Ian Johns will take over the reins as managing director of ink supplier DIC Australia and New Zealand from January 1 next year, with current managing director Dr David Rands moving to the chairman’s role. In addition well known industry identity Meredith Darke will move to the newly created role of web business manager for the company.
Johns has been with DIC Australia / New Zealand since 1989, and has held commercial and branch management roles including a five year period as general manager in New Zealand. For the last four years, he has been the web division director, and, since the integration of all DIC entities in Australia and New Zealand in 2006, has been the offset division director, where he will continue to take a close interest.
David Rands, DIC ANZ’s present managing director says, “Ian Johns is a seasoned executive with a tremendous depth of experience and talent. DIC is fortunate to have him leading the company. This positions DIC well for continuing to be the pre-eminent provider in our market segments.”
Johns has a strong history in the graphics art industry having started as an apprentice litho printer in Adelaide in the early 1970’s. He has numerous qualifications, with the most recent being recognised as a Graduate Member of AICD.
Johns says, “I’m really energised with being charged to lead DIC ANZ into our next phase of development. Over recent years, we have seen strong growth for DIC in the Australian and New Zealand markets, and our challenge is to continue building quality business operations that service our customers.”
David Rands has been with DIC for the past 18 years, and has overseen a threefold increase in sales at DIC during his time as managing director. He says, “The orderly succession of management within the company has been planned now for some time and I am delighted to see it coming to fruition. I am also looking forward to spending some time on activities outside the company, while still retaining a keen interest in the company’s progress in my new role.”
Meredith Darke will move to the newly created role of web business manager for DIC ANZ. Darke has been web commercial manager at the company for the past 18 months, having joined DIC three years ago. She has more than 16 years experience in the graphic arts industry, and holds a post-graduate degree in business and management.
