Gravity Media Names Ed Tischler Acting Managing Director, UK

Ed Tischler has been named Gravity Media’s acting managing director, UK, and is now responsible for the strategic direction and commercial performance of Gravity Media’s UK-based operations: Media Services & Facilities, Production & Content, and Equipment Rental & Sales.

Ed Tischler, Gravity Media’s new acting managing director, UK: “It’s exciting for me to lead this talented and experienced, team going forward.”

This appointment follows the company’s move late last year to the single Gravity Media brand, and Tischler will take the lead in integrating the former Gearhouse Broadcast, HyperActive Broadcast, and Input Media businesses in the UK. In addition, Layla Cook has also been promoted, becoming Gravity Media’s new UK broadcast equipment rental manager.

Having joined Gearhouse Broadcast in 2007, Tischler was named managing director of Gearhouse Broadcast UK in 2017. Previously, he had been head of projects, overseeing the successful planning and implementation of large-scale broadcasting contracts held by the Projects division, as well as actively sourcing and acquiring new commercial opportunities.

Tischler will report to Gravity Media CEO John Newton and will work closely with James Gander, who continues to oversee Soho postproduction facility Gravity House, as well as the integrated-workflows service for live-broadcast and feature-film postproduction, and with new Director, Production and Content, Steve Norris.

Promoted to UK broadcast equipment rental manager, Layla Cook will oversee Gravity Media’s extensive inventory of professional equipment.

Cook joined Gearhouse Broadcast in 2001 and has worked alongside broadcasters, outside-broadcast companies, and studios in providing them the full range of rental equipment needed for the world’s most-watched content, from TV programs such as X Factor or Britain’s Got Talent, to concerts and such sports events as Six Nations Rugby and the World Cup. She will now oversee Gravity Media’s extensive inventory of professional equipment, which includes 4K-ready lenses, cameras, and live-production tools.

Commenting on his new role, Tischler says, “While Gravity Media may be a new name, we have 30 years of experience of delivering world-class content, and it’s exciting for me to lead this talented and experienced, team going forward. The production, programming and content services we can now provide under one roof have been carefully brought together to suit every broadcast need and help to guide professionals through the ever-changing media landscape.”

Adds Newton, “Ed and Layla have played key roles in our success over the years, and it’s particularly pleasing for me to be able to promote from within to fill these important positions. Following our recent transitioning to the Gravity Media brand, it’s important to have continuity within the business, and Ed and Layla are both widely respected for their ability to meet and surpass our customers’ expectations.”