VISUAL CONNECTIONS SEEKS NEW CEO

The search is underway at Visual Connections for the leader who will take the print industry suppliers association into the future.

Visual Connections is seeking a new CEO to succeed long time incumbent Peter Harper, who is set to retire at the end of the year.

The association is looking for a new leader with a proven track record of inspiration, motivation and mentoring, along with pragmatism and sound management ability.

It also wants the new CEO to have outstanding skills in communication and relationship building, a preference for working collaboratively, an understanding of, and appreciation for, the role of industry associations, and a demonstrated passion for delivering the best outcomes for the industry.

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, of trade shows, before becoming CEO.

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.