At its Annual General Meeting held on 26 November, Visual Connections promoted Karren Challoner-Miles to chief executive officer, and confirmed its 2026 Board line-up.
Both the Board and operational team now feature a balance of new talent and long-term stability, which the Association says provides an ideal basis for an exciting year ahead.
Challoner-Miles, who joined the Association 12 months ago as executive general manager, has led the organisation through a challenging period of transition, and the promotion reflected her “outstanding' leadership”, according to Visual Connections president, Mitch Mulligan.
“Transitions are always challenging, but the Board is delighted with the impact Karren has made over the past few months, and the positive progress we are already seeing in the Association. We are very confident in a strong future with Karren at the helm," Mulligan said.
Board positions were also announced, with the election of Adrian Fleming, recently appointed general manager, Australia and New Zealand for printIQ, confirmed at the meeting.
According to Mulligan, Fleming is a highly accomplished executive leader with 25 years’ experience in sales, business growth and business transformation both in Australia and overseas, and will be a further asset to what is already a very strong Board.
“Adrian’s strategic approach to operational improvements, change management, and business growth opportunities will be a genuine asset as we continue to transform the association for the benefit of members and the wider industry,” Mulligan continued.
“Adrian also has valuable experience with industry associations. He sat on the Board of the Graphic Arts Merchants Association of Australia (GAMAA) in the early 2010s, serving as president during the preparations for the merger with the Visual Industries Suppliers Association (VISA) to form Visual Connections. He also served for a period as a director of the merged association from 2020-2021. We are delighted to have him back.”
Fleming said he is deeply committed to Visual Connections’ mission of uniting the industry and building a sustainable future.
“With my background spanning print-technology and software, I see how powerful a representative supplier voice can be in shaping education, innovation, and collaboration,” Fleming said.
“Visual Connections provides an essential platform, a forum where competitors come together, expertise is shared, and new ideas are nurtured – from trade shows to grants to talent development. By supporting initiatives that drive digital transformation, sustainability, and career pathways, we can strengthen the entire sector.”
“As part of the Board, I am looking forward to contributing my experience in technology-driven change and my passion for education, helping us stay ahead of emerging trends, while remaining grounded in the craftsmanship and relationships that define our industry.”
According to Mulligan, the two most recent appointments bring fresh perspectives, insights and talents to the Board at a time when the organisation is undergoing the next stage of “generational transformation”.
“As our members will know, this year has seen a real ‘changing of the guard’ at Visual Connections, with a revised strategy, refined approach, and some exciting new initiatives and priorities,” Mulligan said.
“Having the support and guidance of a strong and dedicated Board, as well as a talented operational team under Karren’s guidance, will be absolutely vital to achieve our goals, and we are confident we have the right team in place to further enhance our ability to support our members and contribute to a sustainable future for the sector.”
Fleming joins Craig Heckenberg, managing director of Epson Australia, as newcomers to the Board. Heckenberg was appointed recently to replace long-term Board Member, John Wall, who resigned at the end of the financial year.
The new Board comprises:
- Mark Canavan – marketing and vendor relations manager, Graphic Art Mart
- Adrian Fleming – general manager of Australia and New Zealand, Print IQ
- Craig Heckenberg – managing director, Epson Australia
- Mitch Mulligan – managing director, Bottcher Australia
- Ian Martin – general manager of Trade, Ferag Australia
- Alex McClelland – managing director, Orafol Australia
- Luke Wooldridge – national product manager, HVG Graphics Media
Office bearers will be confirmed at the first association Board Meeting in early 2026.
In more Visual Connections news, the Association recently took full ownership of PacPrint and is setting its sights on re-energising the event for a fast-changing print and packaging landscape.