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Renkus-Heinz Appoints Norbert Bau as Middle East Sales Representative

Renkus-Heinz has appointed Norbert Bau (pictured) as its sales representative for the Middle East, with immediate effect.

Based in Dubai, Norbert Bau has worked closely with Renkus-Heinz for the past four years as part of its Middle East distribution network. He has now joined the company to help build on the strong growth for Renkus-Heinz in the region.

Prior to working with the Renkus-Heinz brand, Norbert had spent some six years in South East Asia and the Middle East running the broadcast section of Klotz Digital Asia, building high level contacts in the region.

Mr Bau comments: "We have been working together for nearly four years and the relationship became stronger and closer with the success of the Iconyx product line in many very prestigious locations including major airports and auditoriums.

"At the end of the day we found there is a fantastic chemistry between us and, for me personally with a background as a professional sound engineer, the opportunity to meet new acoustic challenges with Renkus-Heinz, and in particular a product as innovative as Iconyx, was unmissable."

"Technically Renkus-Heinz is well ahead of many competitors, especially in the field of digital beam steering and Ethernet-based loudspeaker control-systems," he adds. "More and more system integrators are realizing the benefits of the new technology and how it can deal with acoustically complicated rooms, auditoriums, conference halls, large opera halls and so on. It's great when you demonstrate a system to a new customer and every time the reaction is one of amazement. I foresee a very strong future for the brand and I'm excited to be part of it."

Renkus-Heinz export sales manager, Karl-Gustaf Kahlau comments: "In a relatively short period of time, our sales and engineering team have established Renkus-Heinz in the Middle-East as the preferred brand in many advanced and demanding installations.

Bringing Norbert on-board is a natural evolution to further boost our success in this region. Now through Norbert's expertise and with him joining us as our Dubai-based sales representative, we are able to provide our devoted customer network with local sales know-how and even shorter response-time; benefits which we anticipate will bring our clients closer to us and feel even more comfortable in the promotion of our systems."

PLASA Appoints Linda Moore to Head Sales & Marketing Strategy

PLASA has announced the appointment of Linda Moore as its new sales and marketing director. Linda joins PLASA from Stage Electrics where she held the position of head of sales and marketing for the past 11 years and been a key member of the team that successfully developed the company into one of the leading players in the installation and events markets.

Linda already has considerable knowledge of the PLASA organisation having served for five years on its Executive Committee - the governing body of the organisation - and will bring extensive international sales and marketing experience to her new role.

Her appointment to the team of directors comes at a key time for PLASA, which is currently delivering an ambitious strategy across its membership, events, media, professional services, qualifications and technical divisions.

On the political front, PLASA continues to campaign on behalf of the entertainment and live events sector as Ofcom moves to finalise the details of its Digital Dividend Review - a Government proposal which will see bands of the radio spectrum relied on by the industry either auctioned or reassigned. Having already won key concessions from Ofcom, PLASA continues to work with BEIRG (British Entertainment Industry Radio Group) to protect the industry's interests and is currently preparing its bid to be the new industry band manager.

In October, PLASA announced its intention to merge with US-based ESTA, another international trade body representing those in the live events and entertainment industries. The merger is a significant step for both organisations and will effectively create an industry-wide global membership network of over 1100 dealers, manufacturers, installers, service providers and consultants operating under the PLASA name.

The new role of sales and marketing director will be pivotal to these initiatives and will focus on enhancing the organisation's range of products and services, whilst also identifying new opportunities.

Linda will take up her new role with PLASA in February 2010.

Cadac Announces Tragic Loss of Mark Ray

With great sadness, Cadac Holdings Ltd has announced the sudden and tragic death, at the age of 49, of Mark Ray. Mark died of a heart attack in the early hours of Monday November 9, whilst visiting New York.

Mark fronted Cadac's sales and marketing activity around the world for nine years, joining Cadac in November 2000. Cadac's Bob Thomas said: "We are all devastated, losing a good friend as well as a colleague. Mark gave every element of his life 100% - as a passionate advocate for Cadac, as a gifted musician and as an active contributor to the pro-audio industry. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mark's family and friends. All of us at Cadac will miss him enormously."

After serving in the Army, Mark's career had included spells at FCN, Gibson USA, Adam Hall and 3G, prior to joining Cadac.

Mark is survived by his two daughters, Nicola and Louise.

In Memoriam - Harry Donovan

Harry Donovan passed away last Wednesday night after a prolonged illness.

I first met Harry when we worked together helping to put together the rigging certification exams for the ETCP. I also had the opportunity to teach with him in Atlanta. It turned out to be one of his last teaching engagements.

I'm not going to kid you, working with Harry wasn't one of the easiest things I've ever done. When describing to a colleague the experience of working on the exams with Harry I said that I thought the word obstreperous had been invented solely to describe his attitude during that process. The difference between Harry and most of the rest of us, however, was that he had the skills to back up his opinions.

