UK – Martin Audio has announced the appointment of Henry Packard as its new finance director.
The move provides a massive boost to the company, since Henry had previously been financial controller at parent company Focusrite. He said the drive to fill the vacant position, following the departure of his predecessor Steve Miller, had become more pressing with the runaway growth of Martin Audio and the launch of sister brand Optimal Audio. “As Dom [Harter, Martin Audio MD] and Sally [McKone, Group CFO] are in regular discussion the move came about quite organically,” he said.
“An internal move is great for the company and generally for everyone involved. I’ve effectively had a six-year interview process to prove myself with Focusrite, so it was a lovely surprise to be told I was being considered. There was no way I could let the opportunity pass, and after a few further chats with Sally and Dom, it seemed like a great match all round.”
Martin Audio’s new FD already had close inside knowledge of the loudspeaker specialist, having been heavily involved in the acquisition process, when Martin Audio joined the Focusrite stable at the end of 2019. “The cultures are actually quite similar,” he continued. “People really care about the products and the Company; it’s more than just a nine to five job, it’s something that is really important personally.”
However, despite the seamless transition, he highlights inherent differences in the respective market and business operations “which keep things interesting and gives me new challenges to face.” His new role requires an even greater focus on strategic and planning duties, he maintains. “Ultimately I will be taking on more responsibility, driving the brands forward and maximising the great potential which is already present.”
In terms of the respective company cultures, Henry is looking forward to enhancing his knowledge of the recording/hobbyist market acquired at Focusrite with the advanced live and installed sound solutions embodied by Martin Audio.
Having now assembled his team, with the further arrival of a new financial controller, Henry Packard looks forward to the future with optimism. “There are so many positives here: the people, the product, the financial performance this year. Even the logistics, I’m only about 500 metres from my old desk!”
Summing up the road ahead, and his short-term goals, he believes “the biggest challenge is how we maximise the growth we’re seeing and strong demand while coping with all the macroeconomic risks and volatility such as production demands, component supply, freight availability and costs. We’ll be planning to mitigate these risks and looking to make the most of our position to continue this growth.”
Welcoming the new FD, Dom Harter said: “Henry has been a great addition to the management team. It’s another great example of providing opportunity for employees within the Focusrite Group and with Henry’s quality of thought, skillset and energy, I’m delighted with the progress and contribution he is making.”
USA – Clear-Com has announced the appointment of Marco Lopez as the company’s VP of Engineering. Marco brings 30 years of experience in the broadcast market to his role at Clear-Com, where he will spearhead innovation across key strategic areas related to product development, including strengthening the company’s leadership in wireless technology and advancing its IP-based intercom solutions.
Over the last three decades, Marco has contributed to significant movements in broadcast technology. In the mid-2000s, he played a key role in the transformation of analogue to digital signals with Miranda Technologies and helped develop the Active Format Description (AFD) standard that defined aspect ratio control between standard and high-definition broadcasting. The project won an Emmy Award in 2011 and was adopted and standardised by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). Later, he helped bring IP standards to the broadcast world through his work with the AIMS (Alliance for IP Media Solutions) non-profit initiative, laying the groundwork for what is today SMPTE 2110. After Miranda Technologies was acquired by Belden, Marco was appointed president and tasked with leading the acquisition of Grass Valley, where he eventually managed the company’s Live Production business unit.
“We are excited to have Marco on board,” said Mitzi Dominguez, CEO of Clear-Com. “He brings a wealth of technical expertise as well as an intrinsic understanding of the needs of our broadcast users from his years in the industry, a unique and valuable combination for the business. He shares our enthusiasm for customer service and the drive for innovation leading our next generation of products.”
Already during his first few months, Marco has identified opportunities for Clear-Com to cement its competitive advantage by streamlining the user experience, furthering the adoption of IP standards, and reinforcing its already industry-leading wireless capabilities.
“Clear-Com offers me an incredible opportunity to learn about the audio side of the business, from a team of some of the most experienced engineers in the intercom field,” Marco said. “I am honoured to be able to contribute to the company’s heritage of innovation and eager to bring my experience in virtualisation of the Broadcast workflow to the team’s deep expertise in voice communications.”
Marco holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Engineering from Concordia University and is based out of the Clear-Com Engineering office in Montreal, Canada.
