Ken Bishop brings catalogue of virtues to ACA

Ken Bishop takes over as new CEO of the Australian Catalogue Association.

Bishop, (pictured) has 15 years’ experience in the printing, paper and distribution industry, where he held positions at Hannan Print and Daltons. He takes the reins after the controversial exit of former CEO, Chris Lee-Brown, who held the position for nine years.

Bishop’s appointment is not a contract-based role and while he could not disclose how long he will hold the position, he expects to remain CEO for some time. “I’ve been told the next four-to-six years are very important for the industry and I’m looking forward to being here for a while,” he said.

As CEO, Bishop hopes to further the association’s strengths. “Chris did a terrific job in his nine years, building up the association [which started in 1992] and raising its profile,” he said. “Now, there’s an opportunity to take it even further and engage with retailers in every country; after all, we do the bulk of our work each day for them.”

Catalogues have copped a flogging in the media recently following speculation and reports of PMP pulping and not delivering some of the catalogues it produces. Bishop, however, is optimistic that the product still plays a vital part in Australia.

“Research shows that 87 per cent of householders regularly read and wait for letterbox delivered catalogues,” he said. “Catalogues can drive sales activity and play an important part in these economic times.”

David Chesser, chairman of the Australian Catalogue Association welcomed Bishop on board. “The ACA looks forward to the continuing evolution of the association that Ken can provide and building on the sound platform that Chris has laid,” he said.