PRINT21 EVOLVES LEADERSHIP TEAM

The nation’s widely read and highly respected print business media, Print21, is evolving its leadership structure, as the multi-platform industry media builds on its success over recent years.

Industry veteran journalist, and well-known figurehead for Print21, Wayne Robinson, has announced his retirement from the full-time editor’s role.

Jan Arreza, senior journalist at Print21 for the past four years, will become the new editor, taking responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the media. Lindy Hughson, long-time publisher of Print21, will now also become managing editor, responsible for strategy and engagement. Navan Kaur will remain as journalist on the title. Marni Groves, national sales manager, will also remain in her role.

Robinson will be taking time to pursue broader pursuits, including enjoying time with his numerous grandchildren, learning to fly, and exploring Australia, as well as writing. He will also remain a contributor for Print21.

New Print21 editor Jan Arreza began his working life in print, spending seven years in digital pre-press at ACP, Australia’s biggest magazine publisher. He moved into journalism a decade ago and has been working on business and technology titles ever since. He joined Print21 four years ago, and has also been a part of the PKN Packaging News team since that time.

Robinson said, “Print21 has been planning an orderly succession, to develop its strengths as the industry moves forward. I am delighted that Jan Arreza, with a print background, is becoming editor, and that Lindy Hughson will add managing editor to her publishing role. They both know print, and the local printing industry, and will serve it well, continuing with the mission that has set Print21 apart, that of bringing informed, engaging content to local print businesses, from the people who know print.”

The new leadership structure will formally commence on 16 July. Hughson said, “Wayne has had an outstanding career dedicated to informing, connecting, and championing the print industry across Australia and beyond. With more than four decades of service, Wayne has played a vital role in documenting the evolution of print through periods of immense change, always with clarity, insight, and integrity. We wish him well in this next chapter, and look forward to benefiting from his expertise as a contributor.”

Kellie Northwood, CEO of VMA, said, “I have had the privilege of working with Wayne for some twenty years in both print business and on the association side of industry. He offers a loyal, commonsense approach to media integrity and engagement with key industry stakeholders. I thank Wayne for his support to myself and the associations I have worked across, however, specifically I would like to thank Wayne for his compassion, empathy and care for the industry throughout one of our most challenging chapters, the Covid pandemic. We spoke regularly, to ensure industry was informed and not panicked, and was prepared and protected; Wayne was instrumental across communications at this time. I, and the VMA Board, wish him well and thank him for all his years of service.”

Robinson said, “It has been a privilege to be editor of Print21. The Australian and New Zealand print industries are full of dedicated intelligent professionals who are doing a superb job of navigating an ever-changing business landscape. Telling their stories has been a pleasure, and bringing the major business, technology and market developments to their desks has been deeply satisfying.”

The entire Print21 team of Arreza, Hughson, Robinson, Groves and Kaur will be taking part in PacPrint next week.

The Print21 media platform encompasses the industry’s leading magazine, which is the official media of employers’ association VMA. It produces the industry’s twice-weekly news bulletin, and ANZ print’s news website. It also includes the country’s only video bulletin covering print industry news, and the industry’s only podcast, The Print Files.