Harry was one of the best riggers the rock and roll world has ever known. His instincts were phenomenal. I do not know if he had an engineering degree, but he knew more about rigging engineering than just about anyone else in the business. He knew what he was doing and he was seldom wrong.

Harry's lasting legacy, of course, is his book, Entertainment Rigging. It's a monumental work and the amount of information contained in it is staggering. The effort required to put together such a book is evidence of his passion for training and his conviction that a clear and complete understanding of the rigging business is essential to anyone who ever wants to be called a rigger. My autographed copy (he had a quirky, almost disbelieving smile on his face when he signed it) has a place of honor in my office, right next to Jay Glerum's book and Randy Davidson's.

In a world full of distractions he remained singularly focused. I don't think he much cared what others thought of him or his methods. He was determined to show the world the right way to be a rigger and he wasn't going to let much get in his way.

He was gruff and he could be short tempered. But deep down he cared about us all. He cared enough to write a book. He cared enough to devote time to the ETCP exams and he cared enough to spend of good portion of his career training those who are to come after him just how the job is supposed to be done.

It's sad when anyone passes on and even sadder when it's before their time. But pass on he has. Harry, for your work, your guidance and your friendship I thank you.

Bill Sapsis

LOUD Names Adrian Bell Vice President Corporate & Marketing Communications

LOUD Technologies Inc. has announced the promotion of Adrian Bell (pictured) to the position of vice president, Corporate and Marketing Communications. In this expanded role, Adrian will lead integrated marketing across all LOUD brands, as well as manage the company's corporate communications function.

"LOUD's brands are revered for their market-leading positions, and we are committed to delivering even stronger marketing support to our dealers and distributors in the future," commented Rodney Olson, LOUD CEO. "What's more, under Adrian's leadership our partners will see tighter integration of our marketing efforts with overall product development and sales efforts."

Bell reports to Rodney Olson and is based in the Company's Woodinville, WA headquarters.

Michael Hill Named Business Area Director - Retail at Martin Professional

Martin Professional A/S has announced that Michael Hill (pictured) has assumed the position of business area director - retail. Hill, who has served as managing director for Martin Professional Italy Spa since 2007, took over the position on May 1. He is based in Milan, one of the world's capital cities for retail, fashion and design.
The retail market directorship is a global position that covers all manner of retail businesses including flagship venues, department stores and shopping malls. Hill's extensive industry experience and lighting know-how, which includes close relationships with top lighting designers, architects, lighting specialists and wholesalers, along with his two years as head of Martin Italy, brings an invaluable level of expertise to the position. His past experience encompasses major Italian projects in churches, museums, historical buildings and retail chain businesses in the fashion and auto industry.
"When asked if I would be interested in taking over the responsibility of developing the company's international retail sector, I immediately said yes," Hill comments. "Because of my personal skills and experience in this market segment, it is an excellent fit and I look forward to developing this important business area further. I look forward to the challenge it presents and welcome the opportunity to meet people I have worked with previously."
Hill, a Brit yet long time resident of Italy, came to Martin Professional from Erco Illuminazione Srl where he served as managing director. Prior to that, he was employed by iGuzzini, giving him over 25 years of lighting industry experience.

David Gray Joins Oasis Enterprises

Oasis Enterprises, the award-winning Dubai-based supplier and installer of professional and broadcast audio, video and lighting systems, has announced that David Gray (pictured) has joined the company as Architainment Lighting Division manager. Familiar to many people in the industry from ETC, where he was associate regional manager for the southern region, Gray was instrumental in forging the relationship between ETC and Oasis Enterprises, its distributor in the UAE.

Gray will be responsible for developing the 'architainment' market for Oasis, which has just successfully completed the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Mall Aquarium. He explains: "Although the market here is in a state of flux, I believe the theme park market will pick up, as Dubai continues to be a popular tourist destination. We'll be handling installations that combine the fixed elements of architectural projects with products that provide the ability to adapt to the atmosphere or mood, as in the entertainment market. Climate controlled environments and illumination for evening opening will continue to be a feature of the Middle East, for which our skill set and product range are ideal." Indeed, Oasis recently received the Lighting Installation Project of the Year award from Sound & Stage magazine for the Dubai Mall Aquarium, while the Grand Mosque project has received numerous awards around the world. Other projects in the pipeline for Oasis include Burj Dubai Festive Lighting and Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi.

As the regional distributor for a number of international manufacturers, Oasis is well respected in the area for the high level of service they provide, with factory authorised and trained technicians. From CCTV systems to AV, audio, lighting, rigging, drapes, machinery and architectural products, there are few companies of their calibre in the region able to successfully integrate projects, from complete design to commissioning turnkey projects.

For Gray, the move means a return to representing a distributor - he was at Black Light Ltd for 10 years prior to joining ETC - a role he is looking forward to: "I have known Oasis for over 10 years, and they provide not just the products that their clients want, but also unbeatable service and support."

Patrick Jordan: 27 March 1965 - 10 April 2009

A wonderful father, partner, brother, uncle, nephew, friend and colleague.                                                    

Patrick lived together with Clare and their two sons, Sebastian and William. He was so very proud of them and loved spending time with them both at home, in the work environment and on holiday.

