People News

Version 2 Strengthens Management Team with Key Appointments Across Warehouse, Asset and Hire Operations

UK – Version 2, a leading TV, broadcast and event lighting specialist, has announce a trio of strategic management appointments. The arrival of Rob Turner as warehouse manager, Matt Gubby as asset manager and the return of Ollie Perry as hire desk manager marks a significant reinforcement of the company’s operational infrastructure and its ongoing commitment to delivering premium service to the UK broadcast and live event sectors.

Rob Turner joins Version 2 as warehouse manager, bringing over 20 years of high-level warehousing and logistics expertise. Turner’s career has seen him progress from frontline operations to senior management, most recently within a prominent AV rental firm. His track record includes managing complex, large-scale logistics for major international events.

In his new role, Turner will focus on optimising day-to-day operations to ensure maximum accuracy and responsiveness. “Version 2 has a fantastic team atmosphere and I am delighted to be part of it,” says Turner. “My priority is ensuring our customers receive the most efficient service possible. In this industry, proactive management and meticulous attention to detail are what build long-term trust.”

Matt Gubby steps into the role of asset manager, a position critical to maintaining the high technical standards for which Version 2 is known. With a diverse background spanning warehouse management, logistics and retail, Gubby is tasked with overseeing the company’s extensive inventory and managing complex transport schedules.

“Our commitment to detail ensures that customers can rely on both our service and our equipment,” Gubby explains. “As asset manager, I ensure our kit maintains the highest standards so that the end-user always receives the best possible product. In a fast-paced industry, this also means being agile enough to accommodate last-minute transport movements to meet urgent production needs.”

Completing the management expansion, Ollie Perry returns to the Version 2 rental team as hire desk manager. Perry will serve as the primary point of contact for all trade dry hire clients, while also providing vital support for the company’s full production projects. His remit includes quote preparation, shortage management and the co-ordination of crew and transport.

“The people are what truly make Version 2 special,” says Perry. “I see first-hand the care and attention that goes into preparing our equipment. My role is to ensure that from the initial quote to the final delivery, our production requirements are met with the level of service our clients expect.”

Commenting on the appointments, Version 2 general manager Joe Marter says: “We’re delighted to welcome Rob and Matt to Version 2 and see Ollie return to the rental team. These appointments come at a time of continued growth for Version 2 as we expand our footprint in the UK lighting market.”

In picture: Matt Gubby, Joe Marter, Ellie Eland, Ollie Perry and Rob Turner.

3rd March 2026

PSCo and Dry Hire Lighting strengthen leadership to deliver even greater value for live events customers

UK – PSCo and Dry Hire Lighting have appointed Lee Dennison as director of trade rental and Peter Jones as operations director, reinforcing their commitment to customers across the live events industry.

Lee Dennison brings more than 25 years’ experience in the live events rental sector, with senior roles at Creative Technology, White Light, Delta Live and Autograph, as well as running his own consultancy practice. He will focus on shaping the trade hire strategy with customer service at its core, ensuring the offering remains brand-agnostic, highly responsive, and aligned to how rental businesses operate day to day.

Lee Dennison, director of trade rental at PSCo, comments: “Our role is to be a trusted trade partner: flexible, straightforward and easy to work with. By aligning strategy and operations, we can support our customers in a practical, sustainable way as their needs evolve.”

Peter Jones joins with extensive experience across live video and technical production, including roles at Shooting Partners, Anna Valley and iMag. He will lead on operational systems and processes to ensure scalable, consistent delivery.

Peter Jones, operations director at PSCo, comments: “My focus is on strengthening our operational foundations so we can continue to deliver the reliability and consistency our customers expect.”

The appointments follow sustained growth and the expansion of dry hire lighting alongside established video services. The focus remains clear: ensuring customers have reliable access to specialist technology for live events, additional capacity and consistent operational support when it matters most.

Stuart Holmes, executive director – solutions at PSCo, adds: “Our growth has always been built on close collaboration with customers. As we expand our lighting and video services, it’s essential we continue to evolve in a way that makes life easier for the rental community.

