Fujifilm Australia's Graphic Systems division has a new national sales manager with the internal promotion of Ashley Playford.
Playford was previously NSW Account Manager with Fujifilm Graphic Systems and his advancement follows the previous incumbent, Paul Budgen, moving across to Fuji Xerox Australia, which is a related entity to Fujifilm.
Playford has excellent technical credentials in addition to his sales and management skills. Prior to joining Fujifilm in 2014, he ran the digital print and prepress department with Sony DADC and is an experienced Mac operator, graphic and POP designer. He served his apprenticeship at UK printer GI Direct and Leicester College and passed his City & Guilds in Printing & Graphic Communications. He also holds a Diploma in Management from TAFE and has completed a Leadership Essentials course with the Australian Institute of Management.
Playford said he was eager to commence his new role. “I believe Fujifilm has the most comprehensive portfolio of graphic arts products and services in the industry. We cover Litho offset workflow, Flexography, Wide and superwide format digital, inks plates and other consumables. Innovation is key to any businesses success whilst respecting established procedures and methods. I’m looking forward to my new role and to continuing Fujifilm’s transformation of our industry through innovation.”
Warren Hinder, Acting Divisional Manager for Graphic Systems, said he expected great things from Playford. “Ashley has performed very well since moving from a production role and into sales with Fujifilm. Obviously, his technical experience is appreciated by customers and I am confident he will enjoy even greater success in this national sales managership role,” he said.
Kodak yesterday announced the appointment of Brendan Pearce to the role of Queensland Territory Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the printing and publishing industries, Pearce will lead Kodak’s sales efforts in Queensland, one of the company’s fastest growing markets in Australia.
"We are thrilled to have Brendan join the Kodak team as we ramp up our investment in the Queensland market,” said Anthony Harvey, ANZ Country Leader for Kodak. “Brendan’s solid reputation among printers, industry experience and passion for print is a perfect fit for Kodak, our customers, and partners.”
The appointment of Pearce comes as Kodak experiences high demand in Queensland for its portfolio of CTP technology, workflow solutions, NEXPRESS Platform and consumables. Kodak first introduced thermal CTP technology in 1995, and since then the company has shipped over 20,000 CTP devices worldwide.
Pearce said he is thrilled to be joining the Queensland team, and will look to grow sales in the Queensland territory and look after customers' needs in the digital CT, plate and workflow spaces, with a particular eye on automation. "Automation is pivotal to a lot of printers’ operations, so that would be the biggest key to the product portfolio.
"We've got a great team of two technical specialists up here, who are well-liked and well-respected in the industry, and I'm just thrilled to be part of the sales growth opportunity. It'll be great to look after Queensland clients," Pearce said.