Leading digital supplier Starleaton Digital Solutions announced three key staff appointments as it continues its trans-Tasman growth strategy.
John Buitenkamp relocated his family from Raalte, Holland just weeks ago to take up the role of Product Manager Australia, where he will focus on major accounts.
Buitenkamp worked with the Neschen/SEAL Group for around 19 years, starting out in the technical department before moving into sales, where he met Starleaton GM Ben Eaton, forming a friendship that has continued for over ten years.
"It was a family decision to come out to Australia and we arrived late in June," said Buitenkamp. "My girlfriend has lived here before and has always had an inkling to come back and wanted to have a new adventure. I've really enjoyed working with Ben and Starleaton over the years and I'm really looking forward to the new challenge of helping the company to grow the business here in Australia and New Zealand.
"I'll be product manager with responsibility for key accounts, including a leading European manufacturer specialising in synthetic materials for small format."
Paul Coniglio (pictured), former GM of Conect Enterprises, joins Starleaton as its new head of Innovation and Product Development, based in Melbourne.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Paul join the team,” said Eaton. "We've worked with Paul over the past few years on various projects and when he became available recently we couldn’t resist the opportunity to create a position for him. Starleaton has significant plans for growth over the next three to five years so it’s exciting to have Paul on the management team."
Coniglio worked at Conect over a 13-year period, spending time as marketing manager & product development manager before becoming GM.
"Starleaton is a strong business and they have an envious portfolio of brands that stand alone in Australia," said Coniglio. "I'm very excited to join the team and I'm going to relish the opportunity to work with some great partners to help build the next generation of product solutions and tools for Starleaton customers.”
Ashton Lines-Sherwood (pictured) has joined Starleaton as its national sales manager for New Zealand. The company moved from servicing the NZ market via distribution to setting up it’s own local entity in late 2014.
Ashton gained a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Psychology and after completing his thesis spent the past six years managing key accounts throughout the construction, fabrication, signage, and print industry.
“I've chosen to work with Starleaton for many reasons, number one being the quality of the team," he said. "From the top down, everyone works for one another to reach a common goal. The company's drive to succeed is admirable and something I look forward to contributing to. The commitment to supply on demand and exceeding customer expectations has been apparent in Starleaton from the outset and something I know the New Zealand market will welcome.”
Eaton was delighted to welcome Ashton to the New Zealand operation. "He has already made a huge impact in the short time he has been with us and we're looking forward to expanding our presence in the NZ market.”