David Leach tops this year’s Power 50 list on the strength of his outspoken leadership of the PIAA in a successful year, and significant innovations in his own business.
The Look Print chief executive and PIAA president dethrones previous back-to-back winner Blue Star executive chairman Geoff Selig, who finishes second.
Other strong contenders included CMYKhub managing director Trent Nankervis in third spot PMP chief executive Peter George in fourth, with newcomer OCA chief executive Naresh Gulati rounding out the top five.
Leach has been a pivotal figure this year, taking a hands-on approach to his PIAA presidency in one of the best years the association has had in a while, and his influence on that result cannot be underestimated.
[Check out the whole 2014 Power 50 list]
In 2014 the PIAA launched the successful Future Print apprenticeship and business training program, got serious about helping printers adapt to changing times with webinars and other education and support initiatives, supported Two Sides in the Value of Paper and Print campaign, battled Australia Post, and overhauled the much-maligned National Print Awards.
Leach would not have reached the top of our list without leading from the front, however, with the unprecedented move of publically backing several PIAA board candidates – a polarising gambit that ruffled some feathers.
It was a bold stroke of leadership that earned praise from some and condemnation from others and quickly escalated into a public argument, but it showed his commitment to the industry and goal of dragging it into the 21st century with progressive leadership.
These values are reflected in his own business, which is launching a new self-developed method of printing high-quality graphics onto concrete, and a web-to-print website that enables the public to create posters from collections of photos, with the prints all sized to Ikea frames. That website is now being licensed around the world.
He also saved a six-figure sum when he sent his managers to leadership courses and they came back with great ideas.
[Related: Photos of the 2014 Power 50 announcement]
Despite such a successful year, Leach was stunned when his victory was announced at an exclusive event last week at the waterfront Italian Village restaurant in The Rocks, Sydney.
Momentarily tongue-tied, Leach expressed his surprise and said he was humbled to be acknowledged in a room filled with distinguished peers. He then promised even bigger things from the PIAA in 2015, saying ‘watch this space’.
Later he spoke to ProPrint with some more collected thoughts.
“As surprised as I am of being awarded, I am proud and honoured. It is also a wonderful endorsement of the confidence and hope that the industry has – for the industry, the PIAA board, and the association,” he says.
“The event celebrates the positive contribution made by many, and brings a focus onto the enormous passion and opportunities within the graphic communications industry.
“I am proud to be on the board where so many commit so much. It’s a responsibility, honour and privilege. Yes, there’s an enormous amount of work we must continue to do to transform the board and lead the association and industry into the future. Together we will do it.
“Likewise I am grateful for the contribution of my team at Look Print, as is each board member of their individual teams, and of the great team at the association.
“It is only with their amazing support, and that of the industry, that we are able to commit to being the change that the industry needs. It’s an exciting future. It is happening.”
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