People

Kevin King for Phosphor’s AJA Products

philsandberg — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:10:59 +0000

Technical Director Kevin King joins AJA Video Systems’ EMEA Representative, Phosphor, with a decade of expertise in television production, broadcast and film for the UK and international markets.
He was most recently Product Manager at Root6 Technology, a premiere supplier of technology and support to the broadcast, film, and post-production communities. Prior to that King held facility operations and technical supervisory roles at companies including Mentorn Barradough Carey, K2 Visuals, Flycatcher Films and others. He is based in the UK.

never.no Appoints Scott Davies for UK/Ireland

philsandberg — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:09:15 +0000

never.no, a leading provider of technology connecting broadcasters, brands, outdoor media owners, and digital screen networks with online and mobile consumers, has announced the appointment of Scott M. Davies as vice president of sales for the United Kingdom and Ireland. The new position represents a continued expansion of never.no’s market reach.
Davies co-founded Million-2-1 Limited, a mobile interactive technology company serving businesses and consumers. From its inception in 2002 until it became part of IGT U.K. in 2009, Davies served as operations director of the Manchester, England-based company.
Davies was also part of the founding team and director of Internet production startup Eunite Limited, which was sold to N. Brown Plc in 2000. Prior to that, he held a variety of management and creative positions with information technology companies including sports-dot-com venture Sportal. He earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design at the University of Northumbria.

DEV Systemtechnik appoints David Joyce

philsandberg — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:07:48 +0000

DEV Systemtechnik has strengthened its systems engineering team with the appointment of David Joyce. Based in the UK, David comes to DEV Systemtechnik from the world leading broadcast equipment manufacturer and systems provider Ericsson Television where he was employed as a Senior Design Consultant specialising in the design and integration of broadcast systems.
David brings his broad knowledge and extensive experience in the design and integration of broadcast and radio communications systems to DEV Systemtechnik.

Marquis Consulting Appoints Connolly Partner

philsandberg — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:34:11 +0000

Marquis Consulting, supplier of consultancy services to the broadcast industry, has named industry professional, Bill Connolly, as a new LLP Partner. Connolly brings over 30 years of experience in the broadcast, cable, satellite and television industries to Marquis Consulting.
Previously, Connolly ran his own highly successful broadcast automation company, Connolly Systems, which delivered major technology projects introducing new production and transmission processes into broadcasting and television centres around the world. He has also provided extensive consultancy services via Connolly Linde, including acting Technical Director for the BBC’s “OneVision” production modernisation programme. Other positions held include senior international roles with Sony Broadcast & Professional, EMC Corporation and Siemens IT Solutions & Services.
As a member of the Marquis Consulting team, Connolly will be playing a key role in further developing business growth, working closely with broadcasters and media organisations. He will also advocate the Marquis philosophy by emphasising the importance of the ‘human element’ when new working practices are introduced.
“We welcome Bill to the Marquis Consulting team and look forward to benefiting from his strong technical background, high level management skills and entrepreneurial flair,” said Bob Gentry, Managing Partner, Marquis Consulting. “His experience, energy and knowledge will be valuable assets for our business.”
Connolly is also an active participant in the wider broadcasting industry, taking part in technology conferences, and is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Royal Television Society and the BKSTS.
Visit www.marquisconsulting.co.uk

Calibre Hires Mark Lusby, Opens New Office

philsandberg — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:16:29 +0000

The growth in the audio visual and broadcast markets has opened up unique opportunities for class leading image processing solutions and Calibre UK, who this year celebrates its 21st year in operation, is set to capitalise on this by expanding its sales operation with the opening up of a brand new sales office located at Oxford Science Park in Oxford, UK.
The move coincides with the appointment of Mark Lusby as Product Manager, Broadcast & ProAV together with an internal sales and support team at this new location.
Mark Lusby has over thirty years experience in technical sales, exhibition, project and product management working in at various companies such as Samualsons, Teletape Video, JVC Professional Europe and Ultra Electronics. His expertise ranges from applied imaging, analogue and digital recording to display and projection systems.
“I’m delighted to have joined Calibre, a company with a long established reputation as a manufacturer of high quality image processing solutions used in a variety of markets ranging from broadcast, digital cinema, professional AV, medical, defence simulation & training,” says Mark Lusby, Product Manager, Broadcast & AV at Calibre UK. ““Calibre has a new and expanding range of HQView Image Scalers, Switchers and Warp & Blend Processors. With the increasing range of formats and ways in which video, audio and data are transmitted and presented, it’s an exciting time to be in this industry!”
In celebrating its 21st year of innovation in creating some of the world’s most reliable image processing technology, Tim Brooksbank, Chairman says: “For over two decades, the market has looked to Calibre to help them appropriately process and display their images. We’re proud of our history as a pioneer in imaging and where they will take us in to the future.”
Calibre’s trajectory began in 1988, when it first developed equipment for the testing of colour TV monitors. The company’s history encompasses a series of “firsts”, many resulting in long term OEM relationships. The current portfolio of products includes the new HQView range which will be shown at the upcoming ISE show.
Calibre will be exhibiting in the UK Pavilion on Stand IG99 at ISE 2010 and will be actively seeking European distribution partners for the HQView range.
Visit www.calibreuk.com

Eric Michaud appointed Executive Evangelist of SGT

philsandberg — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:38:29 +0000

Eric Michaud has been appointed Executive Evangelist of SGT, a leading global software vendor in the broadcast and media industry. Reporting directly to the president, he is responsible for the strategic product and technology vision of the company.

In his former role as chief technology officer, Eric Michaud was responsible for leading the company’s R&D and customer projects teams. He started his career in 1989 at Cap Gemini and joined SGT in 1990 where he held several technical and pre-sales management positions. In 1998, he became Technology Director of the R&D group and implemented methodologies and an organisation that supported SGT’s further development in France and globally. In 2006, Eric Michaud was promoted CTO. He graduated from Supélec engineering school in Paris in 1987.

