‘Hate mail’ targets David Leach

Departing President of Printing Industries cites attacks on himself and his business as part of the reason why he is resigning but stands by recent achievements.

Highlighting that the roles of President and Director are purely voluntary and  unpaid, Leach praised his colleagues who serve at substantial personal cost and investment of time and energy. He maintains pressures of owning and running a business as the main reasons for resigning.  As an owner of a business I am unable to continue to dedicate the time required in the role of President of PIAA.

In his five years on the board in the role he has proved a turbulent activist. During his time the normally staid elections for national positions became heated and at times bitter. In recent months he attracted a deal of criticism from some members who blamed him for the way the strategy signed off by the board, was carried out.  He was aware of the calls for a Special General Meeting before he resigned but says it carried no weight in his decision to resign.

He describes the ‘hate mail’ as regretful and urges members to remember that everything can be improved - if we can work together rather than against each other.

In making a point that not all information known to the directors can be made public, he maintains confidentiality is necessary for the operation of the board. As Directors we are in possession of information that is confidential under law or is in process. As all business owners understand, not everything can or should be in the public arena.

Attention will be focused on the Association’s financial situation at this year’s Annual General Meeting, which it are expected to reveal a significant shortfall in operating results.  Despite this Leach believes that there is a strong future for the PIAA even as industry numbers decline.

“I know of other associations that have a smaller number of members than we have that operate very well. There is an opportunity to embrace change and the opportunity for consolidation with other associations. It is an exciting industry that is part of the wider graphic communications,” he said.

Since his resignation was leaked to media outlets he has received numerous texts of support from what he describes as “the quiet happy majority of members. Many of them from Queensland.”  He is adamant that Look Print will remain a member of the PIAA and does not rule out a more active role for himself with the Association in the future when circumstances allow.

“Never say never,” he said.