PLASA’s Peter Heath announces retirement

Peter Heath is stepping away from his role as managing director of the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) to enjoy a well-earned retirement. He will remain in the position while a replacement is found and intends to continue to represent the Association through the #WeMakeEvents campaign and in a consultancy capacity post-retirement.

Since joining in 2016, Peter has helped transform PLASA’s industry perception – making it more approachable and collaborative while strengthening its financial position, supported by staff, the managing governing body (MGB), and the executive team.

Over the past decade at MD, Peter has overseen a number of significant developments for the Association, including the successful relocation of the PLASA Show from Excel London to Olympia. He also guided the organisation 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, Peter 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.

In a career that spans over 35 years, prior to his time with PLASA, Peter was a well-known senior figure at Roland Corporation, where he ultimately became head of pro AV for Europe.

Reflecting on his time at PLASA, Peter comments: “Heading up PLASA has been a real privilege and a challenge. 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 recognise 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 make 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 Peter 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.”

Peter concludes: “The bonds and relationships formed during my tenure will stay with me for the rest of my life and I look forward to staying connected where possible. Thank you to the staff, the executive board and the MGB, the members, other associations and all those who supported my efforts. It’s been a really great decade.”

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