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In Memoriam: Mark Brunner Mark Brunner, vice president of global corporate and government relations at Shure, died on Oct. 1. Shure president and CEO Christine Schyvinck announced the news in a statement, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the unexpected passing of Mark Brunner on Oct. 1. Mark was more than our vice president of global corporate and government relations. He was family to so many of us at Shure and in the industry. Mark joined Shure in 1989, and he touched the lives of everyone he worked with. Mark was a trusted advisor, a mentor and, most importantly, a friend. Our thoughts are with Mark’s family at this difficult time.” Brunner held several key positions at Shure, including director of advertising, managing director of the musical instrument and touring sound business unit, and senior director of global brand management. He was instrumental in helping Shure build an even stronger reputation among associates, customers, industry influencers and the public. Brunner also served as president of The Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) from 2011 to 2013. On behalf of PAMA, Greg Beebe, chair of the board of directors, stated, “With the passing of Mark Brunner, we have surely lost one of the leading and most impassioned and valued voices of our industry. Mark always had a remarkably positive attitude. He was a mentor, a sounding board, an advocate of best practices, a good friend and generous supporter to all who knew him. He was the voice of reason and truly made a difference. Our loss is shared by the entire music community, as he has left an indelible imprint on this industry.”
In Memoriam: Richie Jones Jr. Mississippi Music announced that Richie Jones Jr. was killed while riding his motorcycle on the way to church in October. He had turned 48 the prior week. Jones Jr. began playing drums professionally when he was 12 years old for teen clubs and skating rinks. While gigging, he developed skills in production and worked for Morris Brothers Music in Jackson, Miss., which led to his interest in music retail. He was hired by Mississippi Music in 1995 and soon took on the task of developing the Flowood, Miss., store’s combo department. After serving as a salesman at Mississippi Music for more than 13 years, in 2005 Jones Jr. was asked if he would be willing to manage the store. In addition to his role at the music store, raising his family and volunteering in his community, he was an active and passionate musician, playing for his church’s Contemporary Christian band as often as he could.
Bateman Beyond
Keith McMillen Instruments appointed Eric Bateman as president and general manager. Bateman brings more than 20 years of experience in pro audio and MI, including 13 years as second in command at PCM Marketing, a manufacturers’ rep firm whose brands include Shure, Mackie, TC Electronic,
Behringer, Ampeg and more. In addition to a proven track record of successfully bringing products to market and growing year-over-year dealer sales, Bateman is also a lifelong musician and audio engineer, specializing in drums, synthesizers and vocals on stage and in the studio. He per forms regularly as the drummer in a ‘90s cover-band, Alternative Ending, and as the lead vocalist and Ableton live looper in an original synth “popera” band, Star Ser vice. “KMI is a truly exceptional team of thoughtful, smar t and genuine people,” said Bateman. “The products it develops add new dimensions to musical expressiveness. I am humbled and thrilled at the oppor tunity to lead it into the next chapter of innovation.”
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