PIAA board president David Leach has hit back in a tight-lipped statement against criticism by election candidate Roy Aldrich, in what is becoming a major stoush in the normally sedate world of PIAA board nominations. In an open letter to the printing industry Aldrich, director of Eastern Studios, accuses Leach, CEO of Look Print, of ‘trying to select his own board’ and questioning the president’s ‘integrity and credibility.’ Leach says that while he respects the candidate’s right to express his opinion, ‘there are several incorrect claims within those comments’. He says, “I am surprised that anyone wanting to help the industry has chosen to be so personally critical of the Board and CEO with whom they would need to work if elected.”

Hotly contested: this year’s board elections attracting controversy

Aldrich’s criticism follows comments by Leach in support of Kieran May from Accross Business and Chris Segaert from Permanent Press as preferred nominees over Aldrich for two national board seats. It is not every time around that there are elections to the PIAA’s board, there are normally few multiple candidates. Leach has pitched the elections as a choice between progressives and conservatives, he favours the modernisers. Aldrich writes, “I did not expect to be pilloried by the incumbent president, David Leach, or to read of his blatant support for his selected or stacked process. “I find his attitude demeaning, disrespectful and lacking integrity.” Alrich says the three candidates not backed by Leach – himself, Bob Yeates and Tom Eckersley – deserve credit for their ‘knowledge, experience, integrity and enthusiasm,’ and ‘it is purely a figment of his imagination that we want to take the industry backwards.’ He adds that he feels the PIAA has ‘lost its regional contact,’ and could do with stronger local voices at regional and state level to create a more inclusive association. In reply, Leach says, “I know that elected Board Members will find many great things underway and many of the issues recently raised are already being addressed. “I again encourage all those eligible to vote to do so, to ensure the association has an effective Board to provide leadership during this critical time for the industry.” Votes are due in via mail on Wednesday, October 8.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter