Blue Star's centre of gravity shifts to Sydney

Appointment of new Blue Star CEO, Chris Mitchell, does not mean that the private equity-backed printing conglomerate head quarters will move from Auckland to Sydney. Contrary to an earlier report here at Print21online, we are advised by Glen Climo CEO, Blue Star Print New Zealand, that there is no intention of shifting the Blue Star corporate HQ from Auckland to Sydney. We apologise for the confusion.

Mitchell's appointment sees group managing director, Tom Sturgess, take a backseat and remain on the board as a director and shareholder of the company. It also marks Blue Star's expansion out of the transTasman and into previously unchartered territory.

In a press release issued by Blue Star, Mitchell said: "I look forward to the opportunity to work with my new team to continue to develop Blue Star's print management solutions in Australia and New Zealand. The company is also planning to expand these services throughout South East Asia."

Prior to joining Blue Star, Mitchell held the position of vice president and regional general manager of Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Australia and New Zealand. In this role, he will be based in Sydney.

Mitchell, who is still on the payroll at EDS, was unable to comment further about his role or the move to Asia when approached by Print 21. In the press release, Mitchell said that there would be a number of changes for Blue Star which he looked forward to being involved with:

"In an industry undergoing significant change, Blue Star is the standout performer, due in no small part to the strength of the existing senior management team. This change offers exciting yet familiar challenges to me."