Former head of The Bindery bolsters David Currie’s management team at the largest independent graphics supplier in the region. He promises a renewed focus on his three management strategies; “structure, process and reporting.”
The surprise appointment is the culmination of a long-term ambition by David Currie who admits to “chasing Rob for years.” The two have shared a chequered history over decades in the industry, being alternatively competitors when Dunnett was with supplier, Print & Pack, then customers when he owned the Melbourne-based finishing company, The Bindery for ten years. Following a buyout by Naresh Gulati last year, Dunnett took some time out before being approached to join Currie Group.
“I’ve known Rob for a very long time. We’re close friends and we’ve been talking for over twenty years. He’s always professional and ethical in his business dealings. I’m very pleased he’s joining us,” said Currie, who emphasized that the appointment is not to replace anyone but to bolster management capability at the rapidly growing Group.
Dunnett will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, reporting to the four-man board: David Currie, executive chairman, Bernie Robinson, managing director, Phillip Rennell, sales & marketing director and Andrew Fitzpatrick, finance director. His appointment gives Currie Group extra capacity to look at new businesses as well as strengthen lines of reporting.
There’s no doubt that Dunnett is one of the best-connected people in the industry. Over the years he’s developed an in-depth knowledge of the personalities and corporate history of the printing and finishing sectors, from both sides of the supplier/producer fence. His will be a familiar face to most of the Currie Group’s customers.
“Yes, I do have a broad degree of knowledge about the industry, from finance through to sales. I understand all facets of print manufacturing and I know what it takes to be successful,” Dunnett said.
He nominates his first task as getting a good understanding of the Currie business, which has a national footprint as well as a dynamic presence in New Zealand. “The industry is consolidating and that’s a healthy thing. This is a great opportunity for me with a company and people I respect,” he said.
David Currie sees the appointment as part of a drive to increased professionalism in his enterprise in order to better deal with the consolidation of the printing industry. “This is another step towards becoming as professional as we can be. We’re over one hundred people now and our customers are also growing bigger.
“Rob has a good understanding of the whole industry and at 47 years of age, he’s a youngster as far as we’re concerned,” he said, laughing. “But I don’t want anyone to think I’m stepping back or looking to retire. This is about growing our management team to deal with the opportunities ahead.”