Since 1993 he had been working for Mojo Barriers. He found his work both challenging and rewarding. He was a hard-working, enthusiastic colleague, full of plans for now and the future, and always one step ahead. 

On Friday April 10, 2009 Patrick Jordan unexpectedly passed away at the age of 44.
To say that he will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues is an understatement. He will, however, never be forgotten.

Messages of Condolence can be submitted to: Ourmemoryof.com/patrickjordan

Patrick Jordan featured in the March issue of Entertainment Technology in our ‘Goodbye Guesswork' feature on Mojo Barriers new Gatekeeper system.

Patrick Jordan pictured by etnow editor John Offord at the recent Event Show in London.

 

From Graham Brown of Resource PR

As the managing director of the Mojo Barriers since 1993, Patrick Jordan worked at the highest level in the live music and event industries. He was an inspirational man who took what seemed to be one of the most utilitarian pieces of concert equipment, an aluminium barrier, and through it focused the minds of promoters, production managers and academics on saving lives through effective crowd safety at live events.

Patrick’s passionate professionalism for his business saw him create the world’s most respected crowd barrier company, the Mojo Barriers, continually raising levels of audience and artist safety through the implementation of improved working practices and technological innovations.

In 2006 Patrick was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Buckingham New University in recognition for the significant contribution to research into crowd safety at live events.

For all of that Patrick will be remembered for the way he touched so many people on a personal level. His genial personality led to him being known as the ‘gentle giant’. Patrick was the calm in the eye of the storm, injected his great sense of humour into every situation and was a ‘can do’ man who achieved great things in his all too short life.

Patrick was a wonderful friend and colleague who has left us too early, with a great legacy to keep alive.

Bill Sapsis USITT Fellow

Sapsis Rigging, Inc. has announced that it's founder and president, Bill Sapsis, has been named a Fellow of the Institute by the United States Institute of Theatre Technology. The presentation was made during the Fellows address and award ceremony during the recent USITT Conference in Cincinnati.

In his introduction of Bill, Joe Aldridge, Vice President for Conferences for USITT and a Fellow in his own right, noted that Bill "is an inspiration to young technicians entering the industry."

The honorary designation of Fellow of the Institute is bestowed for life upon those members who have made a truly outstanding contribution to the theatre and the work of the Institute. Bill Sapsis commented: "The Fellows are well known for their commitment to the members of the Institute, especially the students and I am deeply honored to now be part of their company."

GLP Recruits Optical Specialist KaiChang Lu

Experienced optical specialist, KaiChang Lu, has joined the GLP R&D team. He will be working closely with head of department, Markus Salm, and project managers, Oliver Klee and Marc Rapp, to ensure that GLP continues to develop luminaires with high efficiency optical qualities.

In addition to a PhD in Applied Optics, KaiChang Lu (48) has a comprehensive background in Optical Design, and between 1996-2007 worked as Director for R&D/Design at British Optical (International Optics).

"I have worked in the entertainment lighting industry for more than 20 years and optimized the optics for different manufacturers, eg Martin Professional profile spots from MAC 500 up to MAC III, and prior to that carried out optical work for High End Systems - so I am confident that I can contribute to securing the future growth of GLP in the professional lighting business," says KaiChang.

GLP is known largely for its innovative ‘impression' baseless luminaire that has quickly become a standard within the TV, theatre and touring market segments - due in particular to the beautiful beam quality and rich colors. GLP's business director, Kasper Gissel, states: "We strive to develop and manufacture top quality luminaires and know that optics are key elements in the lighting fixtures; therefore I am delighted that KaiChang has decided to join our R&D team, which today consists of more than 10 highly dedicated and skilled engineers."

"One of the things I noticed at GLP was the passion and the positive attitude of the employees - all of them eager to learn new things to give them the capability of developing even better luminaires. I am thrilled to be a part of the GLP team at such an important period in the company's development," said KaiChang.

KaiChang Lu will remain as a technical consultant in digital projector and security camera at Meiloon, Taiwan, where he will continue to spend half of his time, while dedicating the other half to GLP R&D. "This is a very cost efficient way for us to get the required optical skills of KaiChang," says GLP founder Udo Künzler, adding: "He will work exclusively for us in the field of luminaire optics ... so we are the fortunate ones!"

The first masterpiece from the extended GLP R&D department will be the impression ‘Meisterstück' which will be shown at ProLight+Sound, April 2009. The Meisterstück is a silent 650W LED (RGBW) moving head wash light for TV and Theatre, with one unique color mixed beam, to avoid any color shades, and with variable zoom from 7 to 28 degrees.

"This is the first time we have developed a luminaire in response to such a strict set of requirements from lighting designers," says Markus Salm. "We are really proud of our Meisterstück - and in keeping with the impression's unique design template, have managed to make it baseless."

In picture: KaiChang Lu with Markus Salm, Oliver Klee and Marc Rapp

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