Soar Print managing director Fred Soar is the new president of national print industry association PrintNZ, taking over from Tony Sayle. Two new board members have also been appointed: Jill Cowling of Blue Star and Morgan John of Spicers.
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| Fred Soar receives a Certificate of Appreciation from NZ PM Jacinda Ardern (2018) |
“Congratulations to Fred Soar of Soar Print who has been appointed President of PrintNZ for a two year term,” said PrintNZ CEO Ruth Cobb. “Fred joined the board of PrintNZ in 2017 and moves up into the role of President vacated by Tony Sayle at the AGM.”
Soar Print is a third-generation family business founded in 1920 by Soar’s grandfather, Lt. Colonel Fred Soar. The company, based in Eden Terrace, an inner Auckland suburb, has become an innovator in New Zealand’s print industry.
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| "Driven change": Tony Sayle, PrintNZ |
“On behalf of the industry, a huge vote of thanks goes to Tony Sayle for the four years he has spent in the role of President,” Cobb said. “Tony has overseen the strategy of PrintNZ and driven change that has ensured the organisation remains relevant and focussed. He played a pivotal role in the merger of CMITO with Competenz, and has continued this focus on industry training by being keenly involved in the current Review of Vocational Education.
“We are particularly appreciative of Tony's commitment to the industry over the last 15 months, focussing not only on directing his own company through Covid-19, but ensuring that PrintNZ was supported and able to effectively operate during that time. I am personally grateful for the guidance he has provided to both the PrintNZ team and the organisation. Tony remains on the Board of PrintNZ as Immediate Past President.”
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| New board members Jill Cowling of Blue Star Group and Morgan John of Spicers Paper. |
“Jill joins the board and we welcome her extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience,” said Cobb. “Morgan takes up the position of Supplier Representative for the next two years and continues the valuable link to the supply sector.”
Tony Antoniadis of Oji Fibre Solutions in Hamilton stood down from the PrintNZ board when he retired earlier this year. “Tony has been a great advocate for training in the industry both in his own plant developing his staff, and contributing to the development of training resources for the industry,” Cobb said.
Richard Hislop of BJ Ball Papers also stood down as the Supplier Representative. “Richard has been able to provide the Board a lens across the industry, particularly relating to supply, which has been valuable over the last 18 months with the compounding freight issues.
“A huge thanks goes to both of Tony and Richard for their contributions,” Cobb added.
The full Board of PrintNZ:
Fred Soar, Soar Print, Auckland (President)
Tony Sayle, Jenkins Freshpac Systems, Tauranga
Mark O'Grady, Excel Digital, Wellington
Lisa Hegh, Oji Fibre Solutions, Auckland
Jonathan Lewis, Images Unlimited, Christchurch
Jill Cowling, Blue Star Group, Auckland
Morgan John, Spicers Paper, Auckland
Co-opted:
David Jack, Permark Industries, Auckland
