HSL continues its recent management restructuring with the appointment of Harrison Cooke as Technical Operations Manager.
Harrison will be responsible – amongst other things - for the design, sourcing and building of HSL’s new expandable visual control platforms utilizing the latest cutting edge technology.
“Technical direction, support and continuing investment is paramount to stay ahead in the game,” states Harrison.
The ever expanding HSL Group of companies offers a full range of services across the UK and Ireland and plans to reach further into Europe in the coming months, so standardisation and ease of use in the context of control platforms is of vital importance.
The scope of Harrison’s work will include advising on new equipment purchases. He will also be dealing with preparation of various tours and events, and the on-going supervision and refinement of systems that ensure every project features the characteristic efficiency and friendliness for which HSL is renowned.
An excellent communicator, Harrison will also visit touring shows and productions that are up-and-running, driving a constant stream of feedback between the office, warehouse and the HSL teams on the road.
HSL MD Simon Stuart says, “We’re delighted to have Harrison on-board. He has already worked with us on some demanding and galvanising shows, and his keen eye, attention to detail and extremely organised workflow make him ideal for the role. His passion for the industry also makes him perfect for HSL”.
Harrison is very excited, “HSL has a great atmosphere, I like the people and their dedication and attitude to work. I will be part of a proactive management team to help maintain the highest production standards and ensure that HSL stays at the forefront of the technology ‘game’ and continues to deliver the best options and choices for lighting designers and end clients”.
Harrison first became interested in lighting aged 11. He studied initially at Mid Kent College and then Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London where he graduated with a BA Hons degree in Technical Theatre.
He has already packed plenty of practical experience into his working career as a freelancer which has included crewing for other rental companies, stints at the Royal Albert Hall and Sadlers Wells in London and touring as production LX with various theatre shows for top producer Bill Kenwright. This is where he first met HSL.
“I like challenges,” he declares. “HSL is a company that is very much going places, so I am looking forward to a positive and interesting future there”.
Other recent appointments at HSL include John Slevin as one of a raft of new project managers and Mick Seddon, who has joined as FD and financial strategist.