committee members

 

The Association is led by a Committee which consists of 10 members who are elected for a three year period. The AGHA Committee consists of the Executive Committee (President, two Vice Presidents and a Treasurer) and six Directors. 

 

Nigel Kirby, President

Nigel is the owner and operator of Science and Nature Pty Ltd, a small business manufacturing and distributing children’s toys and souvenir products. Science and Nature was established in 1994 and now sells throughout Australia and New Zealand as well as in the UK. His retail experience includes a 12-year period as a proprietor of Play Plus, a well-known toy store in Hawthorn, which he ran with his wife Tricia. He has always been interested in his local community, having served on Hawthorn council for 10 years, including one term as Mayor, and has acted in a voluntary capacity as a consultant to various committees for Boroondara Council. Nigel is a past president of the Independent Toy Specialists of Australia and the community action group Save Our Suburbs. He has three children and enjoys travelling and the odd game of golf. Nigel enjoys the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the Committee and Membership of the AGHA. Nigel was appointed President of the Committee in October 2011, and looks forward to further serving the Association in this new role.

 

Joel Farberman, Vice President

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 been in the gift industry ever since and has never looked back. He shares directorship of the company with his parents, Saul and Marcia, and brother Jason. Joel has extensive experience in importing and wholesaling unique products and has been an AGHA member since 1995 with previous experience as a Committee Member from 2004 – 2005. 

 

John Kalleske, Vice President

John Kalleske is the General Manager for the SE Asia Office of The Somerset Toiletry Company UK and Castelbel Portugal, Head Office for both in the UK. John has over 30 years’ experience in importing, distribution, retailing and more recently in exporting. An AGHA member since 2002 and an exhibitor at both AGHA’s Home & Giving Fairs annually, John was elected to the AGHA committee at the September 2009 election and enjoys contributing to the organisation. 

 

Barry Marks, Treasurer

Barry Marks is the Managing Director of StyleSetter International, a company in operation for over 40 years. 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 two pharmacies located in the Sydney CBD. In 1980 Barry sold his pharmacies to concentrate on manufacturing and wholesale distribution. Barry has been on AGHA’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 Alumni. 

 

Lawrence Boyle, Director

Lawrence Boyle has been self-employed for 25 years and is currently the joint Franchisor for WILD Retail Group Pty Ltd. WRG operates the WILD Cards & Gifts & WILD Express brands, with 43 retail stores located throughout Australia. Lawrence has extensive committee experience, having been involved in the Franchise Council of Australia for many years. He has attended industry trade fairs continuously since 1984 and has an extensive understanding of the card & gift industry. 

 

Patricia Guest, Director

Patricia Guest is the Sales Director of Madras Link, an importer and wholesaler of fashionable homewares and accessories to Department stores and retail outlets throughout Australia. Madras Link is a family owned business which was established in 1987. Pat arrived in Australia from India in 1974 and worked for several State Government Departments, including the Department of Industry, until she set up Madras Link with her sisters Joan Pereira and Sue Silva. She is married with two adult children and enjoys reading, gardening, travel and meeting interesting people. She was a Committee member with the Australia India Chamber of Commerce and is interested in issues relating to trade, women’s affairs and education. Pat hopes she can bring a new perspective to the Board and make a valuable contribution on behalf of the Associations members.

 

Dean Osmond, Director

Dean Osmond is the Managing Director of Baden P. Morris Pty Ltd (BPM). BPM is a family company that Dean joined in 1980. BPM sells “everything from briar smoking pipes to babies’ bibs, everywhere from Argentina to Kazakhstan.” With a focus on Sales and Marketing and a passion for understanding whatever is happening next and what to do about it, BPM has continued to expand and now operates in New Zealand and the UK with customers globally. Dean enjoys skiing and spending time with his family. 

 

Christophe Rymer, Director

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 AGHA as it has been a great tool in establishing and developing Francalia Pty Ltd. As a Committee Member Christophe is pleased to bring his knowledge and experience to AGHA in order to assist other members of the Association. 

 

David Schwartz, Director

David Schwartz 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 served international  clients such as Nike, Kodak, Kraft, Xerox and Colgate. As a result of his five-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. 

 

 

Members are invited to stand for the Committee, which is the policy-making body of the Association. The responsibilities of the Committee are the same as those of Directors under the corporation’s law. Members who feel that they can dedicate time to this role are encouraged to stand for the Committee so that they may help shape the policy and direction of the Association. The Committee is elected for a term of three years. Elections take place at our Annual General Meeting, which is usually held in September.

 

As a Committee member there is a necessary time commitment, which involves:

• Attendance at six Committee meetings per year
• Additional days for Office Bearers for the Executive meetings
• Attendance at General Meetings (in your own state) and other Association activities and functions
• Service on standing committees