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Connecting the business products world

13-15 November 2016Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Chicago, USA

Programme

6

2 Global Forum 2016

Janet Bell Director OPI

Steve Hilleard CEO OPI

Welcome

Thank you for joining us for the sixth OPI Global Forum. We are delighted to return to the fabulous Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile and look forward to another engaging, insightful and enjoyable event.

We hope you’ll agree that we have put together an inspiring, stimulating and extensive agenda this year. In addition to superb keynote presentations, we have a range of panel sessions and roundtables designed to provoke debate and exchange of views.

To lead the conversation and keep up the momentum, we are thrilled to welcome Robert Baldrey. With over 25 years in the business supplies industry, the charismatic former CEO of UK-based EVO Group will ensure we all get the most out of this unique event.

Once again, we will be operating under “Chatham House Rules” for the entire Forum. This means that participants are free to use the information received but comments must not be attributed to any individual or organisation, and nothing is to be published based on the content of the discussions. This includes OPI! If you are tweeting or writing your own blog please be considerate of this.

In addition to the speaker programme, the main focus of this event is quality networking. There are plenty of long breaks and relaxed evening functions so you can get together with like-minded industry professionals and discuss the challenges and opportunities your businesses are facing. And of course, we invite you to join us and many industry veterans on Monday evening to celebrate OPI’s 25th anniversary. A night not to be missed!

The OPI team is on hand throughout the event, so if you need any assistance please just let us know.

We are looking forward to spending some time with you over the next few days.

Best wishes

Steve & Janet

Welcome to the Global Forum 2016!

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Agenda

7.30am-8.30am Group breakfast: The Chicago Foyer, third floor

8.30am Welcome: The Grand Ballroom, third floor

A look back at 25 years of change and evolution in the business products sector since OPI was launched in 1991.

Steve Hilleard, CEO, OPI

8.50am Opening remarks from the chair

Robert Baldrey, Independent Industry Expert

8.55am State of the industry

Our sector continues to be in a period of rapid change, with a whole range of disruptive factors impacting on businesses and the market. In this opening session, Robert will set the scene for the conference, looking at the key drivers of change and how we might respond to maintain growth and profitability in the face of some of these headwinds.

Robert Baldrey, Independent Industry Expert

9.25am The transformation of retail and distribution

Drivers of change: What external and macro factors are enabling and driving this transformation? This section will look at how economic, population and employment growth is driving competitive intensity and disintermediation. Also how technology is driving employee work behaviour changes, and time compression is driving shopper behaviour.

Transformation of retailing and distribution: This part of the presentation will look at the growth and scale of e-commerce – and dominance within that by Amazon – and also the emergence of the 3P marketplace models and direct sales. In addition we will look at:

• On-demand business models – ‘get it now’ • Subscription and automated shopping • Shopper attention deficit changes merchandising and

marketing effectiveness • Assortment optimisation redefined from digital learning

and new drivers • Retail execution fragmenting • Activated commerce – sensors everywhere • Robotics increase rules based merchandising • Product content strategies – learning from Amazon • Customer service – responsiveness, active listening,

relevance as the first order of personalisation Tim O’Connor, Managing Partner, Retail Performance Solutions

10.10am Morning break for refreshments & networking

10.40am Content marketing: The science and the art

Content marketers draw and develop the larger story that an organisation tells. They focus on ways to engage an audience, using content to drive profitable behaviours. A content marketing (CM) strategy is different from a content strategy – it should outline key business and consumer needs, and how your content will address them. Content goals and mission are critical to success. Internalise them and promote them in the workplace. Refer to your CM strategy routinely, and update it periodically. With practical case study illustrations, this session will consider how:

• Resellers need to understand how to help customers at exactly the time that they need it

• Manufacturers can support e-commerce dealers with rich content

• The independent dealer channel needs to work with partners to make unique content available

• To differentiate with content when it’s so easy to compare prices online

• To be seen among the thousands of search results and how to keep content updated

Bert van Loon, Independent Strategist

11.20am Let’s take a look at…

Internet of Things (IoT) and the changing workplace: The IoT – where everyday physical objects and machines are embedded with software, sensors and network connectivity to enable the collection and exchange of data – is already changing the workplace and inspiring rapid innovation in product design and manufacturing. This session will demonstrate some of the IoT innovations which are already in place in the business supplies sector, and consider what the next developments will be.

