USA – World-class lighting manufacturer Clay Paky has welcomed the announcement that automated lighting industry veteran George Masek has been appointed by its North American distributor, A.C.T. Lighting.
Masek, who has more than twenty years’ experience working in a variety of sectors of the entertainment lighting industry, joins A.C.T. Lighting as Vice President of Automated Lighting, and will be based in Dallas, Texas.
Earlier this year, A.C.T. Lighting – which also has offices in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto – set a North American sales record for Clay Paky fixtures, officially becoming the number one Clay Paky distributor in the world.
“In A.C.T Lighting we have found a strategic partner for the North American market,” says Francesco Romagnoli, Clay Paky’s area manager for North and Latin America. “North America has been a strenuous market for us in the past – and a number of our competitors were more entrenched here than us. A.C.T Lighting has become part of our team and we’re part of theirs. This positive relationship, our mutual common goals and A.C.T’s deep understanding of the market have contributed considerably to Clay Paky’s success in America.”
Indeed, Clay Paky has already formed a strong working relationship with Masek who comments: “I believe the Clay Paky products are exciting, innovative, and forward-thinking, and I’m really looking forward to showing them to designers and rental houses in the North American market.”
In 2011 Clay Paky nearly doubled its sales in the US over the company’s past best year, 2007, thanks to A.C.T Lighting’s assertive sales strategy. The company sells to an array of market segments, each of which use Clay Paky fixtures for a host of different applications. With the launch of a raft of new products, it’s hoped Masek’s new role at A.C.T Lighting will further increase Clay Paky’s incredible growth in North America.
Pio Nahum, Sales and Marketing Director at Clay Paky’s Italian HQ says: “I have met George a few times and the chemistry between us is very good. I have no doubt that he will play an important role in delivering a positive message about the incredible range of Clay Paky luminaires currently available to the American market. The team at Clay Paky is looking forward to working with him now and in the future.”
Masek’s career started more than two decades ago when he became a road tech, touring with groups such as Fleetwood Mac, INXS and Aerosmith. He later moved over to manufacturing and tech support becoming head of the Philips Vari-Lite tech support department. He became an account manager for touring, handling Jimmy Buffet and Lords of the Dance, among others. Subsequently, Masek took a position in long-term leases and installation support and was named Product Manager in 2001.
“I saw joining A.C.T Lighting as a great chance for growth and an opportunity to work with a group of professionals I truly admire,” says Masek. “I’m looking forward to combining my knowledge base in automated lighting with their great products and talented people.”