DIC ANZ refreshes its senior line-up as veteran Steve Parker steps down as DIC New Zealand general manager. Australia’s Meredith Darke crosses the Tasman to take up the mantle from July 1, a move set to grow the company’s market stake and drive business in the packaging sector.
Darke has held the role of web business manager for the past five years, and will also become a director of the company. In addition, Jason Kent has moved up to the newly created position of DIC Australia, general manager offset division. DIC ANZ managing director, Ian Johns, extends his thanks to Parker for his years of service and welcomes the new leadership team as the business steps into its next phase.
“We’re always looking for different opportunities to grow our business and the to further increase our knowledge and experience in the appropriate markets. DIC is known for its presence in newsprint, but we are also major players in the packaging industry in Australia and New Zealand, and the new appointments will drive that moving forward,” says Johns.
- The new dream team - Meredith Darke (new NZ general manager) and Jason Kent (new general manager offset division)
As web business manager, Darke oversaw DIC’s heatset and coldset business in the region. She joined DIC Australia in January 2006, and brings over 20 years experience in the graphic arts industry. Darke tells Print21 the opportunity came as a surprise, but even with the relocation in mind she had no hesitation in taking up the role.
“I am very excited about it, it’s a whole new adventure for me. Of course, it’s tinged with some sadness, I love what I do. I have great customers here and a great team. It’s always sad to let go, but the opportunity is too good to pass up,” she says.
In her previous position, Darke worked extensively with New Zealand web customers, developing strong relationships that will serve her new role well. She says she is eager grow the business and drive DIC New Zealand’s continued push into the packaging market.
“It’s dynamic market, and innovation plays such a huge role in packaging. That’s a great strength for the ANZ packaging market, and I look forward to pursuing that,” adds Darke.
Jason Kent picks up Darke’s responsibilities for web heatset and coldset along with sheetfd and graphics portfolios as general manager offset division. Kent has been with DIC Australia since November 2007, initially running the graphics division, before becoming commercial business manager in October 2009.
Parker departs his post in mid-to-late August for heading off into early retirement, ensuring a strong transition period for the business. Parker has been a part of the extended DIC family for 38 years, originally with Coates Brothers and then Sun Chemicals in the UK, before taking up with DIC NZ in 2004.