Our Committee

George Zoratto, President

George Zoratto is the Managing Director of Zoratto Enterprises, a family owned business which was established in 1966. George entered the family business immediately upon leaving school and as a consequence he has over 25 years in the gift and homewares industry as both an importer, exporter and wholesaler. It is arguable that today there are few people in our industry who have the experience and industry knowledge which George brings to GHA. George joined the Committee of the GHA in 2000 and became a Vice President of the Association in 2001. George was elected President in 2003 and is currently in his third term. Apart from being a devoted family man, George’s commitment to the industry consumes most of his time.

Christophe Rymer, Vice President

Christophe Rymer is the Director of the family owned business, Francalia Pty Ltd which was established 12 years ago upon his arrival from France. Previously, Christophe worked in a merchant bank in Paris in the commercial property loan division. His business has benefited from being a member of Gift & Homewares Australia as it has been a great tool in establishing and developing Francalia Pty Ltd. As a Committee Member Christophe is willing to bring his knowledge and experience to GHA in order to assist other members of the Association.

David Pursley, Vice President

David Pursley is the principal of Waterlyn Pty Ltd, an importer of quality cards and wraps. Waterlyn has been a member of the Association since 1996 and regularly exhibits at GHA trade fairs. “It has been my pleasure to work with your Committee since 2002 and to act as Vice President since 2003, the experience has been both challenging and rewarding”. David has 20 years experience in sales and marketing.

Barry Marks, Treasurer

Barry Marks is the Managing Director of StyleSetter International, a company founded 40 years ago. StyleSetter specialises in the supply of gift items to the gift industry, department stores and other retail outlets. Barry has wide experience in retail, manufacturing and wholesale distribution businesses. His retail experience was gained as a pharmacist with 2 pharmacies located in the Sydney CBD. In 1980 Barry sold his pharmacies to concentrate on manufacturing and wholesale distribution. Barry has been on GHA's Committee since 2002.. He also serves as a Councillor with the University of Sydney Pharmacy Foundation and is a Committee Member of the University’s Alumni.

John Boyle, Director

John Boyle operates a craft supplies and giftware business, selling Australia wide and exporting overseas. John established Boyle Industries in 1977. He joined GHA in 1989 and has been a member of the Committee since 2001. John is the father of 4 children and the proud grandfather of 2 beautiful granddaughters. John has been President of the Warrandyte Festival Committee for over 20 years and a member of Warrandyte Lions.

Sue Brennan, Director

Sue Brennan is a Director of GHA and the Owner/Manager of Divisible By Zero Pty Ltd. Prior to becoming an importer/distributor, after gaining qualifications in applied social sciences, Sue began a career working in early childcare both as a practitioner and lecturer. After a number of years as a coordinator and member of the Board of Management of a number of educational organisations and union bodies Sue focused her life on raising her own family. After undertaking some post-graduate study Sue worked as a lecturer in early childhood at Victoria University before moving on from this to establish Divisble by Zero with her partner David. Sue joined the GHA Committee in 2005.

Qualifications

Diploma in Early Childhood
Post Graduate Degree in Education & Training
Applied Social Sciences

Joel Farberman, Director

Joel Farberman is a Director of TLC Importing Pty Ltd (Swish Collection), a family owned company. After 15 years in the hospitality industry as a chef/restaurant owner, Joel decided to enter the family business. Joel has never looked back and been involved in the gift industry for 15 years now. His parents, Saul and Marcia and brother Jason are all directors of the company also. He has great experience in importing and wholesaling of unique products and has been a GHA member since 1995 with previous experience as a Committee Member from 2004 - 2005.

Joel is married with 2 daughters, plays competition snooker and enjoys boating.

Victoria Johnson, Director

Managing Director of Silver Treasures Pty Ltd, Vicki Johnson boldly started an import/wholesale company of jewellery and accessories in Y2K, the year GST was introduced. As a start up company with limited funds, Vicki quickly learned every facet of starting and running a small company, drawing from her 15 years of import, wholesale and retail experience in the USA, Mexico and Australia. A confirmed computer geek, Vicki is very proactive in e-business as a way of the future. Other experience includes working as controller, then as director of promotions at a Portland advertising agency. At Portland State University, in Oregon, USA, Vicki majored in accounting and minored in business.

Keith Knox, Director

Keith Knox along with his wife Suzanne is a Director of the company Bonbell Pty Ltd. Bonbell was established in 1987 as a retail outlet selling tribal clothing & basketware, Burmese lacquerware & teak furniture. Keith has been a member of the Association since 1989 and has been on the GHA Committee since 2003. He has experience in the fashion and advertising industries and 18 years experience in the gift and homewares industry.

Darren Phillips, Director

Darren Phillips is the Managing Partner of Willow and Finch. Darren's background includes over 20 years in sales and marketing working for companies such as John Fairfax Holdings before leaving to start his own business. Darren joined GHA's Committee in 2004.

David Schwartz, Director

David Schwartz, formerly Vice President, currently a Director of GHA, is the owner and Managing Director of Shanghaied Pty Ltd, an importer and wholesaler of asian art, furniture, homewares and antiques. Prior to Shanghaied, David spent 15 years as an Account Director in the advertising agency business with Young & Rubicam and JWT, working in Melbourne, Hong Kong and Shanghai where he serviced international clients such as Nike, Kodak, Kraft, Xerox and Colgate. As a result of his 5 year tenure in China, David’s “passion” for Chinese antiques became his “profession” and he returned to Melbourne in 1996 to establish Shanghaied. David has been a Committee Member since 2001 and a Vice President since 2002.

Noel Thurlow, Director

Noel Thurlow, Managing Director of Jasnor (Australia) Pty Ltd joined GHA's Committee in 2005. Noel’s business experience includes 10 years managing the Australian subsidiary of a multinational company prior to his current role with Jasnor. His interest in trade associations and active participation with the Australian Toy Association spans over 12 years. Noel was President of the Toy Association for 4 years at both local and International levels.