Steve Venn is new regional Kodak GCG chief as Nick Notaras bows out

Aarque Graphics takes on the agency for Kodak’s Nexpress and Digimaster products in New Zealand.
High profile industry identity, Steve Venn, is returning to Melbourne to take on the role of managing director Australia and New Zealand of Kodak GCG. A senior executive with great experience in the local market, Venns is exchanging his role in Asia to take over from Notaras who is resigning for personal reasons.

Last here as managing director of KPG before Kodak bought it, Venn will be able to hit the ground running through his in-depth knowledge of the ANZ industry. A company spokesman claims the appointment is an indication of the high importance Kodak GCG places on the local market.

One of the first decisions he will have to make is how GCG will continue to operate in the New Zealand market. Long-established Aarque Graphics has taken on the agency of all Kodak’s digital printing equipment in New Zealand, including the NexPress and Digimaster engines. Aarque is well positioned to service the high profile market sector through a wide branch network across New Zealand with offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

The move will see local NZ Kodak GCG staff retain responsibility for workflow and CTP products at a time when the company worldwide is moving towards an indirect selling business model.

Heidelberg, Coates and Flint all carry Kodak consumables in New Zealand. A GCG spokesman said no decision has yet been made on the future of the remaining products, but pointed out that the alternatives are that Kodak either invests to upgrade its network or enlist the help of some of the major players in the market.