On the Move

BRISTOL, U.K. — GDS named Chris Patton, a 12-year industry veteran, head of U.S. operations. With a background in stage electrics, Patton has held positions including export sales manager, divisional sales manager and business development manager, working within the West End theatre and touring rental markets. In his new position, Patton has been appointed to develop the GDS brand across North and South America. He will work with GDS distributor A.C.T Lighting, based at first in the U.K., then relocating to GDS’ New York office in August 2012.

PITTSBURGH, PA — NEP Inc. announced that Danny O’Bryen will return to the company as president of its Screenworks division. O’Bryen, who left the company in January to start a new business, has over 30 years experience in the industry. O’Bryen, an original founder of Screenworks, will lead the staff, manage day-to-day operations, and oversee every Screenworks project.

LONDON — Theatre design consultancy Charcoalblue has named Steve Roberts senior stage engineer. Roberts is currently Secretary of the Society of Theatre Consultants. “I’m very excited,” Roberts said. “Charcoalblue works on some of the UK’s — and the world’s — most innovative theatre buildings and I’m delighted to join the team and get started.”

HALETHORPE, MD – 4Wall named John Massie, a 30-year industry veteran, as general manager of 4Wall DC. Massie will be relocating to the Washington DC area from the Nashville, TN area. Since his career began with R&R Lighting, also in the DC area, Massie has worked for a variety of companies, including CBS Washington, Barbizon Lighting and ETC.

AUSTIN, TX — Barco’s High End Systems (HES) has named Chris McMeen regional sales manager, Eastern U.S. and Canada. Prior to HES, McMeen was VP… Read More »High End Systems Names Chris McMeen Regional Sales Manager

BRISTOL, U.K. — GDS (Global Design Solutions) announced that, by mutual consent, Scott Vontobel is to step down as director of USA Operations. Vontobel, who has been helping GDS set up its U.S. office and sales network since Feb. 2009, said he felt he was unable to give all that is required to the position and decided to move on.

MOSCOW — Robert Juliat named Sofit Light of Moscow distributor for Russia. The Sofit Light sales and technical team, led by general director, Arakadiy Shakhidzhanov, are pictured here having attended several days of product training at the Robert Juliat headquarters near Paris.

SEVINGTON, U.K. — SGM named Ian Kirby head of sales in the U.K. Kirby was recruited by Peter Johansen, SGM’s director of R&D and Strategic Sales Development. Years ago, the two had been colleagues at Martin Professional; and Kirby had originally set up Martin Professional’s U.K. operation.

TEL AVIV, Israel — SGM named Halilit as its exclusive distributor for Israel. Halilit, founded by the Greenspoon family in 1941, is now in its third generation and operates as an importer, distributor and retailer. Halilit has worked for 20 years with SGM’s parent company, RCF.

Chris Marchitelli has been named VP of global marketing for Litepanels, a Vitec Group brand. Marchitelli has 20 years of experience as a videographer, editor, and executive with Sony Electronics.