“We see ourselves as an extension of our customers’ warehouses, providing capacity, specialist equipment and dependable support. Strengthening our leadership team ensures we can deliver that consistently as demand grows.”

Together, PSCo and Dry Hire Lighting continue to invest in leadership and infrastructure to ensure customers can deliver impressive live events with confidence.

27th February 2026

ETC Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President

USA – After decades of dedicated service to ETC, CEO Dick Titus announced his retirement last week.

“Throughout his 35-year tenure and in his seven years as CEO, Dick Titus has provided ETC with steadfast leadership and guidance. His legacy will continue in ETC’s ongoing dedication to its employees and customers,” said Susan Foster, chairman of the Board.

As the company ushers in the next era of leadership, ETC has to announced that James Foster has assumed the role of president.

As the incoming president, Foster brings with him over a decade of experience. He has worked closely with Titus and with departments across ETC, including roles in research and development, human resources, acquisition management and professional services. Foster has held the position of vice president of finance since 2024 and has served on ETC’s board of directors since 2022.

“I am deeply honoured and excited to begin this next chapter alongside the amazing people of ETC,” said Foster. “This company has been built by a passion for people, service, and exciting products and I intend to carry that forward.”

25th February 2026

Obituary: John Offord – 1942-2026

UK – John Offord, the founder and first editor of Lighting & Sound International and Entertainment Technology magazines, and a well-known figure to many in the live entertainment technology industry, has passed away after a short illness.

John’s career spanned a time of rapid transformation in professional stage lighting, sound reinforcement, staging and effects. Over a 40-year period, he was a key player in developing the news and informational structure which supported the entertainment technology industry’s growing behind-the-scenes community of technicians, manufacturers and suppliers, and which lasts to this day.

John was born in 1942 in Lewisham, London, the eldest of four siblings and was destined to work in publishing. Employed at his family’s Eastbourne-based printing firm from the age of 16, he began running the business at just 19, following his father’s retirement.

In 1972 he met theatre producer Charles Vance, who was then running a repertory company at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre and together they formed a partnership to publish the British Theatre Directory. Previously published in association with The Stage, this was a reference volume which catalogued the country’s professional theatre venues, including producers, touring circuits and key personnel.

In 1985 he successfully tendered for the creation of a monthly magazine to represent the rapidly growing market served by members of PLASA (the Professional Lighting and Sound Association), a trade organisation borne out of the disco and nightclub boom of the 1970s. The magazine, Lighting & Sound International, is still published by PLASA to this day (as LSi) and recently marked its 40th anniversary.

John took on the position of PLASA chief executive, running both Lighting & Sound International magazine and PLASA’s support office until 1997, while also helping to oversee the growth of the PLASA Show. His next publishing venture was the creation of Entertainment Technology magazine and its online home, etnow.com, both of which are still running. ET Press – as it’s now known – has published almost 100 books covering all aspects of staging live entertainment events as well as some fascinating historical subjects.

John is survived by his four children Andrew, Angela, Adrian and Katie, and his wife Lesley.

24th February 2026

Giacomo Previ joins DirectOut as Director of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships

Germany – DirectOut, a benchmark for professional audio system connectivity, has announced the appointment of Giacomo Previ as director of marketing and strategic partnerships. A highly accomplished strategist with over 30 years of excellence in the pro-audio sector, Previ will lead the company’s global marketing strategy and drive high-level industry alliances.

Previ brings a formidable track record to DirectOut. His career includes eight years managing OEM sales at Powersoft and a 14-year tenure as director of sales and marketing at 18 Sound, where he was instrumental in scaling global partnerships. His background is further strengthened by key roles in product management and marketing communications at Mackie Designs and RCF, which have given him in-depth, comprehensive knowledge of the international audio market.

“I am personally and professionally excited to welcome Giacomo Previ to our team,” says Luca Giaroli, CEO of DirectOut. “Having known him for many years, I have always admired his deep market insight and his unique ability to connect technology with business opportunities. His arrival is a game-changer for DirectOut, ensuring that our innovative spirit is matched by a world-class strategic vision as we expand our global footprint.”

