More changes at moving light manufacturer Vari-Lite: well-known industry figure Tom Littrell, one of that company’s most senior staffers, is taking on the task of technical marketing for Vari-Lite’s new luminaires and consoles.
Littrell’s history with Vari-Lite goes back to the company’s beginnings; he operated the first Vari*Lite system—the first modern-era automated lighting console--for a Genesis concert in Barcelona in 1981. More recently, he has worked for Ignition!, a Vari-Lite subsidiary, where he produced corporate events.
“Tom has a great deal of industry knowledge and experience, and he has always been an asset to the Vari-Lite family,” says Clay Powers, president and COO of Vari-Lite. “It’s good to have him working directly with us again.”
This news comes hot on the heels of last week’s revelation that Bob Schacherl, a former president and founding partner of High End Systems, a major Vari-Lite rival, had joined Vari-Lite as vice-president of sales and marketing.
When asked about the job change, Littrell says, “I missed the lighting business and I’m glad to be back in it.” He adds that he will focus on the company’s entire product line. He also notes that, given Vari-Lite’s relatively recent decision to sell, rather than rent product, Schacherl brings valuable experience to the team. “He’s sold moving lights for a living and will help us sell them, too.”