Paul Whiting - Mentor - Colleague - FRIEND
1983. A year or so after joining Hayden Labs as a HiFi rep. David Hughes asked if I would like to join the Pro Audio dept. which consisted of Trish, Annie, Edwina and a dark haired young man with a Pancho Villa moustache, Paul Whiting. It soon became apparent that he was not only an extremely personable guy, but a very knowledgeable one. From day one with the dept. he assisted me with his enormous product and market knowledge. Being a very small team was such a joy and we worked (and played) with great enthusiasm and the ambition to build the visibility of the brands, Sennheiser, Nagra etc. I have vivid memories of my now wife and I taking Sunday lunch with Paul, Sue and a very young Alison at their house in Rickmansworth and later desperately trying to modify an SK1012/EM1001 to work with a guitar! Very loud bangs and crackles ensued which made Alison jump in and out of my open guitar case! 1992. After a two year hiatus from Hayden, Paul asked if I would meet him for dinner, we had Thai, during the meal he asked if I would join the newly formed Sennheiser UK Ltd. Of course I agreed! The early days at Knaves Beech were very exciting due to Paul now being Sales Manager (later General Manager) and some new faces now being part of the team. With Pauls influence and leadership we became a highly successful Sennheiser subsidiary, the success continued and escalated after the company moved to Halifax Road. So many wonderful memories were made during those years, lots of hard work and SO much laughter ensued! A special lasting memory is from 4th July 2017 when Paul and I, along with Norbert (Nobby) Hilbich, had a wonderful day at The Victoria and Albert Museum where Sennheiser were involved in the Pink Floyd exhibit, this was followed by dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. We will never forget this very special man. Mentor - Colleague - FRIEND. Oh I almost forgot, a damn fine singer!
Like everyone who knew Paul, I respected, supported and had very great affection, no, loved the man! His leadership, unsurpassed. His guidance, peerless, his friendship, a blessing!
A year on dear Paul, I still find it so hard to believe you're gone from all of us who loved you. Bless you old friend x
Excellent Johnny - I had forgotten about the moustache.
Brilliant Johnny.
Beautiful montage, Johnny.