Visit www.sgt.eu

Abraham Chief Executive for Channel 4

philsandberg — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:45:02 +0000

The UK’s Channel 4 has announced the appointment of David Abraham as its new Chief Executive.
Abraham, who is currently Chief Executive of leading multi-channel digital broadcaster UKTV, will take up his new post at a date to be confirmed. He replaces Andy Duncan, who stepped down in November last year.
Lord Burns, Channel 4’s Chairman, said: “David is a rare commodity as a broadcaster in that he has an exceptional track record as an innovative leader, both creatively and commercially. At all stages of his career he’s led creative teams and commissioned creative output of the highest quality in a commercial environment. It is that experience, we believe, that so well qualifies him for the challenge of running a commercially funded, public service broadcaster like Channel 4.
“The board spoke to a number of other candidates and considered many more as part of a very thorough process and we’re convinced that, in David, we have identified a creative manager of the highest quality. He has a track record of success as a Chief Executive and the right mix of skills to get all parts of Channel 4 working together to unlock our full creative and commercial potential and complete our transition into digital.”
David Abraham added: “This is an extremely exciting, if challenging, time to be working in the media. Innovation has been part of Channel 4’s history and it will be at the heart of its future. I look forward to leading the whole organisation through its next period of growth and innovation, both creatively and commercially. What I bring to deliver that future is idealism, versatility and a record of leading creative organisations through change.”
Channel 4’s interim management team, led by Acting Chief Executive Anne Bulford, will remain in place until his arrival.
Throughout his career David Abraham has led creative teams through periods of innovation and commercial success. With a career in broadcasting and advertising spanning more than 20 years, he has led high profile media businesses in the UK and US and has been instrumental in the development of major TV channels and international brands.
David was appointed Chief Executive of UKTV in April 2007. During his first year he appreciated the importance of brands in the digital age and masterminded the relaunch of the G2 channel as Dave, attracting 8 million new viewers and laying the foundation for rebranding the entire UKTV network. That rebrand resulted in record ratings and revenues for the network, which were sustained throughout the downturn in 2009. Under David’s leadership, UKTV also significantly grew its original commissioning and developed a series of successful multi-platform brands across television, online and print media. This meant that he was developing brands and commissioning programmes across a range of genres from comedy to food to documentaries.
David joined UKTV from Discovery Networks USA, where, as President and General Manager for TLC from 2005, he was responsible for overseeing all content investment and strategy for the leading US cable network. David oversaw a repositioning of TLC that created a sustained period of ratings growth thanks to original hits such as Miami Ink and Little People Big World. At TLC, David also worked extensively with UK producers on remaking British formats for the American market, including The Monastery, Honey We’re Killing The Kids and What Not To Wear.
Prior to this, David was General Manager of Discovery Networks UK for four years from 2001 and is credited with doubling audience share across a portfolio of seven channels during that period. At Discovery UK, David was instrumental in negotiating a landmark output deal with Channel 4 for hundreds of hours of factual programmes and he also commissioned a broad range of acclaimed output, including the Emmy award-winning Age of Terror and Virtual History.
Before joining Discovery, David was a founding partner and Chief Operating Officer at leading independent advertising agency St Luke’s, which became internationally renowned for its explosive creative campaigns and for its innovative working practices. During David’s time at St Luke’s, the agency won the advertising business of a number of leading companies including Ikea, Eurostar, Clarks, HSBC, Boots and Sky Digital. It broke all records by becoming Agency of the Year just two years after setting up shop.
David began his career in 1984 as a graduate trainee at advertising agency Benton and Bowles, after taking a degree in Modern History from Oxford University.
He is a board member of Skillset the national body for skills development in the creative industries and is also a member of BAFTA and the RTS. David is 46.

Ross Appoints Murray for Mid-East, Africa

philsandberg — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:56:53 +0000

Ross Video announces the appointment of Brian Murray, as Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East and Africa.

Mr. Murray will report to Sharon Quigley, Manager, International Sales for EAIME. He will be responsible for managing Ross Video sales in throughout the Middle East, GCC, Africa, India, and Pakistan.

“Brian is bringing over 30 years experience with him to Ross Video,” said Sharon Quigley, Manager, International Sales – EAIME. “His knowledge of the territory, broadcast knowledge, experience running his own systems company, and sales professionalism will make an immediate impact in his territory while expanding Ross’ presence and visibility.”

Mr. Murray joins the Ross sales team after running his own company BJM Broadcast. Previous to running his own company, Mr. Murray worked as Managing Director for For.A.

Wainwright Heads International Sales for RTW

philsandberg — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:54:06 +0000

RTW, a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional audio metering and control devices, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jochen Wainwright as the company’s new international sales manager.

In his new role, Wainwright will draw upon his extensive background in international sales and broadcast production to enhance and further grow the RTW brand throughout the world.

Sullivan Leaves BSkyB for Sky Deutschland

philsandberg — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:47:17 +0000

BSkyB has announced that Brian Sullivan, Managing Director of its Customer Group, has left the company to take up a new role at Sky Deutschland, the German pay television company.

Mr Sullivan joined BSkyB in 1996 and took on his current role in 2006. He became Deputy Chief Executive of Sky Deutschland on 1 January 2010 and will take over as Chief Executive from 1 April 2010.

Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Chief Executive, said: “Brian has made a valued contribution to Sky over 14 years. As one of our senior team, he has played a major role as we’ve grown from an analogue TV service to an entertainment and communications company reaching a third of UK homes.”

Mr Sullivan’s successor as Managing Director, Customer Group, will be announced in due course.