DRK LBL general manager Mary Leishman was named the winner of the 2023 FESPA Future Leader at a cocktail party hosted by FESPA Australia on 2 November – the evening before the FESPA conference.

Following a rigorous selection process, the diverse group of 12 finalists demonstrated clear leadership ambition and capacity, and went on to work with respected corporate leadership coach Carl Harman over an intensive two-day workshop.

The 2023 Future Leader finalists are:

Ambrin Naaz Begum – managing partner, M-Power
Angus Turner – production manager, Turner Signs
Barney Wellings – director and general manager, Hunter Signs
Daniel Lamont – production manager, Lamont Print & Signs
Daniela Mastroieni – strategic manager, Business, Brand & Partnerships, ORAFOL
James Merhab – sales executive, Ball & Doggett
Kerri Underwood – production manager, VMG Print Group
Leah Simmons – account director, IVE Group
Mary Leishman – general manager, DRK LBL (winner)
Nathan Brown – production manager – finishing, IVE Group
Sam Alterator – account manager, HVG Graphics Media
Shannelle Tedja – global client manager, Wazzup Screen Printing

The entire 2023 Future Leader cohort was present at the FESPA Annual Conference, where they met and mingled with attendees and participated in some of the program.

“The quality of the applications this year was exceptional, and with each new cohort, we continue to grow a network of passionate, connected, industry-committed future leaders,” said FESPA Australia, president Nigel Davies.

The FESPA Future Leaders Program is a professional and personal development program that fosters confident, committed individuals who show leadership skills and who will be next in line to contribute to the future success of Australia’s speciality print community.

Presented by FESPA Australia, and supported by the Glen Crerar Scholarship fund, the annual program is offered to applicants with open, creative, inquisitive minds who are currently in their early to mid-career in the industry, have the ability to make positive changes both personally and professionally; and are already demonstrating leadership potential.

The FESPA Future Leaders Program is proudly sponsored by Diamond Sponsor ORAFOL, Gold Sponsors Ball & Doggett, Durst and Visual Connections, Silver Sponsors Cactus Imaging and Kissel & Wolf and Bronze Sponsor HVG Graphics Media.

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