UK – Void Acoustics has announced the appointment of Dan Moors as head of sales and marketing. Dan joins the team having previously worked in the construction and PPE sectors, and he is motivated about the challenges of working in a brand-new industry and at a time of record expansion for Void Acoustics.
“This is the first time I have worked in the professional audio industry which is clearly both dynamic and fast-paced, and I am embracing it 100 per cent! I have a lot to learn from a product perspective, but there is real synergy with what I have done previously with similar supply chain structures and distribution networks. In addition to which, joining Void at this exciting phase of its development is a fantastic opportunity and one I am really looking forward to being a part of.”
Dan’s enthusiasm has been buoyed by the rapid growth that Void Acoustics has experienced recently, and he is keen to do his part to build the brand further, extending into more markets globally, whilst supporting partners with their own development. “Void Acoustics’ products certainly stand out and this makes them an excellent proposition to sell. I believe that Void has only scratched the surface in terms of the UK and global markets it currently serves.”
Dan is excited to meet everyone in the Void network, and to scale the sales and marketing structure of the company to support the current vision for the future growth of Void Acoustics. “Working for a new company in a new industry is incredibly exciting. Void Acoustics is maintaining growth in its core market sectors whilst also expanding into new markets such as commercial and residential applications. This is happening globally, and underpinning it all is a team who are passionate about the brand and its standing in the marketplaces it serves.”
Alex Skan, managing director Void Acoustics comments: “We are pleased to welcome Dan to the team. He is full of enthusiasm for our unique products and has already shared several great ideas he has for future growth.”
Dan concludes: “I am looking forward to being part of the next phase of the company’s expansion. An important part of this is working with key audio specifiers and our network of distributors and installers to develop those relationships further, whilst supporting them in achieving their own goals alongside ours.”
UK – Lift Turn Move Ltd. (LTM) has promoted Robert Price to general manager of the Wirral-based supplier of lifting and rigging equipment to the industrial and entertainment markets.
Price, previously head of sales, will lead ongoing growth of the business, following the 2018 acquisition by GIS AG, the Swiss electric chain hoist and light crane manufacturer. LTM distributes the full range of GIS hoists, control systems, material handling equipment and components. The company will name a replacement head of sales, who will join a team of 12 employees, in due course.
Price, who has been at the company since 2019, is continuing a second spell at LTM, having originally joined in 2011 and leaving three years later to explore other opportunities. An experienced industry professional, Price started out at Pfaff-Silberblau in 1998, where he sold GIS hoists so his association with GIS goes back many years.
He said: “I have always seen career progression as an important part of my personal development and with a long association with GIS products, this opportunity was perfect. Since I returned to LTM we have seen a significant growth in both turnover and profitability year-on-year, and I am planning to continue this growth over the coming years. The focus on selling GIS electric chain hoists and trolleys has really improved the overall running of the company. Our entertainment business has been the main driving force over the past 18 months or so, with our industrial hoists close behind, but we are seeing a substantial increase in our special application hoists, such as explosion proof and corrosion resistant solutions. We also plan to increase test and inspection services.”
LTM recently expanded its stock of GIS lightweight D8 chain hoists of 500kg and 1,000kg capacity, for mobile use in the entertainment sector. As riggers require the lightest possible chain hoists, there is heightened demand for the LPML and higher capacity LPL chain hoists, both capable of lifting over 40 times their own weight.
David King, LTM director, said: “Rob’s experience with GIS electric hoists in terms of not just selling them but using them in hire applications in previous roles, gives him the knowledge that a lot of our customers need access to when looking to purchase electric chain hoists for hire applications. He will have overall responsibility for the operational side of the business and delivering on the strategic plan put in place by the LTM board of directors.”
LTM, located in Bromborough on the banks of the River Mersey, was founded in 2004 and is a full member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA).
UAE – Joshua Spencer has joined CTME as a crew operations manager. Joshua is proficient in managing multinational teams with a huge passion for live events. He is responsible for the management of the crew bookings where he utilises his extensive knowledge on management of people to ensure every event has the right calibre of people assigned. His ethos of promoting innovation and strategic planning is second to none. Josh was recently nominated for the 2022 TPMEA stage manager of the year award and with his in-depth experience has been instrumental in developing the growth of this division.
