from the industry as communications manager of a humanitarian aid organisation. Meanwhile, Moss moved into journalism, and has been assistant editor of Pro Sound News Europe, deputy editor of Studio Magazine and most recently editor of Pro Sound News Asia, as well as writing extensively for the international pro audio press and Music Week magazine.
Current Faith Communications clients currently include Autograph Sales, Autograph Sound Recording, Meyer Sound Labs, Skan PA Hire, Delta Sound Inc and Freelance Show Staff, as well as several companies outside the pro audio industry.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Mackie Designs has appointed Martin Warr as head of UK operations, with responsibility for sales, marketing and administration for all brands, including Mackie, EAW, RCF and Soundscape. Warr, who is no stranger to the digital recording industry, has worked with the Mackie brand for over six years, firstly with Key Audio and then joining Mackie UK in 1997. Prior to that he'd spent two years as a product manager with Soundcraft.
Speaking of the appointment, Warr said: "I'm very much looking forward to working with all these major brands. In taking them to the marketplace, I aim to build even closer ties with all of our distributors both in MI and contracting."
Tony Williams, Mackie director of sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa, commented: "I'm confident that Martin will take forward the business in all areas during the coming year. We are at present re-organizing our UK operations; this together with introduction of some exciting new products, will, I feel enable Mackie to continue its growth in the market."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Industry specialist Mike Mann has joined professional audio distributor Autograph Sales in the newly-created role of technical manager, providing pre- and post-sales support to customers as well as technical training to Autograph Sales staff. Mann will have particular responsibility for Meyer Sound MAPP Online and SIM software, Clear-Com Matrix Plus intercom systems and BSS Soundweb DSP networking systems. He will also be working closely with customers and consultants on larger projects to provide technical solutions, handholding new system owners and troubleshooting in the field.
Mann has amassed a wide range of experience since he started his career as a sound technician at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 1987. Particularly relevant to his new role is a stint running the European office for Meyer Sound, whose high quality loudspeakers are Autograph Sales' longest-standing product line. In his most recent role as a freelance technical writer and photographer, Mann has covered many of Autograph Sales' key projects. His career has also included positions with theatrical console manufacturer Cadac Electronics, Soundcraft Electronics and Drake Electronics.
(Ruth Rossington
Denmark - Martin Professional Inc's long-time head of marketing, AnnaLise Laundrup, is joining the company's International Exhibitions Department as of January, 2003. The move is designed to reinforce the company's activities at both US and international trade shows. AnnaLise joined Martin's then distributor Tracoman (which later became Martin's largest subsidiary, Martin Professional, Inc.) in April of 1996. She brings to the position nearly seven years of industry experience and a large network of industry connections, plus a broad knowledge of lighting industry exhibitions, having been actively involved in trade shows in both the US and abroad for years.
Martin's international exhibitions manager, Per Lundgaard, comments: "With the entertainment industry's continued growth and our architectural division's expanding activities, we constantly face new challenges in ensuring that Martin's trade show audience is serviced in every way possible. Having Annalise on board secures the resources and added field experience needed to ensure that the various Martin Professional trade show programs meet our future requirements. Also, AnnaLise's experience and know-how of all US trade shows and events will be beneficial to future worldwide exhibition concepts being developed at the international headquarters in Denmark."
Martin Professional's extensive product line will be exhibited at more than 80 trade shows in 2003. Laundrup's main responsibilities will include on-site project work at key tradeshows in and outside the US, subsidiary tradeshow programs, and proje
The latest addition to TMB’s LA sales department is Barbara Barnum, who has previously worked as a service technician at High End Systems and Gemini Stage Lighting, a pyrotechnician at Pyrotex and a lighting designer/CAD operator at Intelecon. TMB tell us Barnum is into snorkeling, dirt biking, kayaking, hiking, climbing, rollerblading, rock collecting and Sponge Bob Square Pants, and is the owner of a 130 horsepower Aprilia Tuono-R motorcycle.
It was just this balance of technical experience, intelligence and bravado that TMB was looking for: lured by TMB’s culture of ‘Fun is Profitable’, Barbara made the move from Dallas to Los Angeles. She has quickly become TMB LA’s resident expert on moving lights, controllers, CAD and image manipulation systems such as Catalyst and RADLite.
Tommy Stephenson, TMB’s sales manager, comments: "The consensus here is that Barbara kicks ass. Her energy and competitiveness make her ideal for TMB. After all, pushing the limits and achieving the impossible while having lots of fun is what TMB is all about!"
(Lee Baldock)
Biamp Systems is expanding its European Division with the addition of Romano Cunsolo, who will perform the duties of regional manager for select countries in the division. Graeme Harrison, vice-president of international sales for Biamp, explained the move: "Ian Hodgkinson, our current European regional manager, has done a great job in increasing our presence in these markets during the last four years, and our forecast of our future growth in Europe necessitates the addition of a second regional manager. We feel that Romano has excellent sales and technical expertise and has the added ability of speaking five languages, which always aids in business communications. We are very pleased that Romano elected to join our organization."