Bob Kressin, Founder & Owner, KS Technologies

11.45am Lunch: The Chicago Foyer, third floor

1.00pm A CEO’s guide to cyber security and business resilience

• Cyber resilience: A human take on cyber security to remain ahead of the game

• The role of the CEO in establishing a behavioural approach that goes beyond IT infrastructure and data classification

7.00pm Welcome reception: Grand Ballroom Foyer, third floor, Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

8.00pm Welcome dinner: Paris Ballroom, third floor, Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Monday 14 November 2016: The Grand Ballroom, third floor

Sunday 13 November 2016

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Agenda

• Trends in online fraudulent activity • Cyber resilience culture: A defence mechanism that you

can rely on Dr Hend Ezzeddine, Head of Cyber Security Practice, Expressworks Samantha Leach, Senior Change Consultant, Expressworks

1.45pm Roundtable session I

Delegates can choose from one of the following sessions:1. Independent resellers

An interactive roundtable discussion strictly restricted to independents/dealer groups and wholesalers. The content will be driven by you and topics may include opportunities for growth, managing customer expectations, and how wholesalers can be more supportive.

Moderator: Jennifer Smith, CEO, Innovative Office Solutions2. Meeting customer expectations

The landscape for doing business is changing rapidly. Customer activism is real, and companies that cannot keep up with changes in customers’ tastes and expectations will struggle to keep pace. Customer tastes change faster than in the past, and social media can lead a niche microtrend to become an exploding market opportunity in a matter of weeks. Even leaders of primarily B2B organisations will find that expectations are shifting, in no small part due to the cross-pollination of both consumer and business market trends.

Moderator: Tony Ellison, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Shoplet3. E-commerce redefining retail price perception

E-commerce and price transparency is shaping price perception across the different pricing and product profiles, from low price leader to luxury retailing. This session will analyse the strategy for each in terms of assortment, price position, dynamic pricing, targeted pricing, and the customer experience. Determine how you should be focusing your efforts, now and into the future.

Moderator: Alexander Rink, CEO, 360pi4. Control of online content

Content optimisation and control is critical to maintaining brand messaging, and the control of online content represents a significant competitive advantage. This session will explain how to differentiate yourself from competitors by making content the most up-to-date, helpful and relevant to customers. We will consider challenges facing independent dealers, and look at search optimisation.

Moderator: Bert van Loon, Independent Strategist5. Breakroom: shifting trends in office refreshments

The session will look at the current trends in the office refreshment business and discuss how OP dealers can and should take advantage of these trends to capitalise on growth.

Moderator: Bob Palmiere, Corporate Account Manager – Office Supply, The JM Smucker Company

6. Keeping your salesforce engaged in an e-commerce world

Your salesforce – whether field or call centre based – is an essential part of your business. In a world where so much business is self-serve online, how do you keep that salesforce motivated and engaged? What tools and technologies do they need access to in order to do their jobs to the optimum?

Moderator: Paul Demery, Editor, B2BecNews & B2BeCommerceWorld, Vertical Web Media

7. What is the impact of Brexit on our sector?

The referendum vote in favour of the UK leaving the EU has sent shock waves through European politics and shaken global business. What is the impact of Brexit on the office supplies sector, how can the challenges be overcome, and what might be the opportunity?

Moderator: Robert Baldrey, Independent Industry Expert

2.45pm Afternoon break for refreshments & networking

3.15pm Roundtable session II

Delegates can choose from one of the following sessions: 1. Independent resellers

As above2. Meeting customer expectations

As above3. E-commerce redefining retail price perception

As above4. Control of online content

As above5. Breakroom: shifting trends in office refreshments

As above6. Keeping your salesforce engaged in an e-commerce world

As above

4.15pm Comfort break

4.25pm Power Panel

OPI’s Steve Hilleard will interview some of the biggest names in the sector.

