The winds of change: 9 June 2010
Lots of well-known faces moving around the industry. This week sees new appointments at Starleaton and Halifax Vogel, while ADMA CEO, Rob Edwards, moves on.
Starleaton set for growth
As if relocating to larger premises wasn’t enough, Starleaton are set to grow even further with the hiring of two new staff.
Joining as Victorian branch/sales manager is Darren Roe who brings his 17 years of graphic arts experience to the team. After completing a prepress apprenticeship, Roe moved into sales and working with Edward Keller, Currie Group, CPI Graphics and Anitech.
Most recently, Roe (pictured) was account manager for screen and display markets with the Halifax Vogel Group. “Starleaton offers a strong product range that covers the start of the graphic process right through to end. I am very enthusiastic about my role and the potential growth of the branch. I look forward to building on long lasting relationships with clients, and working with our very knowledgeable Victorian team,” he said.
Also new in Melbourne is technical sales specialist Trevor Klei whose experience dates back to 1982 when he joined Aarque/Anitech. After a 20-year spell there, Klei joined iMedia selling both solvent and aqueous wide format solutions.
Starleaton director, Gary Smith, believes that both of the employees will contribute greatly to the company. “Experience counts for a lot and there wouldn’t be two more experienced people on the Melbourne wide format graphics scene than Darren and Trevor. We are delighted to have them on board and wish them well as they get around the trade wearing their Starleaton hats,” he said.
Rob Edwards quits as ADMA CEO
Australian Direct Marketing Association (ADMA) CEO Rob Edwards (pictured) is leaving the association after what will be 18 years at the helm. He will finish in the position next June, moving on to “other adventures.”
In a statement, Edwards said that leaving was a “bittersweet moment” but that it was important to go on a high note. “I will be leaving ADMA at exactly the right time for both the association and for me – when the house is in order and there are other adventures to be had. And after what will be 18 years at the helm, of course it is also very timely that the association be looked upon with a fresh set of eyes,” he said.
Edwards is keeping his options open for post-ADMA employment. “Who knows what shape or form that opportunity may take…It may take the form of joining the Boards of various companies, which I’ve been invited to do before but haven’t been able to because of the conflict of interest,” he said. “I expect it will probably be [in the marketing industry] because it’s been such a big part of my life.”
He said that anyone who takes on the role of CEO of ADMA must have business savvy as well as the skills required to run an industry organisation. “ADMA is a complex monster, it’s not like a lot of other industry associations – 60 per cent of ADMA’s revenue comes from commercial activities, so it has to be someone who’s used to running a business but also an association of members, who can continue to derive member benefits from those activities,” he added.
Edwards joined the Association in 1993 and since then the organisation has grown into a large and influential professional body, instrumental in the lobbying around the 2003 Privacy Legislation and the expansion of the Do Not Call Register to include business numbers. Edwards said that the privacy legislation battle was the highlight of his time at ADMA. “It’s a hallmark piece of legislation … being able to get that through is the one I’d like to be remembered by.”
Mark Wilson heads for Halifax Vogel
Also in Victoria, Halifax Vogel Group has announced the appointment of Mark Wilson (pictured) as account manager – graphics products in Victoria.
Wilson was formerly the general manager at Melbourne-based commercial and trade printers, R&B Printing Australia. He will be responsible for furthering the sales growth of HVG’s range of graphics products, including print films, substrates and banner media for the digital, screen, offset, signage, display and exhibition industries.
Wilson said he was excited about returning to the print supplies area of the industry and catching up with a number of past acquaintances.
“One of the biggest challenges that our industry faces is cheap imported products. HVG has always taken pride in supplying a premium product at a fair price and I look forward to showing customers the many benefits that these products provide,” he said.
Peter Stuart-Murray, Victorian State Manager, Halifax Vogel Group said the appointment of someone with Wilson’s expertise and experience further strengthened the company’s Victorian sales team.
“Mark brings more than 30 years’ experience to our team and, with his strong product knowledge and existing industry relationships, we are confident that he will hit the ground running and be a valuable asset in ensuring we maintain our status as a market leader,” said Stuart-Murray.