In his new role, Previ will focus on driving strategic global growth by enhancing brand equity and market penetration for DirectOut’s advanced Audio Solution Model. Additionally, he will cultivate high-level partnerships by leveraging his extensive network to build strategic synergies with world-class manufacturers, while also fostering product marketing innovation to effectively bridge the gap between engineering excellence and market-driven needs.

“DirectOut is renowned for its uncompromising quality and engineering innovation.” says Previ. “I am thrilled to join the team at a time when the company is leading the way with AI-enhanced technological innovations. My goal is to help DirectOut reach its full potential as the ultimate solution for managing complex audio systems, ensuring that our audio solutions remain at the heart of the world's most demanding professional networks.”

24th February 2026

John Offord 1942-2026

It is with great sadness that ETP announces the passing of its founder, John Offord, on 16th February 2026.

No further details are known at this time.

20th February 2026

Point Source Audio Appoints Anthony Wilkins as Vice President of Sales, EMEA 

EMEA – Point Source Audio is growing its international presence further with the appointment of Anthony Wilkins as vice president of sales, EMEA. The move highlights Point Source Audio’s strategic brand expansion and the enhanced focus it is placing on market development in the region.

“We are delighted to welcome Anthony to the Point Source Audio family,” stated Point Source Audio CEO, president and co-founder James Lamb. “His experience and track record in the industry are second to none and we are certain he will help our EMEA team achieve even more success in the future.”

Point Source Audio’s international success is based on a foundation of proprietary intellectual property, engineering-driven product development and a disciplined approach to global market expansion. The manufacturer’s portfolio of patented wearable microphone solutions serves professional users across a variety of verticals including theatre and broadcast. The innovative solutions are the go-to choice for multiple applications with demand driven by their proven reliability, durability and discreet performance.

The appointment of Wilkins fits perfectly with this strategy. He has spent more than three decades working in the professional audio industry and has deep roots in the broadcast sector. Over this period, he has built strong relationships in the professional audio market through his roles at companies including Sony, Jünger Audio, Focusrite and Calrec.

“I’m delighted to be joining Point Source Audio,” said Wilkins. “We have got some fantastic products and multiple patents. Point Source Audio is an innovative and established player in the microphone market with offerings that make a compelling argument to every type of user. I can see a great opportunity to build on what we have already achieved in this region and look forward to helping the business to grow in the key EMEA territory.”

Anthony Wilkins will be alongside his new colleagues to highlight the manufacturer’s range of innovative microphones on the Point Source Audio booth (EA170 in the East Access area of Hall 3) at ISE 2026 taking place at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via from 3 to 6 February 2026.

 

19th January 2026

Bring Light Back to Ukraine

Ukraine – Several months ago Zinteco, one of Ukraine’s leading live event production companies, lost its Kyiv workshops after Russian Shahed drones struck the area. Decades of investment in lighting, audio, staging equipment and tools were completely destroyed.

What followed, however, was a clear reminder of how connected this industry really is.

Zinteco never talked about stopping. The work it does – especially since the war began – has provided moments of normality and relief for audiences across Ukraine. When news of the damage spread, companies throughout the live events community stepped in. Equipment was donated, cables and truss were shipped and people sent what they could.

TMB co-ordinated with Company NA to donate thousands of pieces of truss and cable and covered the shipping costs. They also brought 40 of Zinteco’s Flare fixtures to the US, refurbished them and added custom Ukraine-flag labels. Mainlight has been renting those fixtures, with all rental proceeds going directly back to Zinteco.

There are many similar efforts, most of them done quietly. These companies aren’t looking for recognition, they’re helping because it feels like the right thing to do.

Those who met Olga Kushpitovska from Zinteco at LDI may already be familiar with the situation and may be looking for ways to help. Sharing the story felt like the most useful place to start. Between LDI, the holidays and sorting out a simple way to collect support, things moved slowly, but with the new year it’s time to move forward and raise awareness.