Robert Aiken, President & CEO, Essendant Jaime Carbó, CEO, ADVEO Joe Doody, Vice Chairman, Staples Jeff Hillins, Global Business Director – Stationery &

Office Supplies, 3M Rick Toppin, President & COO, SP Richards 5.10pm Closing remarks from the chair

7.00pm OPI 25th anniversary celebration party at The Signature Room,

John Hancock Center (see page 6 for full details)

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Agenda

8.00am-9.00am Group breakfast: The Chicago Foyer, third floor

9.00am Opening remarks from the chair

9.10am Growing margins and customer loyalty in a price

transparent world

Office product retailers have been increasingly challenged as e-commerce penetration has accelerated in their core market, bringing with it increased price transparency and downward pressure on margins. And, as most retailers will agree, playing a price game long term is neither advisable, nor sustainable. The good news is that it seems many retailers, including Amazon, are moving beyond price to compete and win with shoppers. Participants in this session will learn how to take advantage of and/or respond to such strategies and tactics as:

• Using self-reported best sellers to build and reinforce price leadership vs offering overall category price competitiveness

• Populating these same self-reported bestseller lists with their own private brands

• Offering exclusive deals in key categories like office products to Amazon Prime members

• Relying heavily on marketplace sellers to offer highly comparable, nationally branded office products

Alexander Rink, CEO, 360pi

9.50am Panel: Reaching and owning online customers

One of the biggest challenges facing CEOs and business owners in 2016 is how to effectively reach audiences online. With the revelation last year that sophisticated robots, not humans, are responsible for nearly 25% of web traffic (at a cost of more than $6 billion), fraud at that level is a serious problem. Add to that the difficulty of appearing in natural search results, rising costs of online ad campaigns and privacy concerns related to tracing buying behaviour online, effectively reaching and owning customers online will be one of the biggest challenges facing business supplies companies in the coming year.

Moderator: Simon Drakeford, CEO, EO Group Panellists: Gordon Christiansen, SVP Marketing, Highlands TJ Crayne, President, PTC Associates Tony Ellison, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Shoplet.com Michael Hauck, VP Marketing & Digital Services, Essendant

10.35am Morning break for refreshments & networking

11.05am Let’s take a look at…

The B2B payments revolution: The attention and excitement in payments has, up until now, been in the consumer market, but B2B payments is a bigger market, with greater opportunity. The way businesses pay each other, both within the US and across borders, is changing. This session will consider these changes, and examine the market forces impacting business transactions.

Doug Rodewald, Founder, Hoffman Street Holdings

11.25am Panel: Merger and consolidation

• What next for the big box players? • In a period of flux, what can independent dealers do to

capitalise? • Will a lack of succession planning spark a further dealer

roll-up as seen in the 1990s? • Will this be driven by the wholesalers? • Can we expect a heightened level of vendor M&A

activity, and will this involve traditional OP vendors acquiring in emerging categories?

Moderator: Robert Baldrey Panellists: Steve Haworth, CEO, EVO Group Kevin Johnson, CEO, Warehouse Direct Mark Newhall, Founder & CEO, Execution Specialists Group Richard Scharmann, CEO, PBS Holding Thomas Schinkel, President, Thomas Schinkel & Associates

12.15pm Conclusion: What have we learnt and where do we go

from here?

Robert Baldrey will coordinate a highly interactive session, where we will summarise the main themes that have emerged and generate some concrete and practical steps for you to take back to the workplace. Attendees should come having prepared some ideas in advance to share with the whole group.

1.00pm Lunch: The Chicago Foyer, third floor

2.00pm Close of Global Forum 2016

Tuesday 15 November: The Grand Ballroom, third floor

If you would like a copy of the PowerPoint presentations, these will be available at www.opi.net/gf2016presentations.

