Over the past few months there have been a number of new appointments within the industry, with PG Live being the first big opportunity for many of these people to meet retailers, buyers and distributors. PG Buzz caught up with a few of the movers and shakers.
With only a few weeks until his official retirement, managing director of Ling Design and Penny Kennedy, Ian Bant, (pictured at top with Alessandro Arosio) “greatly enjoyed saying goodbye to all my friends in the industry” at PG Live, as well as introducing the company’s new managing director Alessandro Arosio.
“This is only my second day with the company, but what better way to see all the creativity in this industry than at this show,” said Alessandro. Commenting on his hopes and dreams for the business, he told PG Buzz: “I am really looking forward to continuing the good work that Ian has done and to continue growing the business.”
Two days into his role as director of sales for IC&G after many years at UKG, industry stalwart Tony Roberts (above) said he has been “blown away by the amazing reaction from customers. I am already really enjoying my new job, getting to know the agents; it is great work with such a great bunch of self-motivated people.”
In what she describes as her “first official outing” as sales director of Cherry Orchard, Fiona Douglass (above) was in her element introducing the publisher’s new Scent with Love range to customers. “I am so enjoying bringing new business to the company and am relishing the exciting opportunities we most definitely have.”
Four weeks into his new role as UK Greetings’ director of field sales, Darren Cave (above) was making the most of PG Live. “It is a great opportunity to meet our independent and multiple customers and present our exciting major launches, including our new Star Wars and Disney ranges, to retail visitors.”
Brett Smith (above right), Danilo’s new sales director is no stranger to the greeting card industry, having spent 20 years with Clintons. He is taking over from Chris James (above left) who steps down at the end of June. “It’s been a great show so far,” says Brett. “We’ve given the stand a new look this year, stripping it right back so it looks a lot cleaner. We’re really pleased with the overall effect and the cards really stand out. Our new launches of Strictly Come Dancing, Hipstory, Famous Five and Selfies are going down really well with the buyers and exporters we’ve had through so far.”
Nick Carey (above) has recently taken over from his father, Brian, as managing director at Abacus Cards/Clare Maddicott and comes to PG Live with a number of new ranges across both brands. “The new ranges are catching the eye of visitors,” says Nick. “The Bold as Brass male range has been particularly popular with people saying how much they like the finish and the modern sayings.”
