The Australasian packaging industry's peak training and education body for packaging professionals, the Australian Institute of Packaging, has elected John Bigley, CEO of Zipform Packaging, as its new president, succeeding Jason Fields.
At the AGM on 28 June, John Bigley was officially appointed into the role, which he will hold for the next two years. He brings years of packaging industry leadership expertise to the table.
Bigley said, “It is a great honour to be taking up the post of AIP President. Jason will be a hard act to follow but I look forward to working with the team through what will undoubtedly be a very exciting and challenging period for the packaging industry as we continue to drive collaboratively to address the 2025 National Packaging Targets.”
In his handover to Bigley, outgoing president Jason Fields said, “The last three years have gone so fast, yet, so much has happened. I have been extremely lucky to have the support of a very knowledgeable, diverse AIP board and support team, which has shown unbelievable resilience and adaptability to continue to deliver education opportunities to our members. Indeed, the AIP has taken the challenges Covid presented and used it to our advantage to enhanced our delivery by having virtual site tours which, instead of been restricted to 10 to 20 people, are now open to everyone no matter where they are in the world, with the added benefit that everyone can actually hear what is being said, over the background manufacturing noises.
“I truly appreciate the trust that was placed in me as president and I hope I have met our members' expectations.
“I am pleased that I hand over the reins with the institute in a very sound position, to a highly capable business person whom I am confident will continue to help the AIP evolve and deliver positive and engaging education and networking opportunities to all our members, as it is for the members that the institute exists.”
AIP executive director, Nerida Kelton, acknowledged Jason Fields for his three-year term.
“Jason Fields was our ‘pandemic president’ and during such a difficult time in the world he was able to ensure that the AIP kept its course and shifted its old school models to a more modern approach. The AIP was able to adapt its educational programs, site visits, training courses and forums to the virtual world and since then has thrived as an Institute. We thank Jason for being at the helm during this time and for all that he has contributed as president. It was wonderful to have the president at almost every single virtual event we had during the last three years; which is very rare,” Kelton said.
In addition to a new president, the AIP has a new treasurer and three new board members. The treasurer is Dr Carol Kilcullen-Lawrence, the new Northern Region director is Lea Reynolds and the two new Southern Region directors are Michael Dossor and Warwick Armstrong.
