Printing Industries CEO Bill Healey will retire from his role early next year, after serving the industry for five years, with several achievements and some regrettable moments. Healey has been CEO and general manager, NSW since May 2011, and had flagged his intentions to retire upon renewing his contract in 2014. Speaking with Australian Printer, Healey says during his time working at the association he has learnt ‘so much about the industry and the challenges and opportunities it embraces’.
Bill Healey, CEO of the PIAA
Healey says, “I am proud of our achievements, particularly the initiation and implementation of the Future Print projects. These have set in place the foundations our members need to develop the future skill sets and business models necessary to successfully transition in the broader technology driven communication and information industry. “I am proud of several other things such as the acquisition of IPMG’s training arm as our RTO, which has not fully been utilised yet, but will be one of the major assets for the association.” He says there are several other achievements that he is proud of but it is time for the association to find a new CEO as Healey, 61, would like to take on other projects. “I have been in government agencies and member associations for 20 years, and I would like to use my experience and expertise to revive the debate about productivity and innovation, especially with young people. “As for PIAA, I will ensure there is a smooth transition with the new CEO as it is time for someone else to take the reins, and commit to implementing our long term vision for the prosperity of the industry.” PIAA president David Leach says, “Bill has dedicated a lot of time, passion and commitment to the association and the industry overall and would now like to take the opportunity to pursue other things in his life. “Our industry and the association are on the verge of an exciting era through transformation from its traditional heavy metal manufacturing base to a broader, technology driven communication and information industry. “Bill has worked with the board in the development of an exciting strategy to support businesses to understand, respond and profit from these changes. The new CEO will play a key role in delivering this strategy.” PIAA board is now looking for a new CEO with Leach saying immediate action will be taken to replace Healey to ensure for a smooth transition and a considered candidate selection. Leach says, “Recruitment would begin immediately to provide ample time for an appropriate candidate to be selected, and to enable a smooth transition to the new leadership management arrangement. “I look forward to Bill’s continuing contributions and counsel during the transitional period.” Healey says during his time as CEO he faced some challenges, such as ‘the print industry shrinking and transforming’. “We have seen a decline in print businesses, and larger member consolidation, businesses collapsing, which sometimes raised the issue of paying membership fees,” he says. “Despite that today we are in a better position financially then we were when I started. But I do regret that I wasn’t able to convince some of the older association members, who felt disengaged, to remain as members.”
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