PLASA's Managing Director Peter Heath Announces Retirement

	Peter Heath

Peter Heath is stepping away from his role as managing director of the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA). The association reports that he will remain in the position while a replacement is found; he also intends to continue to represent PLASA through the #WeMakeEvents campaign and in a consultancy capacity post-retirement.

Over the past decade, Heath has overseen significant developments for the association, including the successful relocation of the PLASA Show from ExCeL London to Olympia. He also guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he played an active role in championing the industry and supporting the #WeMakeEvents campaign.

Alongside his work with PLASA, Heath has contributed to the wider industry as a trustee of Backup Tech and is a regular participant in events such as BikeFest, activities he plans to continue.

Before joining PLASA, Heath worked at Roland Corporation, where he ultimately became head of pro AV for Europe.

"Heading up PLASA has been a real privilege and a challenge," Heath says. "On the outside, PLASA seems uncomplicated; however, in reality, it's a very diverse business covering many areas within the industry and requiring a really strong team to make it work. The current PLASA team does that in spades. I've always focused on working together and expanding our reach and collaborative efforts -- this is needed now more than ever if we are to achieve adequate understanding and recognition from governments.

"I recognize that all journeys must end, and mine is no exception. I've really enjoyed learning and shaping the business. Our members are absolutely core to everything PLASA does, and they are an amazing, diverse group that makes all the effort absolutely worthwhile."

Matt Lloyd, chair of the PLASA board, adds, "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter for his energy, dedication, and humility during his time as MD of PLASA. I was already on the board when Heath was appointed at what was a very tough time for PLASA -- both from a reputation and financial standpoint; we really were against the ropes. It is fair to say that Peter embraced that challenge head-on, in the determined way that is so characteristic of him."

He continues, "Around 2018, we joked about needing to wear hard hats when speaking to people in the industry in case they wanted to throw something at us! Peter has since developed and led the team to where we are today -- the best financial health PLASA has ever been in, allowing us to do a record amount of work across the industry in supporting it. I hope Peter can look at what we have achieved and feel enormous pride in how he nurtured PLASA back to health, supported by an amazing team and board. We wish him all the very best in his next chapter, whatever that may bring."

Alongside consultancy and Backup Tech involvement, Heath plans to spend retirement "playing more music, playing more golf, and enjoying more time with family and grandchildren."