The board of the PIAA has interviewed a short list of six candidates in the search for a new CEO to replace Jason Allen, who announced his shock resignation just before Christmas.
Six of the nine-member PIAA board were in Sydney yesterday - some traveling from interstate - to conduct the first round of interviews since the board began advertising the key position at the head of the industry's peak association. The remaining three board members were unavailable due to work and family commitments.
Six applicants on the board's CEO short list were interviewed yesterday and acting PIAA president Kieran May said board members would now attempt to further narrow down the field before a second round of interviews that could take place over the next couple of weeks.
"There are some very high calibre candidates with an extremely diverse range of experience in print and communications and related areas," said May. "We'll try to shorten down the list from the people we've interviewed and if we can reach a consensus among board members then we'll invite back some of those we've spoken to for a second round of interviews. If not, we'll have to go again."
Former CEO Allen, appointed midway through 2015, announced his resignation just before Christmas and planned to work out three months notice and leave the association at the end of March. However, Allen cleaned out his office in mid-February and former CEO Bill Healey was appointed interim CEO until the new chief is appointed.
Printing Industries last month named four new 'casual vacancy' directors following the recent resignations of former presidents David Leach and Ross Black and board members Susan Heaney and Steve Edwards.
It's understood all four of the new directors - Walter Kuhn, Matt Aitken, Kellie Northwood and John Scott - took part in yesterday's interview process.