Martin Professional has appointed Michael Straun and Nick Hansen as EMEA Lighting Designer Relationship Managers for Martin Professional, effective February 8, 2021.
Created specifically to facilitate close working relationships with end users throughout the region, the EMEA Lighting Designer Relationship Manager role involves collaborating with lighting designers, Martin distributors and the rental market in all sectors, including television, theatre, touring and more. In addition to bringing real-world experience, first-hand product knowledge and industry connections to the position, Michael and Nick will also provide invaluable insight for research and development at Martin.
“We are excited to welcome Michael Straun and Nick Hansen onto the Martin team, especially in the current business climate,” said Ben Payne, Head of Lighting, Martin EMEA. “As working lighting professionals, they each bring valuable first-hand industry experience to the role. Having used Martin and competitors’ products in the field, their insight and perspective will be indispensable for forming relationships with end users and contributing to product development.”
Michael Straun is a two-time Knight of Illumination Award-winning lighting designer and director from the UK who has toured the world for the past 15 years while working with artists such as The 1975, Shania Twain, Björk, The xx and Jamie xx. Passionate about the environment, Michael recently received a grant from Arts Council England to fund a study on sustainability within lighting design.
Nick Hansen has worked professionally on shows, events and productions all over the globe, including long-term stints in Las Vegas, audition tours for Britain’s Got Talent and major one-off events like the 2019 Special Olympics and 2020 UAE Commemoration Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi. With a focus on lighting programming, Nick is keen on increasing awareness and adoption of the Martin P3 platform among the lighting community. Nick is also studying for a Qualification in Management and Leadership.
