Richard Hart Joins KATIE Group

Richard T. Hart, longtime lighting veteran who was a founder of Xenotech Lighting, has joined KATIE Group as vice president. His duties will be varied but primarily focused on product development, creation of manufacturing support services and development of customer service systems.

In addition to founding Xenotech, Hart helped develop develop Xenon high technology lighting fixtures, Nocturn UV lighting fixtures and various other specialized lighting products still widely in use throughout the lighting and entertainment industry. He began his career in the lighting business as a gaffer on such projects as Blade Runner and other film, television and special event credits.

Hart was president of Xenotech Lighting, Inc. from 1988-1997 until the company was sold to Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. in 1997. He remained president of Xenotech/Strong, Inc., the lighting division of Ballantyne from 1997 to 2000.

"We are extremely pleased that Richard has joined KATIE," says Tom Folsom, president of KATIE Group, Inc. "His knowledge of the industry, the business, and product development fit perfectly into the KATIE Group’s sales and product profile."

"With the introduction of Renaissance Lighting’s products in November, and our exclusive arrangement with PC Lights announced in December, we had a clear need to step up our service levels and product information for our representatives," says Keith Gillum, KATIE vice president. "Richard’s knowledge in these areas and integrity with our customers are just what we needed to maintain the quality of service and support the industry requires."

"I am extremely excited to be joining Keith and Tom," comments Hart. "The new technology fixtures of Renaissance Lighting represent a major innovation in lighting fixture design and development. I look forward to assisting in the development of these products for the lighting industry."

Hart has already begun work at the company’s world headquarters in North Hollywood California. He can be reached at:

Richard T. Hart
KATIE Group, Inc.
11950 Sherman Road
North Hollywood, CA 91605 USA
1-818-255-1250
1-818-765-7083
[email protected]