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People News Headlines
10/05/2013
ABTT Pays Tribute to Ivor Dykes
30/04/2013
Ian Green Joins Northern Light
Matthias Schwab now general manager at Steinigke Showtechnic
Steinigke Showtechnic of Germany, one of Europe's leading companies in the field of show technology, has a new general manager. Matthias Schwab will manage the company together with owner Bernd Steinigke in the future.
Schwab has been working at Steinigke for the last 15 years and knows the company well. He has accompanied Steinigke Showtechnic through many critical phases and determined the tide of events in the last years as authorized signatory. For the founder and owner of the company, Bernd Steinigke, it is a "logical consequence" to appoint Schwab as general manager now.
Schwab, a graduate in business administration with focus on marketing and company organisation. He will manage the company and be responsible for the operational business alongside Bernd Steinigke. In doing so, he will rely on approved strategies and values, yet also wants to establish changes - as he’s done in the past - by implementing innovative concepts advantageous for customers and partners.
For him, customer focus and reliability are top priorities: "That is what it's all about at the end of the day. Customers want reliable partners with an "all-inclusive service", who continually deliver high product quality and high service and hereby playing a vital role for users, installers and resellers, Schwab mentions.
Together, Steinigke and Schwab prospectively aim to access new markets and to enlarge the company's leading role in the industry. Schwab has one goal in mind: "Establish Steinigke as top address in all areas of the show sector for the European customer. Moreover, our position as a reliable supplier and service provider for product quality, consulting and services concerning implementation and distribution of the in-house merchandise should be further consolidated – true to the company slogan: "Your Connection To The World Of Show".
In picture: Matthias Schwab and Bernd Steinigke.
14th May 2013
ABTT Pays Tribute to Ivor Dykes
The ABTT took the opportunity at last week’s PLASA Focus Show to pay tribute to Ivor Dykes, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to ABTT NorthNet, upon his retirement as the committee’s Honorary Secretary.
Ivor’s initial career began as an apprentice organ builder in Leeds. In the late 1950s he worked at London’s Selfridges store as a television repairman whilst volunteering at the Questors Theatre in Ealing and the Theatre Royal Stratford East. This lead to a formal role with Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop Company as its theatre engineer, working alongside Gerry Raffles and John Bury, amongst many others.
During his time with the company, Ivor researched and produced the original glass slides used for the inaugural production of O What a Lovely War, sourced from images held at the Imperial War Museum. These slides, now digitised, are – some fifty years later – still being used and credited to him in the latest touring revival of this iconic show.
He has also acted and a programme for the Leeds Cellar Theatre Workshop promoting An Elizabethan Evening of Music and Drama still exists, crediting amongst the Players and Minstrels Mr Ivor Dykes, together with a Mr Peter O'Toole.
Ivor’s final professional employment was as Lancaster University’s Studio Theatre technician, where he remained until retirement.
He will continue to be associated with ABTT NorthNet, but now, at that age of 89, has chosen to devote more time in support of his district Elderly Aged group and to his local park and heritage railway.
In picture: Bob Morgan representing ABTT NorthNet, ABTT chairman Mark White, Ivor Dykes and Opera North’s Ric Green puctured by Vernon Blades at PLASA Focus Leeds. Ivor received an engraved Glass Rose Bowl from the ABTT and a special Spanner Award from ABTT NorthNet, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the Association’s northern committee.
10th May 2013
Morag MacPherson Joins Orbital Sound Inc as Vice President
Orbital Sound reports that it has appointed acclaimed entertainment industry professional Morag MacPherson (pictured) as vice president of its US company with immediate effect. Morag joins Orbital at an important stage in its evolution, and will be working closely with international managing director Chris Headlam to position the company's successful brand in the US market. Her outstanding track record and extensive theatrical experience will help drive Orbital forwards, with the goal of becoming one of North America's leading theatrical touring and resident theatre sound system suppliers.
Chris Headlam explains: "Morag brings a new dimension to Orbital as a recognized force in the theatrical world. Morag is extremely well-versed in all things audio, as well as commanding immense respect within theatre production, and she will be a great hands-on ambassador for Orbital. Morag has literally grown up in the business, mentored by her father, the late and highly respected theatrical manager and producer George MacPherson. We are hugely excited to bring her into our team at such an early stage in our development – she is going to play a vital role in helping us achieve our ambition to become a key supplier in the theatre sound industry."
