Kayell Australia undergoes management restructure

Kayell Australia has announced numerous changes to its corporate structure in preparation for the retirement of managing director Johan du Preez.

Andreas Johansson, the former business development manager in Epson’s Prographics division, has bought into the company and will assume overall responsibility for the Graphic Arts division of the company from July 1.

Robert Gatto will be promoted to the role of managing director of the company from July 1.

Johansson’s knowledge of the graphic arts market comes through a 20-year career in print production, technical support and marketing. His colour expertise was gained at Sydney display graphics printer Bright Screen, and he held a management consultancy role with Apple distributor Mitsui Computers before joining Epson in 1997 to co-establish the Prographics division.

“Opportunities like this one with Kayell Australia don’t come along often so I’m very fortunate to be able to continue my graphic arts career in this way,” said Johansson. “Working with Epson for over 11 years has been fantastic – to see a desktop printer company become the leading supplier of professional wide-format proofers and printers – and I express my sincere gratitude to all of my former colleagues there. Kayell Australia, of course, is a major Epson reseller so the relationships will continue. I am especially looking forward to working with the team at Kayell Australia and serving our existing and new customers with high professional standards and leading technologies.”

On his impending retirement, Johan du Preez commented, “Business succession is always a challenging issue, as every business owner knows. Now, I can look back on many happy and fruitful years at Kayell. I can also rest easy in the knowledge that, under Rob Gatto’s leadership and with an excellent new shareholder/director in Andreas Johansson, the company is sure to grow and prosper as it always has done, through good times and bad. Knowing this, my golf game should also improve.”

“Johan du Preez has been an exceptional managing director and business partner since acquiring Kayell Australia in 1999,” said Robert Gatto. “During his time, he has overseen the transformation of Kayell Australia from a pro photographic supplier into a dynamic digital imaging and media company servicing every level of the imaging and graphic arts chain.

“I am delighted that Johan will stay on until the end of October to ensure a smooth transition, and also that Andreas Johansson is joining us as both a colleague and shareholder. Kayell’s 40-year history is assured of many more years of service, prosperity and growth.”