‘I never thought I would live long enough to send this email out, but there you are, I was clearly wrong,’ was the message Alan Holmes, longtime executive of Icon Art sent out last week to announce he was ‘retiring’ on May 7 after 24 years in the greeting card industry.
Alan’s greeting card career began in 1995 when he joined Gibson as a sales rep, progressing to national accounts, following which he moved to Next Episode (becoming md), then to The Art Group (to head up its framing division) before joining Icon in 2002.
Although he never had an official job title at Icon, Alan’s wide remit included export sales, national accounts and liaising with the agents.
“I have seen so many changes in the industry, both on the retailing and product fronts. I have had the good fortune to have worked with some great people and been involved in the launch of stunning ranges. My 17 years at Icon have been my most enjoyable of my career,” Alan told PG Buzz. “I leave Icon on very good terms. Mark [Beardsley, Icon’s co-owner] has been a great mentor to me. He has been more of a friend than a boss. I will so miss the fun we had, notably on PG Live set up days when we would finish doing the stand and then take off on ‘Boris bikes’ around London.”
There is nothing shy and retiring about how Alan plans to spend the next chapter in his life. He will be taking off on his Harley Davidson motorbike, going fly fishing, travelling, honing his photography and writing skills – as well as being ‘the tea boy’ at his wife’s Lindsay’s office furniture business.
“I would now like to enjoy the rest of my time doing some of the things that I have never had the time to do properly while still relatively young enough to not have to resort to medication to ease any associated pain!” said Alan.
Alan’s roles at Icon are being covered by the existing team. All future correspondence should be sent directly to info@icon-art.com and orders to orders@icon-art.com
‘A misty early morning sun grows warmer as songbirds announce a new day, the unmistakable sound of golf clubs hit the floor of a car boot, an engine starts, the gravel crunches as one chapter closes in a cloud of dust, and a new one begins…* was the signoff quote from Alan Holmes last week as he ‘retired’ from the industry after 24 years.
Top: Alan suitably attired for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Cambridge, an international ride for Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer.
