Annalise Hodgson joins DWR
Published: MEA
SOUTH AFRICA: DWR Distribution has expanded its team with the appointment of Annalise Hodgson as Duncan Riley’s assistant. Ms Hodgson is well-known in the South African A/V market thanks to spells at Tadco and Christie.
She initially joined the entertainment industry unknowingly, responding to an advert in the Star newspaper that read, ‘Join the team that’s off the wall in fun’. That advert was placed by Tadco and Ms Hodgson remembers being interviewed by Andy Rogers as owner Simon Oates was in Cape Town. She joined on 1 November 1999 in an administrative role. ‘My position grew and grew from there and in the end, I was making sure that everything worked well,’ she recalled. ‘I loved working at Tadco. Simon Oates taught me everything I know about this industry. He is a wonderful mentor and I am so grateful to him for imparting his knowledge to me.’
Her next undertaking was a personal challenge as she joined Christie in May 2012 which was opening its first office in Africa. The office officially opened 1 June 2012. ‘It was one of the scariest days of my life,’ admitted Ms Hodgson. Phil Lord was still living in KwaZulu Natal at the time and used to commute weekly until he moved to Johannesburg. Again she was exceptionally happy at work with a role as office manager, customer care and administration. ‘Christie is a wonderful company to work for. I formed many valuable friendships and gained much knowledge in the four and half years I was there.’
In what she hopes will be her last move, Ms Hodgson joined DWR Distribution at the start of December 2016. ‘I think my official title is HELP-HIM,’ she smiled. ‘It’s a great team and I will find my feet, once I’ve done the filing. Thank you for this most amazing opportunity, I am so excited to be here.’
‘It’s an honour and a privilege to have Annalise as part of our team,’ added Duncan Riley, who has known Ms Hodgson for many years. ‘I wish her many happy years. I’m hoping that her input will mean I can spend more time with my family.’