Ashley Playford has been elevated to the role of national sales manager at Fujifilm Graphic Systems after previously serving in the role of NSW account manager.

Playford replaces previous incumbent, Paul Budgen who has taken up a position as wide format business development manager at Fuji Xerox Australia. 

Commenting on his appointment, Playford says, “I believe Fujifilm has the most comprehensive portfolio of graphic arts products and services in the industry. We cover litho offset workflow, flexography, wide and superwide format digital, inks plates and other consumables.

“Innovation is key to any businesses success whilst respecting established procedures and methods. I am looking forward to my new role and to continuing Fujifilm’s transformation of our industry through innovation.”

Playford has 14 years’ experience in the industry across a variety of sectors, starting his career as an apprentice in the UK with GI Direct and Leicester College where he passed his City & Guilds in Printing & Graphic Communications.

Before his stint at Fujifilm starting in 2014, he ran the digital print and prepress department with Sony DADC and also has background as a Mac operator, graphic and POP designer.

Acting divisional manager for Graphic Systems, Warren Hinder says, “Playford has performed very well since moving from a production role and into sales with Fujifilm. Obviously, his technical experience is appreciated by customers and I am confident he will enjoy even greater success in this national sales managership role.”

Budgen joins Fuji Xerox as part of its move to become a major player in the wide format sector, it already supplies Fujifilm Acuity printers and this week inked a deal to sell the Screen Truepress UV 3200 flatbed printer.

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