Vari-Lite, a Genlyte company, announces the hiring of Ray Whitton as business development manager for the Western Region of the United States. Returning to Vari-Lite for a second time, Whitton will be based out of Simi Valley, CA, and will join Charlie Hulme and Tom Simons in supporting the sales of all products manufactured by Vari-Lite, Entertainment Technology, and Lightolier® Controls.
“We are very excited to have Ray back,” stated Bob Schacherl, vice president of worldwide sales. “The timing couldn’t have been better due to the continued increase in demand and sales of our products. Over the course of his varied employment history, Ray has shown a tremendous aptitude for success in sales management, and his knowledge of the entertainment lighting industry is second to none. Ray will be joining regional sales managers Charlie Hulme and Tom Simons to form a very experienced and capable West Region sales team. While each will manage specific accounts, they will leverage their collective market knowledge to increase business and strengthen our relationships with end-users, the design community, and our direct clients.”
Prior to joining Vari-Lite, Whitton was the West Coast Regional sales manager for Martin. He has also served as an Icon supervisor for Light & Sound Design, as well as for well-known nightclubs such as The Roxy and The Whiskey. He was previously employed by Vari-Lite from 1995-2000, prior to joining Martin.
“I am extremely happy to be joining Genlyte Controls and be back with Vari-Lite,” said Whitton. “I honestly feel as if Vari-Lite is my home, and it’s great to be back with the best. I’m also looking forward to capitalizing on my experience and contributing to the growth of Entertainment Technology and Lightolier Controls product sales”.
Whitton may be contacted by e-mail at rwhitton@genlyte.com. Whitton’s territory will include Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho and Montana.