Morag has a long history in theatrical production, specifically in road management, all of which prepared her for later appointments that included director of programming for Broadway Across America, director of professional and international licencing for Theatrical Rights Worldwide, and director of industry relations at Masque Sound. Commenting on joining the Orbital Sound Inc team, Morag said: "Orbital Sound is one of the most respected names in the international theatrical audio industry, and helping the firm establish its brand in the US market is an exciting challenge. It is an absolute pleasure to be joining Orbital at such a dynamic period in its growth, and I see my broad background in theatrical production complementing the company’s structure and aspirations. Orbital’s team is meticulously professional, with an unrivalled skill set in terms of technical expertise, careful project management and practical approach. I believe Orbital has an extremely strong future, and I look forward to contributing to its success."
10th May 2013
LEE Filters Appoint new Business Development Manager
LEE Filters has announced the appointment of Richard McKitty (pictured) as their new business development manager for Camera and Lighting Filters. Richard comes to LEE with over 6 years of experience in the lighting industry and four years in the photographic industry working with dealers and professionals in each market. He will be covering all areas outside the US and South America with a focus on Europe and beyond.
"I am thrilled to be joining LEE Filters. It is a real honour to be promoting the famous LEE brand within two thriving industries around the world. I cannot wait to help expand the business portfolio and meet new and existing LEE customers".
10th May 2013
Industry Pro Matt Hallard Joins Martin Professional
Martin Professional has announced that industry expert and long-time industry professional Matt Hallard (pictured) has joined the Martin EMEA sales organisation as business area manager, rental.
Matt brings with him a wealth of industry experience having worked as production manager for P&O Cruises Worldwide, as regional sales manager at PRG Distribution and most recently for Philips Vari-Lite as European sales manager.
Matt’s primary duties in the Martin EMEA organisation will focus on developing Martin’s Global Alliance Program, as well as handling a number of key accounts. Furthermore, Martin plans to utilize Matt’s deep roots in the industry to strengthen as well as develop new relationships with LD’s and important customers European-wide.
"Matt is just the kind of industry pro that can support our continued growth within the touring, TV and event segments by using his extensive industry knowledge, contacts and solid LD relationships," stated Steen Matthiesen, interim senior vice president at Martin EMEA. "There is no substitute for experience and we look forward to working with Matt to further develop our network of lighting influencers within the region."
9th May 2013
Midas Klark Teknik Expands Technical Support Benefits for EMEA region
Midas Klark Teknik has announced the appointment of Rob Hughes (pictured) as technical support manager for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region.
This new position has been created to further improve the quality of technical support for all MKT products in the region. Rob will be working with both end users and MKT regional partners, and employing his considerable experience and expertise on the deployment, configuration and operation of all Midas and Klark Teknik products.
Hughes comments: "Midas Klark Teknik is an exciting place to be right now, with considerable on-going development and many new products in the pipeline. I’m really looking forward to providing all MKT users with the support to get the very best results out of our products."
MKT brand development manager Richard Ferriday adds: "We are delighted at Rob’s return to MKT. Rob is a well-known and knowledgeable individual, and brings a wealth of real-world experience to this new position. MKT customers all over the EMEA region will enjoy sharing in the benefits of Robs’ expertise."
7th May 2013
Ian Green Joins Northern Light
Northern Light has announced the appointment of Ian Green as a business development manager for the company’s equipment sales division, Northern Light Direct.
Ian has been working within the entertainment technology industry since 1997 and brings with him a wealth of experience in sound, lighting, AV and stage technologies. His technical career commenced at Alton Towers theme park, where he worked as a permanent technician within the entertainments team, before moving into a more theatrical role with Birmingham Hippodrome as an LX and sound technician. Thereafter, Ian worked at Carlisle’s Sands Centre as chief technician for five years before commencing a career in sales from early in 2008.
Ian comes to Northern Light directly from Stage Electrics, where he held the position of business development manager for sales, hires and installations, covering Scotland and Cumbria for five years.
Ian commented: “I’m delighted to join the Northern Light Direct team and I’m keen to put my skills and experience to good use by working to increase Northern Light’s market share for equipment sales in Scotland.”