Romano Cunsolo most recently was with EVI Audio where he held a variety of posts and was the European Sales Manager for Electro-Voice and Dynacord. Cunsolo officially joins Biamp’s International Division on 1 January. His geographic responsibilities include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, all eastern European countries.
(Lee Baldock)
Keith Owen is to leave the Production Services Association (PSA) in the New Year. He will step down from his role as trade association manager in order to launch a design company which will supply 'practicals' and special projects to the entertainment, TV and film industries. It’s a return to a role he undertook for 20 years before joining the PSA. There will be continuity for the PSA in the shape of Julian Walden, an experienced events person, who will now work closely with the PSA Council.
(Ruth Rossington)
The Klark Teknik Group has announced the appointment of John Oakley to the position of managing director with immediate effect.
According to Mathias von Heydekampf, president of the Telex Pro Audio Group worldwide, Oakley brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience to the Klark Teknik and Midas brands. "He joins the group from a long and varied career within Harman, and comes from a strong technical, as well as managerial, background, and thus is ideally placed to take up the reins at Klark Teknik. We are delighted to welcome him to the team."
John Oakley is also looking forward to his new role. "This is a very exciting time to be joining the Klark Teknik Group," he stated. "Midas has very strong product lines in the Venice, Legend, Heritage and XL4 consoles and continues to go from strength to strength. At the same time Klark Teknik is in the midst of major new product launches. The Helix DN9430 Digital Equaliser is the first Klark Teknik product to interwork seamlessly with Midas consoles. This is a fine example of the intelligent application of technology and demonstrates the shape of things to come."
(Ruth Rossington)
ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls Inc) has promoted Dick Titus to the new title of President. Titus has held directorship and executive positions at ETC for over 13 years, including his most recent tenure under the title of Chief Operating Officer, from 1997 to 2002. Titus is credited with improving the efficiency and productivity of internal operations, focusing factory efforts and helping to develop ETC's quality system.
According to founder and ETC Chief Executive Officer Fred Foster: "This change in title truly acknowledges and honours Dick's role in managing and directing ETC. At a time when many companies have struggled with the challenges of a waning economy, ETC has prevailed and become even stronger. Dick has helped make these things happen."
Foster meanwhile continues his unchanged role as ETC CEO, leading the company's strategic development and concentrating on product and market development. Titus will remain based in the Middleton headquarters and will continue his leadership role in overall operations and management.
(Ruth Rossington)
The ATI Group has expanded the role of service manager Richard Josephs in order to keep pace with expanding sales and changing customer demands. The company has also announced that engineer/designer Shane Morris will depart the organization as of 1 January 2003. As a 10-year veteran of the ATI Group, Josephs has been involved in providing full service for Paragon customers. His new responsibilities include playing an even greater, more hands-on role in ensuring that customers receive stellar service, expertise and technical guidance.
According to ATI Group president Larry Droppa, sales of the Paragon monitor and the Paragon production console are brisk and expanding, and the company's growth potential will only be improved by the change. "The Paragons are still at an early point in their product life cycle," notes Droppa. "We intend to be selling these consoles for many years and believe that the skills and commitment of people like Richard are a huge reason why. He'll undoubtedly excel in his more robust role and our customers will benefit greatly from his service expertise." Before joining the ATI Group, Joseph's background included production and full technical oversight at Soundcraft UK.
At the same time, the company bids farewell to designer/engineer Shane Morris who leaves to pursue new professional opportunities. "Shane did a brilliant job on the design and engineering of the Paragon monitor, and the Paragon II FOH, both of which constitute some of ATI's most successful products," says Droppa. "But given that all R&D work has no
Specialist audio-visual company, Blitz, has appointed Rob Piddington, as new sales manager to Blitz Vision. Piddington will be responsible for helping to ensure that the division is successful in meeting a number of key sales targets set for next year. His main focus is on long-term strategy aimed at breaking into several new market areas. Reporting to sales director Andy Watterston, he also takes charge of developing and restructuring the sales team and managing the ongoing sales drive.
Having spent the last 18 years within the sales and marketing environment, he is ideally suited to the role. Prior to joining Blitz Vision, he spent 15 months as sales director at Autograph Sales Ltd. Previously he was at Sennheiser UK for 10 years, six of which he spent as sales and marketingmanager. Andy Watterston, sales director of Blitz Vision, told us: "Our appointment of Rob reflects the challenging targets that we have set for next year. I'm confident that his considerable track record and extensive experience mean that he will make a valuable contribution to Blitz Vision."
