PVCA rebrands to Visual Media Association, new board elected for 2024

The Visual Media Association (VMA), previously the Print & Visual Communications Association, has announced the successful completion of its 2024 Board Elections, marking an increased diversity in its board composition.

The new Board, set to take office on January 1, 2024, reflects a Board strengthened by diversity and expertise at the forefront, with Board Officer gender equality and skills now including regional printers, training expertise, representatives from small and large print businesses, and vendors. The breadth across the VMA Board reinforces its commitment to representing the entire spectrum of the industry, improved diversity in skills and national representation for each State.

“I am very pleased to have a greater level of diversity on the Board from small to large, metropolitan to regional business, supplier and representation across all sectors of our industry. Furthermore, for the first time in the history of the association, two women representing our industry and I thank Kirsty and Holly for nominating and joining the Board. I also welcome Tony for his supplier perspective, an important cohort of our membership as we commit to one industry focus. I look forward to the 2024 Board of Directors providing leadership, diversity, and commitment to implementing the new strategy on behalf of our members and industry," commented Matt Aitken, Chief Executive Officer IVE Group and Association President.

The newly elected Board officials are as follows:

The Association released a new strategic plan earlier this year with four key focus areas including HR/IR Advisory, Skills & Training, Leadership, Engagement & Growth and Environmental, Social and Governance. The new strategy is being rolled out across the country and has seen new programs, Better Business Tools, Annual Industry Metrics, P.o.P (Power of Print) Summit and more, already underway.

"I look forward to working with the new Board and building from their diverse skillsets to advance the Association’s mission – member success. It's particularly heartening to note that all three incoming Board Officers are long-standing members, their insights will be invaluable in shaping the future strategic direction of our organisation," commented Kellie Northwood, Chief Executive Officer, VMA.

Exiting Board Officers include Simon Carmody, Spot Productions, who began as a Board Officer for The Real Media Collective and took up a casual vacancy on the VMA Board during the merger negotiations, which have now concluded. John Georgantzakos, Managing Director, Spot Press held Hon. Treasurer and Deputy President positions since election onto the former PVCA Board in 2018 and Walter Kuhn, Director, Kuhn Corp, has held President and Deputy President roles since his PVCA Board election in 2016, seeing Kuhn as one of the longest-serving Board Officers.

"John and Walter have left an indelible mark on PVCA and VMA. John's financial acumen has been a cornerstone of our organisation's success in his capacity as Treasurer and Deputy President, and Walter's steadfast commitment and long-serving leadership as the President during turbulent times has been truly commendable. Their contributions will not be forgotten, I thank Simon, John, and Walter for their support over the past eighteen months in my position as President and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” commented Aitken.

While the incoming Board is appointed from 1 January 2024, newly elected members will commence attendance at Board meetings as ‘Observers’ until the end of the year.