Garron Helman wins top Kodak job in Asia Pacific

The appointment is Kodak's final regional senior personnel decision, following appointments last week across America, Japan, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Helman is well known to the Australian and New Zealand industry, having started up the Creo presence in the region here in the mid-1990s. He lived in Sydney until his appointment three years ago as managing director of Creo Asia Pacific when he relocated to Hong Kong. Now he will step into the same role for Kodak's Graphics Communication Group once the Creo acquisition is completed.

Helman will be tasked with certifying strong results and profitability for the GCG in the region, as well as ensuring that all of the new acquisitions under the Kodak banner are integrated smoothly into the group. As managing director for the region he will lead day-to-day operations, with his bulging portfolio of responsibilities to include sales, customer service, supply chain management and tactical marketing for Kodak's range of products.

Pipped at the post for the head role in the region, KPG chief Tom Watson will continue in his role as regional president until Garron's appointment is official. Watson will then support Garron as integration leader for Kodak's Graphic Communication Group in the region, until his expected return to the USA at the end of 2005.