Vari-Lite Production Services (VLPS) has opened a London operation. VLPS London, which pools the resources of Vari-Lite Europe, Concert Production Lighting, and Theatre Projects, features Vari*Lite(R) automated products and conventional lighting equipment.
Since April 1, the trade name Concert Production Lighting (CPL) is no longer being used, and Vari-Lite Europe Ltd. exists purely as a legal entity, VLPS London reports. But Theatre Projects retains its specialist identity and trade name, and Alan Thomson continues as its managing director.
With the new office comes a new office structure. David March has been named general manager of VLPS London. Carol Croft from CPL, still supported by Mick Healey, takes over management of the CPL "sales" team. Jim Douglas is now dealer network manager, responsible for existing dealers and developing new dealer opportunities.
Meanwhile, Bert De Haes has been appointed general manager of European operations for VLPS. Working from his home base in Belgium, De Haes will supervise and develop VLPS operations throughout continental Europe (including London), the Middle East, and Africa.
De Haes was involved in the expansion, acquisition, and reorganization of various companies as chief executive officer of D&D Entertainment Techniques Holding, the parent company of Belgium's VLB until its recent purchase by Vari-Lite International Inc. Besides London, VLPS has offices in Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Nashville, Atlanta, Brussels, and Scandinavia. The last came through the April acquisition of VLSC Scandinavia AB, since renamed VLPS Stockholm.