Spencer comments: “I feel very privileged and proud to be able to call CTME my new home. It’s so evident to see that everyone here shares the same vision and dedication to maintain the highest level of service. I am excited to develop this team and be part of CT’s growing vision.”
The company also welcomes Samantha Peltret who has joined as a projects co-ordinator. She is a highly motivated and attentive individual, who’s passionate about live events. She has a creative mind and always shows enthusiasm for learning new things. Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge with her and has many years of experience within the Middle East and South Africa. Her knowledge and skill set make her a great asset to the CT team within live events, and she has already shown great commitment to her role.
Pelteret comments: “It’s so great to be a part of such a huge family here at CT. There’s a genuine spirit of co-operation, collaboration, and shared goals. I love being part of this incredible talented team, each day is so different, it’s a constant adventure and such an exciting opportunity.
France – Naostage, the creator of the world’s first automatic, beaconless 3D tracking solution, has announced the appointment of experienced pro-AV professional Alexis Reymond as its new sales manager.
Reymond has worked as a freelance audio engineer, electro-acoustic consultant, sound designer and music producer for more than 20 years, most recently in a sales engineering capacity with fellow Nantes-based company Arbane Groupe (APG/Active Audio). His other experience includes spells with event specialists Videlio and Magnum, where he worked as a sound engineer for 17 years, and Disneyland Paris, where he served as a freelance AV technician.
In addition to his hands-on industry experience, Reymond holds multiple academic and professional qualifications, including certificates in sound and AV engineering from INA SUP (the Institut national de l'audiovisuel college) in Paris.
Naostage’s tracking solution, designed and engineered at the company’s headquarters in Nantes, makes it easy for rental-staging and fixed-install professionals to create immersive, interactive live experiences. By seamlessly identifying and following artists, performers and visitors wherever they are in a defined tracking area, it allows for the automation of an endless array of lighting, audio, video and media effects in real time, in perfect sync with the show or AVL installation.
In his new role, Reymond, who is tasked with developing Naostage’s commercial strategy and overseeing its development, both domestically and internationally, will initially focus on building relationships with major industry players in the EMEA region and showcasing the benefits of the Naostage product. He explains that he sees live shows, corporate events, performing artists, and attraction venues as priority markets for Naostage.
“My ambition is for Naostage to become, over the next three years, a major worldwide provider of automated tracking solutions by establishing ourselves as the market leader in France and establishing a distribution network across Europe, the Middle East and Asia,” states Reymond.
The product of four years of research and development, the easy to understand Naostage ecosystem comprises three products: Kapta, a lightweight (12kg) riggable 3D sensor bar; Kore, a powerful AI processing server which uses AI to track up to 16 performers from a single box; and Kratos, the intuitive interaction-design software at the heart of the Naostage system.
At Naostage, Reymond joins a team that includes the company’s founder and CEO, Paul Cales, as well as partners Olivier Le Doeuff (CTO) and Nathan Van De Hel (COO).
“As a young, innovative company with a true stand-out product, the growth potential of Naostage is huge. I’m really excited to be part of this project and look forward to sharing the opportunities provided by our solution with the wider industry,” he continues. “Let's get tracking!”
“To have attracted a sales manager with Alexis’s expertise, experience and standing in the industry is a real vote of confidence in Naostage and our mission to harness the power of technology to elevate the live experience,” comments Cales. “We are delighted he has chosen to bring his skills to Naostage, where he will be instrumental in helping us realise the potential of our unique technology.”
UK – Following some significant changes within its project management department earlier this year, Creative Technology (CT) has announced a further two additions to the corporate team in the UK.
Georgia Williamson has joined the company as a project manager, with almost a decade of experience in this role and within the live events industry. Georgia will be a great asset to the team focusing on delivering a wide range of events both virtual and in-person.
The company also welcomes James Shirley who has joined as a senior account manager. James was most recently head of production for a large agency and has nearly 20 years’ experience working within the live events sector. He will be integral in managing the relationships of several key clients in the corporate sector.
“I am extremely pleased to bring on board two extremely talented individuals to the corporate team who bring with them invaluable insights and experience in adding to our client journey. Both Georgia and James join CT from different companies, areas, and roles and this is essential in making sure we as a company are as dynamic and forward-thinking as we can be when supporting our clients,” said Nick Askew, head of corporate events at Creative Technology UK.