(Ruth Rossington)
Martin Professional has appointed Mark Frihagen as international business development manager for Jem smoke machines.
The role is a new position created in order to further develop sales of the Jem product range. The position, effective as of November 18, involves the sale, marketing and development of Jem products worldwide. Frihagen has been sales manager for Traded Goods at the Martin Professional headquarters in Denmark for the past two years, a role he has successfully expanded and made profitable. His skills are expected to help Jem develop in new directions, creating success and profitability in Martin’s entertainment smoke segment.
Jem is one of the leading producers of entertainment smoke products with a product line that includes smoke, haze and heavy fog machines, as well as a complete line of fog fluid and accessories. The Jem product line is developed and manufactured at the UK Martin Manufacturing Facility in Louth.
(Ruth Rossington)
The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) has announced the election results for its 2003 Board of Directors. The new directors are: Mark West, re-elected as Affiliate Vice President (President, Downhome Productions); Rick Rudolph, re-elected as Dealer Director (Vice President, Stage Equipment & Lighting, Inc.); Fred Mikeska, elected as Manufacturer Director (Marketing Manager, Creative Stage Lighting Co., Inc.); and Greg Meeh, elected as Affiliate Director (CEO, Jauchem & Meeh, Inc.).
In addition, Cindi Manning of Vincent Lighting Systems has been appointed to fill the recently vacated position of Dealer Vice President and Patrick O’Rourke of Big Apple Lights has been appointed to fill the remaining two years of Cindi’s previously held position of Dealer Director. ESTA has also paid tribute to two long-time and highly effective Board members - Beverly Inglesby and John Booth - who are stepping down from their positions as a result of employment changes. Both made significant contributions to the Association during their tenures.
The new Board members take office on January 1, 2003. Continuing to serve on the Board will be President Mike Wood of High End Systems; Manufacturer Vice President Tom Young of J.R. Clancy; Treasurer Frank Stewart of Specialty TECH Services; Secretary Erik Magnuson of The Magnum Companies; Dealer Director Tim Hansen of Oasis Stage Werks; Manufacturer Directors Wally Blount of Columbus McKinnon and Graham Likeness of Pathway Connectivity; and Affiliate Directors Warren Cunningham of CommuniLux Productions and Jaso
Owen Wynn-Jones has joined HW International as sales and technical co-ordinator. He was previously employed at the London branch of LMC Audio Systems, where, during his five years with the company, he reached the heady heights of assistant sales manager. At HW, he will be acting as a support between the sales desk and the area sales managers coordinating his skills and knowledge of various markets and applications.
(Ruth Rossington)
Jonathan Adkins has returned to Lighting Technology Projects Ltd (LTP). Terry Reeves, general manager of LTP stated: "Jonathan’s departure from LTP, in advance of its acquisition by the PAI Group, left a void in the organization’s skill base. Everybody within the PAI group and Jonathan’s customers are extremely pleased he has chosen to return to the fold." Paul Adams, chairman of the PAI Group, added: "We are pleased to have Jonathan joining us, and know that he will prove an invaluable asset to both LTP and the PAI Group."
(Ruth Rossington)
Audio-visual supplier, Music Marketing Services Ltd, has made a new appointment within its sales team. Alex Peacock, formerly the founder of technical support company, Capital Service, is to head up Music Marketing’s new specialist division which deals exclusively with the Health and Fitness industry.
In his previous role as operations manager with Capital Service, Peacock gained extensive experience in providing entertainment products to the health and fitness sector, managing the installation and service of complete systems for many of the largest operators in the marketplace. In addition to the wealth of specialist knowledge he brings, he has also secured dealership agreements for Cardio Theater and PumpStation products which Music Marketing Services is offering alongside its existing range of audio visual equipment.
The new Health and Fitness Division constitutes a natural expansion for the London-based company, which has been designing and installing professional AV and lighting systems for the entertainment industry since 1987.
(Ruth Rossington)
After a busy 12 months which has seen Total Fabrications Ltd (TFL) provide stage sets for artists including Kylie Minogue, S Club 7 and the Commonwealth Games, to name just three, the time has come, say the company, to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of one Neil Darracott.
"Technical Director is a role of increasing responsibilities," said TFL’s managing director Chris Cronin of Darracott’s new appointment, "one that requires both qualifications and understanding. TFL has always striven to place safety at the core of everything we do, from manufacturing process through to utilization of the finished product. Since Neil first came on board to develop T2 as an entirely new concept for the trussing industry, he has contributed heavily to establishing standards in unique areas. He’s simply the ideal man for the job."
