After serving 22 years on the APPMA Board, and 14 years as chair, Mark Dingley told more than 700 guests at the APPMA Gala Dinner during APPEX that he will be stepping down from his position as chair at the end of his tenure, come May.
The news was met with some surprise and an overwhelming acknowledgement (whispered around the almost silent room as he spoke) of the contribution Dingley has made to both the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) and the wider industry.
"After serving on the APPMA Board for 22 years, including 12 years as your chairman, I have decided to retire from both roles and leave the board after the next board meeting in May," Dingley said.
"This was a difficult decision for me, as I have a deep passion for our industry and I have devoted most of my working career to the association as a board member. But I feel that it is the right time for me and for the association to make this change. I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and dedicated people in the packaging & processing sector, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together."
When Dingley joined the board, it was part-time with less than 50 members mostly focusing on Auspack. Under his guidance, the association has grown to over 180 members. That year saw him oversee the transformation of Auspack, with around 100 exhibitors, into APPEX, with over 400, and the physical size of the show tripling.
"I have full trust in the board and the APPMA team, along with our partners, to continue the excellent work that we have started. No doubt they will continue to face the challenges and opportunities ahead, but they will face them with equal vigour to drive the association forward to the benefit of all of us in this industry," he said.
"I want to express my deep appreciation to Lester Nichol, who gave me the opportunity to join this industry 22 years ago as a young and eager and definitely naive Mark Dingley. He allowed Matthews to share my time with this amazing industry. I also want to thank Phil Biggs, who supported me and helped me get elected to the board back then."
He ended his heartfelt speech saying, "I acknowledge the person who has been my constant source of support and inspiration throughout this journey: my wife Jane. She has been there for me in the good times and the not so good times. But Jane has always encouraged me to pursue my passions and vision for both APPMA and Matthews, even to her own detriment. She deserves as much recognition as I do, if not more. Thank you, Jane, for being my partner in life and in work."
After thanking everyone for 22 years of friendship, collaboration and trust, Dingley was met with loud applause and a standing ovation.
APPMA CEO Michael Moran said, "On behalf of the APPMA Board, myself and the APPMA team, I would like to thank Mark for his contribution to the Board as a Director and as Chair. Mark’s resignation leaves some very big shoes to fill. His dedication, commitment, leadership, vision and passion has seen the Association grow and develop at all levels including memberships, member services, branding, corporate governance, operations and financial security.
"Mark’s drive to develop APPMA into a professional, scalable and leading association cannot be understated. His leadership and support during COVID to explore opportunities to further unite the whole Processing and Packaging industry which came to fruition with APPEX 24 will represent only one of his legacies. Mark leaves the Chair role comfortable APPMA is very well positioned to continuing developing and evolving to further support and promote all members and the broader industry well into the future. I would like to thank Mark for his support and trust in me and our APPMA team, none of whom would be here had it not been for his involvement."
On social media, industry voices shared their well-wishes for Dingley.
Phil Biggs, managing director, Packaging Partners, said: "Your service to our industry has been absolutely amazing Mark Dingley. You've led important changes and improvements that we will all benefit from for many years to come. Thank you! I was personally very proud to know I played a small part in your achievements."
Gary Daly, former managing directory, ETF, said: "Congratulation Mark on your outstanding contribution and leadership at both Matthew’s and the APPMA. Your legacy will long endure."
Martin Ross, COO, YPB Group, said: "Congratulations Mark, you have left an incredible mark within the space and industry and I’m sure there’s more to come. Look forward to hearing your next chapter."
Matt Nichol, sales manager at Matthews Australasia, said: "Mark Dingley, congratulations on your time and all that you and the APPMA achieved. The team at Matthews Australasia are extremely proud of your contribution to the industry. Well done on an amazing 22 years serving the industry."
The team at PKN and Food & Drink Business also acknowledged his work: "Mark Dingley, you have made an incredible contribution to our industry. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you as APPMA chairman, forging the media partnership we have now established so firmly."