USA – Theatre Projects has announced the addition of two new full-time staff members to their team. Chris Smith joins the firm as the marketing and content manager and Ashley Keen joins their strategic planning team as a senior consultant. Both bring significant expertise in their respective fields, have backgrounds in the performing arts and offer new and exciting perspectives to their clients and collaborative partners.
Chris joins the company’s New York office to lead marketing and PR efforts. Over the past decade and a half, Chris has worked with a wide array of non-profit organisations in Chicago, Texas and Oregon. His experience includes content creation, digital communication, writing, brand and marketing strategy and data analysis. He brings a creative approach to the firm’s marketing efforts, a precise eye for detail and a great sense of humour to the team. Prior to Theatre Projects, Chris worked with Oregon State University, The Black Sheep Agency, 4th Wall Theatre in Houston, Echelon Design, Chicago Art Department and the Chicago High School for the Arts.
“It’s thrilling, professionally, to join such an illustrious and creative community,” Chris notes. “But personally as well, it’s wonderful to find a role that wraps together my love for theatre, writing, digital content and storytelling.”
Ashley specialises in helping performing arts organisations and venue managers plan for the future. She combines experience working in flexible spaces and multi-venue arts centres with a love of creative problem-solving to find solutions that support an organisation’s strategic goals. Her new role will include working on feasibility studies, needs assessments, business planning, community engagement efforts and more. Ashley is a Certified Venue Professional (CVP) who joined the Theatre Projects team from Mesa Arts Center in Arizona, where she served as event services co-ordinator, production supervisor and theatre technical co-ordinator. She also previously worked at Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, at Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and at Arizona State University.
“I’m excited to welcome Ashley to our team,” says Gena Buhler, Theatre Projects’ head of strategic planning. “Our strategic planning efforts help to support many types and sizes of organisations and venues across North America, and Ashley’s past production and event management experience will help to guide our clients with the insight of a former venue leader. She brings energy, enthusiasm and years of hands-on experience to our team, as we support the growth and improvement of venues and the performing arts industry.”
USA – Elation Professional’s atmospheric effects brand, Magmatic, welcomes Atmospheric FX Specialist Joey Olaerts to the Elation and Magmatic team. Olaerts will work with Elation’s R&D and sales teams to ensure that current Magmatic products meet customers’ needs, as well as conduct product research, testing and viability studies to develop and market new atmospheric effects solutions.
Designed, engineered and exclusively distributed by Elation, Magmatic speciality effects encompass dependable haze, fog, snow, CO2 cryogenic simulation and UV LED lighting products that are built to last, along with a complete line of specially formulated effect fluids. Olaerts will also be overseeing Elation sister-company ADJ’s atmospheric product line.
Olaerts is a proclaimed Halloween enthusiast and fog machine aficionado who founded Fog It Up!, a fog, haze and snow fluid company, while in college. The company expanded over nearly a decade to include lighting and sound before being acquired by Antari Lighting and Effects. Olaerts comes to Magmatic from Antari where he worked as a sales representative while setting up their fluid production facility.
Europe – Martin Audio has appointed Flemming Bjerke to the newly created position of sales manager for the Nordic region and Germany.
Bjerke will report to Brad Watson, international sales director, and his duties will include business development across the region while supporting existing sales channels and specialist partners.
With extensive pro-audio experience across vertical markets, Bjerke spent 19 years with respected distributor LydRommet AS in Norway before becoming managing director of their Danish operation for ten years and then more recently spending three years as CEO of Listen Technologies Europe.
Commenting on the appointment, Watson said: “Flemming’s experience is the perfect choice for this new role, and I am excited by his relationships and insight that will be invaluable as this business continues to grow.”
Dom Harter, managing director added: “I’ve known Flemming for 20 years and it’s a testament to Martin Audio’s growing reputation that we could secure his services. We see an opportunity to significantly grow our market share in the next few years and I cannot think of a better person to lead that effort in the Nordics and Germany.”
Asked about his new appointment, Flemming enthused: “When Dom approached me about the possibility of taking on this role, I was genuinely excited. Further investigation and discussion into Martin Audio’s growing status, strategy and ambition only further served my excitement. To be back in the Loudspeaker business is great and I am looking forward to supporting the brand internationally and being part of the Martin Audio Family.”