Darracott, besides being a well-known figure in this industry, has a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Southampton University) and a considerable history outside entertainment, in the field of product development. "That’s what attracts me to this role," he enthused. "With every project that comes through TFL’s doors there’s always a multi-disciplinary aspect. Take the stage-set we’ve just built for Peter Gabriel; there’s this fusion of mechanics, motion, materials; and fundamentally there’s the human element. Entertainment demands ever more complex technical solutions. Added to those demands of engineering development are the creative needs of live performance -
Coe-tech/Robe UK's active sales team continues to expand with the addition of David Linger as sales manager. He will be based on the road and at Coe-tech's HQ in Northampton. Linger has worked in the moving light business for the past decade, most recently as sales director of one of the UK's leading manufacturers - MAD. Previous to that, he was at Coe-tech, and brings his considerable technical and industry experience back to familiar territory.
At Coe-tech/Robe UK, Linger will be working with the extensive Robe Showlighting product range, for which Coe-tech is the exclusive UK distributor. The Robe range was instrumental in Linger's move: "I saw the fixtures at PLASA and thought they were excellent in every way," he commented. "I knew this was the right company and the products into which to plough my energy, and I'm very pleased to be back on board with Coe-tech."
Coe-tech/Robe UK's managing director Ian Brown told us: "It's great to have David back on the team. The amalgamation of his commercial experience and Coe-tech's history and track record as a leader in moving light technology will be a real winner."
Linger will be working in many areas of the industry including rental companies, theatres, AV specialists, architectural installers and venues covering a broad cross-section of the leisure and entertainment industry.
(Lee Baldock)
Scott Church joins Selecon Performance Lighting from December 2002, as regional sales manager, based in an office near Baltimore, Maryland. Church comes to Selecon with extensive sales and lighting industry experiences. His most recent position was sales manager for Baltimore Stage Lighting Inc, where he spent more than 15 years. He has also held positions in the past with Scandinavian World Cruises, US DOD/USO (Department of Defense/United Service Organization) tours and many other technical and entertainment positions.
Church said: "The innovative products, knowledgeable factory staff and excellent growth potential made it an easy decision to join. I hope to create long-term relationships with our dedicated dealers, architects, designers and many others."
Selecon's Jeremy Collins commented: "Scott joining the Selecon team is a further step in bringing to the US market the benefits of our extensive entertainment and specialized display fixture line. Scott will be able to build on the strong growth we are currently enjoying as US lighting practitioners get to know the many advantages in performance, operation, low cost of ownership and safety that are the hallmarks of Selecon fixtures."
(Lee Baldock)
5 Star Cases, the Cambridgeshire-based flightcase manufacturer, has expanded its sales team with two new members. As from 1 November, Andy Harford has been appointed to look after all 5 Star's retail sales. This is Harford’s second spell at the company, having previously worked for 5 Star as a sales manager on the road. Harford will be mainly office-based, but is available to make visits to customers if required. Harford has a wide knowledge of the DJ Market, being a part-time DJ himself.
The latest addition to the sales team is Dave Peacock: based in Manchester and starting on 6 January 2003, Peacock will become 5 Star's North West sales manager. With 14 years’ experience in every aspect of the flightcase industry, having worked for BSH Transit cases and Condor, Peacock will aim to improve service and support to 5 Star’s existing customers whilst developing new contacts.
(Lee Baldock)
The Music Managers Forum (MMF) has appointed John Glover as its new chairman. He replaces outgoing chairman Keith Harris and will be assisted during his tenure by Phil Nelson, who has been re-appointed vice-chairman. The announcement comes after a successful AGM, which was held in early November at the offices of Willott Kingston Smith in London's Regent Street.
As a well-known and respected music industry manager, John Glover brings a wealth of experience to the role of MMF chairman - a position he last held four years ago. A manager for over 30 years, Glover has been involved in the careers of Free, Mott The Hoople, Jim Capaldi, Joe Brown, Paul Kossoff and, more recently, Victoria Beckham. His company, Blueprint Management currently represents Tony Hadley, Go West, Beverley Craven, Alison Limerick and Outbreak. He is also a board member of the British Music Centre and sits on the board of Aura.
(Ruth Rossington)
Michael J. McGinn has joined Shure Incorporated as the company's executive vice-president of global marketing and sales. With over 25 years of international experience in both consumer and business-to-business marketing and sales at Ecolab and Eastman Kodak, McGinn has held a number of executive-level positions around the world. As part of his new responsibilities at Shure, McGinn will lend direction to product marketing, marketing communications, artist relations, market development, and sales around the world. He will additionally oversee customer service, credit, product distribution, and service operations, all on a global level as well.
McGinn's goals in coming months include continuing to build sustainable and profitable growth for Shure and giving unified structure to sales and marketing efforts around the world. "This position is exactly what I was looking for," he proclaims. "On a business level, Shure is and has always been impressive, but it's the human element at the company which I feel holds the most potential. I'm impressed by the people I work with - they are really the key to the future."
(Lee Baldock)