BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Governed by a Board of Directors, the board comprises of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer and up to six Directors who meet each quarter. Elected Directors are nominated by Wholesaler Members and are ratified at the Annual General Meeting.

Dean Osmond, President 
40-year Consumer Products industry veteran. Managing Director of the BPM Group, operating in Australia; New Zealand; the United Kingdom and North America. Dean has attended exhibitions globally since 1981 his company is a foundation member of the AGHA. Dean has exhibited in all the above countries and others including Germany and Hong Kong. Our Australian domestic schedule includes currently 15 Exhibitions! Dean has a passion for exhibitions both Trade and Consumer and believe in the future of Exhibitions as a cornerstone method of communicating with our existing and potential customers.

Sharlene Toister, Vice President
Sharlene is the owner of Compendium Australia Pty Ltd, established in 2004, supplying a wide cross-section of retail outlets with uplifting and inspiring gifts. She has a BA in Education and has worked with the Small Business Development Corporation and Dale Carnegie Training. Despite fabulous advances in technology, Sharlene believes computer screens will never replace ‘real life’ human connections, which is why she is so passionate about AGHA and ensuring the longevity of the Gift & Homewares Industry.

Richard De Ataide, Treasurer
Rick is a Director of Quality Products, an Australian importer, wholesaler, and distributor of exceptional gardening tools, gifts, and accessories from premium and exclusive brands. Having worked for international software vendors in customer service, consulting, sales, marketing, and product management roles, Rick has also held senior executive roles at top Australian financial services, telecommunications, utility, and retail organisations. While helping organisations establish data and technology strategies, roadmaps, and deliver business value through architecture, governance, and risk mitigation disciplines, Rick’s focus has always been on customers. Rick earned several diplomas in business and technology, specialising in data communications, as well as a Master of Business Administration from RMIT University.

Andrew McLean, Director
Andrew McLean is the General Manager of Australia for the global pewter brand, Royal Selangor. Andrew has extensive experience across retail and wholesale operations and has worked in leadership roles for large organisations including Pacific Brands and Coles Myer. Andrew is passionate about the industry and contributing to retail success stories.

Gregory Collier, Director 
Greg Collier has over 30 years of experience covering retail, wholesale, manufacturing, warehousing and product distribution. In addition, he possesses a lifetime of experience covering business development and strategy, customer service, banking and Information technology. Greg has an infectious and exuberant personality and a strong leadership style fostering teamwork, vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Ian Hardy, Director
Ian has been in the industry for over 30 years. He was previously one of the owners of Independence Studios before it was sold to a private equity and merged with Albi imports to become one of Australia’s largest gift and homewares distributors. Ian stayed on as CEO for approximately 3 years before he stood down to be more active in Gourmet Brands where he is a part owner, supplying national chains as well as leading department stores and independent retailers. Ian is passionate about the future and growth of the industry.

Tom Hall, Director
Tom is the managing director of Bialetti Australia, a subsidiary of Bialetti Industrie SpA one of Italy’s most globally recognised brands. With over 25 years’ experience in the gift and homewares industry, Tom has introduced leading European brands to retailers in Australia, whilst developing successful independent brands for global distribution. Having collaborated with some of the world’s leading brands, Tom is passionate about developing energised teams to create relevant and realisable solutions that are focused on customer outcomes.