Gift & Homewares Australia (GHA) employs 24 staff, who work across all facets of the organisation including administration, policy direction, member services, publications, exhibitions, sales and marketing. To see our organisational chart CLICK HERE>
Brenton 'Alby' Taylor, Chief Executive
Brenton (Alby) Taylor is the Association's Chief Executive and joined GHA after a successful stint as the Executive Director of the Local Government and Shires Association of NSW, where he was involved in major projects such as the reform of Public Liability Insurance and tort law. Alby's background includes 15 years with the NSW Police Force where he rose to the rank of Chief Inspector. Alby is a qualified Legal Practitioner and has specialist skills and experience in business and strategic management and human resources.
Qualifications:
- Master of Public Policy and Administration
- Diploma of Law (LPAB)
- Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Management
Mark Baker, Exhibitions Manager
Mark is the Association’s Exhibitions Manager responsible for the overall management of GHA’s three annual exhibitions and Home & Giving magazine. Mark’s experience includes 16 years with the Thomson Corporation including roles as Financial Controller of the group, with his final role being General Manager of their Exhibitions Division, Thomson World Trade Exhibitions. Mark was General Manager of event marketing and staging company Online Sports Marketing/Planet X for five years. Prior to joining GHA Mark was the Chief Executive of the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia.
Qualifications:
- Accounting Certificate
- AIM- Management Certificate
Peter Carmody, Member Solutions Manager
Peter is the Association’s Member Solutions Manager and is involved in identifying and securing business opportunities and savings forGHA and its members. His role includes negotiating agreements, contracts, commissions and partnerships with suppliers. A marketing plan and series of key performance indicators are developed for these agreements and partnerships which are then marketed to our members.
Qualifications:
- Advanced Management Certificate
- Post Graduate Certificate in Management (MGSM)
- Inter Modal Management System
Association Experience: Three years experience at the Local Government Association.
Bill Poole, Corporate Services Manager
Bill is the Corporate Services Manager of GHA and is responsible for the finance, accounting and administration functions of the Association. Bill is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has considerable experience in financial and general management of organisations within FMCG and service industries.
Qualifications:
- Chartered Accountant (FCA)
Mark Dowse, Policy and Membership Manager
As Policy and Membership Manager, Mark researches and analyses environments and issues which affect or have the potential to affect the gift & homewares industry. He guides and assists in the development of industry policy in relation to a range of area affecting the gift & homewares industry from commercial, legislative and social perspectives and assists in the recruitment and retention of Members and the development and delivery of services and benefits to Members.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Law Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies
Association Experience: Three years experience at the Australian Dental Industry Association
Nerida Luland, Exhibitions Operations Manager
Nerida is responsible for the operation and co-ordination of our trade fair services, and oversees the allocation of exhibition stands.She liaises with venues and contractors prior to and during the trade fairs. Nerida is located on-site and responsible for all operational aspects of our trade fairs.
George Lancaster, Marketing & Member Relations Manager
George manages marketing and major account sales for both Trade Fair and Member Solution departments at GHA. Relatively newto the Australian scene, George Lancaster spent the last 20 years managing marketing and major account business development for the largest gift and homewares exhibition company in the USA. Over the course of his career he has worked closely with gift- and homewares-related suppliers, retailers and exhibitions around the around and incorporated their best practices into all his endeavours.
Stuart Chaffey, Exhibition Sales
Stuart is a key point of contact for all trade fair enquiries. He is available to assist exhibitors and potential exhibitors, with an overview of opportunities at our GHA trade fairs which are held annually in Sydney (February and July) and Melbourne (August). He is also able to assist with general membership information.
Kate Otto, Exhibitions Coordinator
Kate is jointly responsible for the allocation of exhibition stands and coordination of our trade fair services. She assists the Exhibitions Manager in all aspects of the organisation of GHA trade fairs.
Qualifications:
- Honours Degree in Psychology (Continuing)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management
- Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Politics)
Renee Basha, Exhibitions Assistant
Renee assists with the allocation of exhibition stands and coordination of our trade fair services. She provides assistance across alltrade fair activities and is a key contact point for our exhibitors who have trade fair enquiries.
- Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Hospitality Management)
Shirley Tang, Exhibition & Membership Consultant
Shirley liases with exhibitors and retailers for our trade fairs, and with current and potential members of GHA. She understands theneeds of exhibitors and retailers and ensures they benefit from GHA membership. Shirley has advertising and sales experience with radio, News Ltd, Newsnet and a fashion industry magazine.
Qualifications:
- Marketing Certificate III
- Business Administration Certificate III
Jade Kaldor, Marketing & Communications Officer
Paris Chresby, Marketing Assistant
Paris’ role requires her to work with the Member Solutions team in achieving member acquisition and retention, through consistent membership services and benefits. She is also responsible for GHA’s presence in social media, which creates communication between the association and its industry members. Paris has a direct marketing and destination marketing background.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing)
- Diploma Business Marketing
Michael Gordon, Business Development Manager - Telecommunications
Michael has extensive experience in business development management and has over 10 years experience in business to business solutions. He is the dedicated staff member for GHA’s Telecommunications service. Michael will tailor a mobile package to suit any Members needs.
Qualifications:
- Post Graduate Certificate in Food Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Business
Chris Tredwell, Sales
Chris assists in a variety of areas within GHA, currently supporting the trade fairs, member solutions and marketing teams. He hasover 8 years’ experience in event sales, organisation and management and is currently working on the Supplier Haven project.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Leisure Management
Tatiana Urrutia, Member Solutions Officer
Tatiana is part of the Members Solutions Team of GHA. Tatiana comes from an extensive admin/finance support background invariety of industries. Her role involves the day to day assistance to members with their enquiries, processing of Full and Associate Memberships, and supporting trade fairs with educating the benefits of the association.
Brooke Styman, Member Solutions Officer
Brooke's role involves assisting members on a daily basis with their enquiries, and processing membership applications andsupporting trade fairs with educating the benefits of the association. She comes from an administration background.
Kate Frost, Member Solutions Officer
Kate's role involves assisting members with their enquiries, and processing membership applications. Kate also organises our annual GHA Golf Days. Kate looks forward to developing new skills with GHA and looks forward to future studies.
Renee Cooper, Accounts Clerk (Maternity Leave)
Renee is GHA’s Accounts Clerk and she assists members with their account enquiries and also supports the Finance Manager incollating financial reports for the CEO and the Committee. She manages the payment of accounts and all accounts receivable tasks. Renee is currently on Maternity leave so we welcome Muki Hoxha as her temporary replacement.
Qualifications:
- Cert III in Financial Services
Chanel Yan, Accounts Clerk
Chanel is GHA’s Accounts Clerk and she assists members with their account enquiries and also supports the Finance Manager incollating financial reports for the CEO and the Committee. She manages the payment of accounts and all accounts receivable tasks.
Qualifications:
- Master of Professional Accounting
Caitlin Hines, Personal Assistant to Chief Executive
Caitlin is Alby Taylor's personal assistant. She provides administrative support, undertakes general office duties and also assists withgeneral enquiries.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts (Business Studies)
Jennifer Brennan, Receptionist/Office Assistant
Jennifer is the first point of contact for a variety of enquiries on any issue whether it be trade fairs or membership. Jennifer alsoperforms a variety of administrative tasks.
David Wooldridge, IT Support
David provides IT support within the GHA office and at our Trade Fairs.