This is a story worth sharing beyond a single crowdfunding page.

For anyone unfamiliar with Zinteco: if you’ve attended a major show in Ukraine, you’ve likely seen their work. They support everything from arena concerts to official state events. They’re the kind of crew you rely on when things get complicated.

In live production, everyone depends on each other. That’s how the industry works. And when one of our own is hit hard, people step in to help where they can.

A website is now live at bringlightback.org, which explains the effort and how individuals or companies can participate.

If this resonates, please consider sharing the story. Every bit of awareness helps Zinteco get back to doing what they do best: supporting live events that bring people together, even under very difficult circumstances.

19th January 2026

ALPD Lumière Scheme 2026

UK – The ALPD has announced that the successful candidate for its Design Lumière Scheme 2026 is Harriet White. A pathway scheme for emerging lighting designers, the Design Lumière Scheme gives the successful candidate valuable experience of working professionally as an assistant lighting designer for six months.

The Scheme begins with three months spent at Glyndebourne Opera House and this is followed by a further three months working with several different lighting designers on a variety of productions.

Harriet is a freelance lighting designer; her creative credits include work at the Bush Theatre, Park Theatre, Cockpit Theatre, Riverside Studios, Southwark Playhouse and Criterion Theatre as well as working on West End productions like Merchant of Venice, Two Strangers Carry A Cake Across New York and Titanique. Lighting design credits include Mona Loser, Replica (Southwark Playhouse), Dick (Riverside Studios), Whale (Lion and Unicorn Theatre), Conversations We Never Had, As People We’ll Never Be (Cockpit Theatre), Mulatto Boy (Omnibus Theatre), I am Gavrilo Princip (Bush Theatre). Assistant lighting designer credits include When We Are Married (Donmar Warehouse). Current lighting design works include UK tour of An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy By Moonlight, venues include Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, Opera House Manchester, Edinburgh Playhouse and others.

Harriet said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Lumière Scheme, which values mentorship, shared knowledge and care for craft, and I’m excited to learn and develop within such skilled and collaborative environments.”

The ALPD would like to thank Glyndebourne, Chauvet, Christie Lites, Vectorworks and all who donate to the scheme. The ALPD interviewed some great candidates for this placement and would love to be able to extend its work to include production placements. If anyone reading this would be interested in offering sponsorship to the Lumière Scheme in future years, please contact office@thealpd.org.uk

photos: Ewa Ferdynus

16th January 2026

Eurotruss Appoints Eddie Slotboom as CEO of Structures and Stages

The Netherlands – Eurotruss announces the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Eddie Slotboom as CEO of the structures and stages division, effective January 2026. This strategic step reinforces Eurotruss’s ambitions for continued international growth and further strengthens its position as a global leader in high-end roof, staging and truss solutions.

Eddie Slotboom is a highly respected professional within the international entertainment and events industry. With senior leadership roles at renowned companies such as Stageco and Mojo Rental, and related work experience at other established truss manufacturers, he brings decades of experience and in-depth expertise. His career spans the full scope of the truss and rigging system, from production environments to complex, large-scale event builds worldwide.

Eddie’s passion and understanding of both technical engineering requirements and the realities of live event production allows him to connect seamlessly with engineers, production teams and end-users alike.

Known for his pragmatic and hands-on leadership style, Eddie focuses on solutions that work in practice. At Eurotruss, he will play a key role in aligning in-house engineering with on-site application, ensuring that innovation is driven by real-world customer needs.

As CEO of Structures and Stages, Eddie will focus on enabling customers to realise ambitious and complex projects. By guiding partners through structural challenges and pushing technical boundaries, he will help ensure Eurotruss continues to support some of the world’s most spectacular productions.

Eddie Slotboom on his appointment: “Eurotruss stands for quality, innovation and reliability. I’m excited to work with the team to develop new structures, push boundaries and support clients in taking their productions to the next level.”

6th January 2026