HARPER TO RETIRE AT END OF YEAR

Peter Harper, CEO of industry suppliers’ association Visual Connections, and well-known industry identity, will retire at the end of the year.

His departure will mark the end of a 50 year career in the print, sign and graphics sector, the latter part of which saw the role of the suppliers association he ran expand significantly.

Harper founded the original sign industry supplier association, VISA, some 30 years ago, and has been at the helm of the merged Visual Connections, which encompasses all sectors of print, since its formation in 2015.

He said, “Of course, I have mixed feelings, but I know it is the right decision for myself and for the organisation, to allow fresh leadership as we continue to develop our industry events and other exciting initiatives.”

As well as representing the industry suppliers, Visual Connections produces and hosts the major print industry shows, including PacPrint, which it co-owns with employers group Visual Media Association, and the sign and display Visual Impact, the latest of which has just run in Brisbane.

It also provides grants and scholarships to young talent in the industry, promotes print to schools, and supports various industry events.

Visual Connections was formed in 2015 from the merger between commercial industry suppliers group GAMAA, and sign industry group VISA. On the merger Harper, who was general manager of VISA, became general manager, trade shows, before becoming CEO.

With the latest Visual Impact now concluded, and planning progressing well for the flagship PacPrint 2025 trade show in May, taking place on a new two year cycle, and for the first time in Sydney, Harper says the time is right for a smooth and orderly transition to new leadership – a process the Visual Connections board says is underway.

Harper said, “I have been in the industry for some fifty years and have enjoyed every one of them.

“Over the past 18 of those years, I have worked with some great teams at Visual Connections, but none better than the current team who I know will continue their great work under the new leadership. I look forward to watching them, and the industry, continue to go from strength to strength.

“Whoever takes on the role will have an amazing team, and great support from one of the best boards in the business. I am forever grateful to all the board members that have supported me during my years with VISA and Visual Connections, to our members who consistently demonstrate their loyalty and commitment to our industry, and to the wonderful people who have worked for, and with, me over those years.

“I am still here till the end of the year, and very much hoping I will get a chance to say thank you and goodbye to as many people as possible, as we continue to work towards a brighter future for the print, sign and graphics sector.”

He will officially retire at the end of December, with the board expected to announce his successor well before this date.

Mitch Mulligan, president of the Visual Connections board, said Harper embodies the Visual Connections mission, which is to contribute to a sustainable future by supporting its members – the industry’s suppliers – and the industry more broadly, through education, exhibitions, sponsorship, grants and networking opportunities.

“As well as cementing the success of the Visual Impact expos, Visual Connections has, under his leadership, also successfully taken on the organisation of PacPrint which is co-owned by Visual Connections and Visual Media Association, significantly improving the value for exhibitors and the returns to industry through these associations’ funding of initiatives and resources,” Mulligan said.

“He has proven to be an exceptionally talented negotiator and a kind and steady leader through some of the most challenging times the industry has ever faced, not only bringing the organisation through but, in the process, strengthening its effectiveness and resilience.

“While the events are a visible sign of his achievements, one of his greatest legacies will be an initiative which is set to deliver significant benefit to the industry for many years to come – the Sign & Print Career Connections programme.

“Conceived and piloted initially with the Australian Sign & Graphics Association, this is now, through his hard work and collaborative style, an industry-wide initiative, which is actively recruiting new talent to the sector.

“Peter Harper is highly valued both by the Visual Connections board and membership, and by his staff for his constant leadership, encouragement and generosity. He is also widely respected across the industry for his pragmatism and outstanding effectiveness in ‘getting the job done’, and his willingness to consider – and drive – innovation to deliver value to the industry.
 
“While his steady leadership and many talents will be greatly missed, the Visual Connections board is excited about the future, with a strong team in place and several strong candidates in the running to take on this pivotal industry role.”