Former Opus Group CEO Cliff Brigstocke, who resigned from the company this week, has been appointed the new CEO at Blue Star, a division of IVE Group.
"I’m leaving Opus in good shape and in capable hands and of course wish the team every success as they focus on their Australian businesses. I’d particularly like to thank Richard [Celarc] for his support over the years and wish him and the Opus team every success," said Brigstocke.
Brigstocke will start his new job at Blue Star on July 1, 2016.
Current Blue Star CEO Matt Aitken will take on the newly created role of chief operating officer (COO) of IVE Group and will oversee three IVE Group divisions: Kalido, Blue Star Group and IVEO.
Brigstocke joins the team from Opus Group where he led the company since its inception, and was instrumental in acquiring, integrating and developing each of the businesses within the Opus Group," said an IVE Group statement. Brigstocke has extensive publishing industry experience, including 10 years in operational, sales and marketing roles and as a member of the senior executive team with Thomson Reuters in Australia. He is a former director of Bunzl Australia (part of Bunzl plc, a FTSE100 company).
"The ongoing refinement and strengthening of our leadership team further enhances our capacity to continue the evolution and growth of our business," said Warwick Hay, MD at IVE. "Under Matt’s and Cliff’s leadership, we can expect the benefits of the Group’s cohesive offering to become even more entrenched.”
Opus executive chairman Richard Celarc paid tribute to Brigstocke and said they would be working together to ensure a smooth transition.
"Cliff has a rare opportunity to join a major player in our industry and I know his public company experience, skill set and corporate exposure will be a great asset. In many ways whilst Cliff will be greatly missed, it comes at a time that I believe will work for both parties. Cliff is working with me to ensure a smooth transition and will be available until the end of June.
"With Cliff as CEO, we grew from a stand-alone business to a group that includes three divisions and operates as an Asia Pacific partner to many of the world’s largest publishers. Cliff steered the business through our growth period, public listing as well as the challenging capital raising period which we are most thankful for."
The diversified printing group last month posted a $12m profit for 2015 as its cashed-up major shareholder, Hong Kong-based 1010 Printing, backed the acquisition of new assets including Adelaide laminating and foiling business Protectaprint. OPUS reported total revenue of $115m for 2015, with its flagship Publishing Services Division reporting a slight revenue drop to $94.9m.