Paul Gardiner will take the reins at Ovato, replacing Simon Ellis as managing director.
Gardiner, who will join the company before the end of the year, has worked as commercial director at Bauer Media in Australia and brings more than 30 years of media and marketing experience to bear on the role.
Kevin Slaven chief executive at Ovato, says, “I have been able to witness Paul’s impact first hand. Firstly, as a client of Ovato and more recently, with our time together on the Board of the Real Media Collective.
“One of the core elements of our strategy is a focus on our customers and being able to bring a talented commercial and innovative leader back to New Zealand and into this role will allow us to focus even more fully on our customers’ needs.”
Gardiner says, “There are many common challenges across print and publishing, and I feel I’m coming into the role with both eyes open and a demonstrated passion and belief in the sector.
“I’m excited to be able to come home into this role and build on the strength that the Ovato business has shown since the rebrand last February.”
Gardiner replaces Simon Ellis who leaves after four years as managing director. Ellis’s work has cemented Ovato’s reputation as a quality print partner including recognition as the most awarded web print company at Pride in Print. A passionate industry advocate, he also served as president of the New Zealand Community Newspapers Association until 2018 and has recently offered a strong voice on the government’s proposed changes to industry training. He won the inaugural New Zealand Power 50 and palced in the top 10 last year.
He will return home to Tauranga to spend more time with family and look towards future opportunities either within or outside of the industry where he has worked for over 40 years.
Slaven adds, “Simon is an excellent leader who can be proud of the work he has done for us at Ovato and the wider impact he has made across the New Zealand print industry. We wish him well.”
