Big printers back 'new look' PIAA

Two of Australia's biggest printing companies - IPMG and Blue Star - nominated two of the four new directors on the board at the Printing Industries Association of Australia (PIAA).

The new directors were chosen by existing board members following the recent resignations of former presidents David Leach and Ross Black, and board members Susan Heaney and Steve Edwards. Kellie Northwood, executive director of print industry lobby group Two Sides Australia, was nominated by IPMG and will be the only woman on the new board.  Northwood said she was 'looking forward to working with a great team on the board of the industry's peak body.  It's exciting to be part of this group of passionate people who are ready to move forward and do some great things." The new casual vacancy board members were unanimously chosen by the Board from nearly twenty candidates who submitted an expression of interest. They are:

• Walter Kuhn, Kuhncorp, Queensland Walter is a director of the Kuhn Corp Group and has over 20 years in the industry. "He brings a wealth of experience of print and packaging, together with knowledge of how other organisations manage their affairs," said the PIAA in a statement.

  

• Matt Aitken, Blue Star Group, New South Wales Matt is CEO of the Blue Star Group and has over 20 years in print and related fields. "He has held a number of senior roles and brings clarity of thinking and a sound understanding of the industry from a number of perspectives."

  

• Kellie Northwood, Two Sides Australia (nominated by IPMG, Victoria). "Kellie runs her own communications and marketing consultancy. She has worked in the printing industry for many years and now works closely with a number of major print and related organisations. Kellie is currently CEO the Australian Catalogue Association and is executive director at Two Sides Australia. Her appointment is as a representative of IPMG, one of the country’s largest printers."

  

• John Scott, Scott Print, Western Australia "John is the joint general manager of Scott Print, and brings his training and discipline as a lawyer to the table. Being a third generation member in a family of printers, it was natural that John would eventually join the family business."

Acting president Kieran May said: "The new look team are all very excited about the opportunity to contribute to the board. It was initially a difficult process given the significant number of people who expressed interest in joining the Board. One of our primary considerations was to add skills in areas where we thought it was necessary. The Board was mindful to ensure each region had access to their 'local' board member and we were mindful of the need for renewal. A role on the Board is a commitment in time and is ultimately a volunteer engagement, so we thank those new board members for giving up their personal and business time to contribute. “I’d like to say thanks to the other members who put up their hand. The board and I will be looking for ways we can involve them at some level. Wider member engagement and involvement is something we need to foster. We need to create a talented pool of future leaders.” Following the completion of some paperwork, the board will formalise the appointments within the week. The casual vacancies directors will take their places on the board and face a general election in the latter part of the year when all positions will be up for grabs.     .