The winds of change: 26 June 2008

The printing industry has more people coming and going than an airport. This week, Print 21 has a look at the flurry of new and old faces entering and exiting.

Sampson steps up to manage NSW
Variety is the spice of life and Craig Sampson, who has just been appointed regional manager in NSW of Spicers Paper, is looking forward to a new stage in his career.

Sampson (pictured) takes over from Ian Winters, who has relocated to Melbourne as general manager supply for PaperlinX Merchanting. But Sampson is no stranger to the company; he has worked in various positions at PaperlinX since 1982.

"I've been a customer service manager for seven years and thought it was my time to step up," he said.

In his previous customer service role, Sampson's duties were concerned with the everyday occurrences of the company. Now, his sights are set firmly on the future.

"As a regional manager, my role is all about planning for the future rather than as they happen," he said.

Sampson looks forward to maintaining Spicers reputation throughout the industry.

"The business is in good shape so retention of staff is a high priority," he said. "We have a reliable, loyal team that I want to keep and continue to build on."

Nine new starlets shine across Oz
It's been a busy couple of months at Starleaton Digital Solutions with the appointment of nine new staff.

"We're on the growth trail again," said Peter Eaton, managing director. "Last year it was warehouse space and offices, this year it's people."

The new team includes: Joanne Edwards, Queensland branch manager; Bill Poole, senior sales executive, Queensland; Stephen Cordner, Victorian branch manager; Amanda Brandon, senior sales executive, Victoria; Clayton Scheider, sales executive, NSW; Walter Palombini, colour management and printer technician, NSW; Mike Bottari, senior sales executive, NSW; Michael Goson, senior sales executive, ACT and Denis Gilbert, senior sales executive, WA.

Edwards, (pictured) who comes from a materials handling, waste management and OH&S sales background, looks forward to her new role. "My first challenge is to fully understand the SDS products and customer needs," he said. "After that, it's full on with customer care and supply, building on the existing success."

Cordner joined Starleaton Digital Solutions in April this year and prior to that spent years in the picture framing business. "I was attracted to SDS because it's a family-based business and that makes close customer support that much easier," he said.

"The next 12 months is all about expanding our profile, customer base and products."