Ed Gamble, Head of Northern Light Direct, said: “I’m very pleased with the latest addition to our team, as Ian’s industry experience means that he can hit the ground running. We are continually reviewing how best to serve our customers and increase our share of the market and Ian’s input will be invaluable to Northern Light.”
30th April 2013
New UK Sales Manager for Carlsbro and Studiomaster
Soundking Group Europe has announced the appointment of Simon Alexander to the position of UK sales manager for Carlsbro and Studiomaster following the reinstatement of its UK/Eire distribution of the brands from its Luton HQ.
The appointment of Alexander, formerly area sales manager for UK central region with Marshall Amplification for four years, was confirmed at Musikmesse 2013, where he joined the expanding sales and marketing team for the two classic UK MI and pro-audio sector brands. While at Marshall Amplification he was responsible for increasing sales for the brand across the central UK region, doubling the turnover with several key accounts in the first year alone. He left Marshall in 2011 to join Freestone Creative Marketing Solutions as senior account manager, looking after a number of key MI sector clients, including Korg UK, Vox Amplification, Marshall Amplification, Line 6 and Yamaha.
Commenting on Alexander’s appointment, international business development, sales and marketing director, Paul Brewis, said: “We are building a great, experienced team to fully service the requirements of the dealer and the end user. With this in mind, we are delighted to welcome Simon Alexander to the team as UK sales manager. Simon has huge industry experience, and is a fine guitar player in his own right. With people of Simon’s calibre and experience we can be confident of supplying the service and product that the market needs, and of re-establishing Carlsbro and Studiomaster as leading musical instrument and professional brands in the UK retail sector.”
Commenting on his new role, Simon Alexander stated: “It’s a great time to be joining Carlsbro / Studiomaster, right at this ‘new beginning’, and to be working alongside Paul Brewis and the rest of this vibrant team. With the ongoing strategic changes, both organisationally and in terms of product marketing and development, these are exciting times, and I am looking forward to exploiting these developments in rebuilding these two great British musical electronic brands as a major force on their home territory.”
In picture: UK area sales manager, Simon Alexander and international business development, sales and marketing director, Paul Brewis on the Musikmesse stand.
30th April 2013
Craig Burross Receives HES Lifetime Achievement Award
At an intimate gathering in Austin on March 26, High End Systems national sales manager Craig Burross was presented an award from his peers and company founders for his achievement of $200,000,000 in sales of High End Systems' products. The Lifetime Achievement Award for $200m revenue is the culmination of Burross' seventeen years of sales leadership and contribution to High End Systems. In addition to High End Systems co-founders Lowell Fowler and Richard Belliveau, Vice-President of Worldwide Sales Renaat De Wilde, members of the HES sales team and other key employees were also in attendance for the evening's festivities.
Craig joined High End Systems in March of 1991, and was instrumental in the company's sales of Intellabeam HX, Trackspot, Cyberlight, Studio Color and other revolutionary products in the midwestern US region.
In picture: Lowell Fowler, Craig Burross and Richard Belliveau.
26th April 2013
Managing Director, Simon Hobday, to leave Artistic Licence
Lighting control experts, Artistic Licence, has announced that incumbent managing director, Simon Hobday, is moving on to explore new opportunities.
Hobday joined the company as a technician in 2000. Over the years, he rose up the ranks, becoming MD in 2010. Now, with many years of invaluable experience built up at Artistic Licence, he feels the time is right to seek a different challenge.
"I am grateful for my time at Artistic," comments Hobday. "I have learnt a lot about the lighting industry during my time here. But horizons expand, and I want to move on and face new challenges."
Following an internal company reorganisation, Artistic Licence founder, Wayne Howell, will take over as CEO.
"While we are saddened to lose Simon, the recent changes provide exciting opportunities for us all – both at a personal and a company level," explains Howell. "Simon is a very talented individual, and it was by no means a given that he would stay with us indefinitely. At the same time, I feel that our concomitant reorganisation has invigorated the company, leaving a highly motivated and focused team."
Hobday’s departure comes as Artistic Licence marks it silver jubilee. "Over 25 years, a company will see many changes," sums up Howell. "We understand and applaud Simon’s decision to move on, and wish him every success in his endeavours."
25th April 2013
