Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson Australia and New Zealand, has been appointed to the Board of Visual Connections Australia, replacing long-serving Director, John Wall, who retired earlier this year.

Craig, whose appointment became effective as of 1 November, joins the Board at a pivotal time for the supplier association, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience gained over a 30-year career in the industry.

After short stints with Calcomp and Océ Australia, Craig joined Epson Australia 25 years ago as Business Unit Manager for Epson’s Business Solutions Division. 

In 2015 he was appointed General Manager – Sales & Marketing for the Business Division, before being promoted first to General Manager of the company in 2017, and Managing Director six years ago.

Mitch Mulligan, President of Visual Connection, welcomed Craig to the Board, saying his skills ideally complement those of the other Board Members.

“Craig has an outstanding reputation in our industry, not only for his deep knowledge of the sector but his broad commercial experience, financial and marketing expertise, and strong leadership qualities,” Mitch says.

“Acting as a Director of Visual Connections is a voluntary position, and all those who sit on the Board have very busy and responsible senior management positions. Those who are prepared go above and beyond to contribute at an industry level are few and far between, so to have someone of Craig’s calibre prepared to make this commitment is something we value very highly.

“We are fortunate to have a very strong Board, and it will only be enhanced by Craig’s presence. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Karren Challoner-Miles, Executive General Manager of Visual Connections, echoed those thoughts, saying Craig’s ideas and approach were very much in line with the strategic direction of the supplier association.

“There have been a lot of changes at Visual Connections this year, and we’re encouraged to see how positively they are being received by our members, including Epson,” she says.

“From the discussions we’ve had with Craig over the past weeks and months, it’s become clear that his views are very aligned with those of the Visual Connections Board and operational team.

“His strategic approach and innovative style which will be a huge asset to us as we continue to evolve Visual Connections events, programs and other initiatives to deliver even better value to our members and to the industry as a whole, and we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome him to our Board.”

Craig himself says he is excited by the opportunity to contribute to the Board, and feels ‘energised’ by the refreshed approach and future plans of the supplier association.

“I am genuinely excited by the direction the association is taking. There is a strong vision for the future, and I am eager to play a part in helping bring that to life. I look forward to working with Karren, Mitch, and the Visual Connections Board and operational team,” Craig said.

As well as Craig, the current Visual Connections Board comprises: Mitch Mulligan, Managing Director of Bőttcher Australia; Alex McClelland, Managing Director of ORAFOL Australia; Luke Wooldridge, National Product Manager for HVG Graphics Media; Mark Canavan, Marketing & Vendor Relations Manager at Graphic Art Mart; and Ian Martin, General Manager – Trade for Ferag Australia. 

The Association will hold its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 25 November in Sydney.