Please use the password GF2016. For more details please see page 23.

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Networking

Sunday 13 November7.00pm: Welcome reception & dinner Café des Architectes, ground floor Sofitel Chicago Magnificent MilePlease join us for this informal start to the Forum, where you will be able to meet your fellow Global Forum attendees over dinner. The dress code is smart casual.

Monday 14 November 7.30am-8.30am: Group breakfast Chicago Foyer, third floorAn informal buffet breakfast to start the day.

11.45-1.00pm: Group lunch Chicago Foyer, third floorA relaxed lunch so you can discuss the morning's presentations and spend time with your fellow attendees.

7.00pm: OPI 25th Anniversary DinnerThe Signature Room at the 95th John Hancock CenterWe hope you will join us to celebrate OPI’s 25th anniversary. To mark this very special milestone, OPI will be hosting an evening of celebration at the fabulous Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center. Joining Global Forum attendees is a VIP guest list which is positively a who’s who of the business supplies industry going back to OPI’s beginnings in 1991. We do hope you will join the OPI team, industry friends and colleagues to look back at the last 25 years – and forward to the next 25!

Networking functionsThe Hancock Tower is located a very short walk from the hotel. You can make your own way there, or meet in the hotel lobby from 6.40pm if you would prefer to walk with fellow attendees. Once you arrive please take the elevator directly to the 95th floor. OPI staff will be on hand to guide you.The dress code for this evening is business attire (no tie).Address: The Signature Room at the 95thJohn Hancock Center875 N. Michigan AvenueChicago, IL 60611

Tuesday 15 November 8.00am-9.00am: Group breakfast Chicago Foyer, third floor

1.00pm: Group lunch Chicago Foyer, third floorA buffet style lunch will be served at the end of the conference sessions so if you need to leave promptly you can still enjoy a quick lunch before you depart.

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Your fellow attendees

Sharon AventCEOSmead Manufacturing CompanySharon Hoffman Avent is CEO of Smead Manufacturing Company, a leader in office filing products and records management solutions. Sharon joined the family-owned firm in 1965 and has held a wide variety of roles within the company throughout the years. In 1998 she was named President and CEO, succeeding her mother as the third generation of the Hoffman family to lead the company.

Casey AventPresidentSmead Manufacturing CompanyCasey joined Smead Manufacturing Company in 1996. After starting his career in marketing, he moved into the sales department as a Territory Sales Representative in the North Texas area. In 2007, he accepted a position on the operations side of the business as Director of Supply Chain, and then spent several years as National Account Manager for the company’s S&W Manufacturing subsidiary. In 2013, Casey returned to Smead headquarters as VP of Sales. He was promoted to President in July this year.

David BaumgartenEVPBaumgartensDavid Baumgarten, a 20-year veteran of the industry, is EVP of Baumgartens, in Atlanta. Known for brands such as Plastiklips and SICURIX ID solutions, the company has won a Manufacturer of the Year award for six of the last 12 years in the office supplies industry, and won Georgia’s Family Business of the Year for 2015. In addition to focusing on growth, David is passionate about environmental issues and continually strives to reduce the company’s CO₂ footprint.

Janet BellDirectorOPIJanet Bell has been working in the office products sector for more than 16 years. She joined OPI in 2000, running its international events across Europe, Asia and the US. She became Director in 2006 following a management buyout and, along with the events, she now oversees OPI’s operational and marketing activities and its online presence. In addition, she is a board member of Office Products Women in Leadership and is keen to support the role of women in the office products sector.

Steve BiltonManaging DirectorFusionPLUS DataSteve Bilton is Managing Director of FusionPLUS Data which provides product content management and distribution services, predominantly within the business supplies sector. The FusionPLUS Data set currently powers the back office systems and e-commerce webstores of over 1,000 OP dealers throughout the UK and Ireland. Steve has over 24 years in the software solutions arena under his belt, including ten years with specialist ERP provider Integrity Software.

Robert BaldreyGlobal Forum ModeratorWith over 25 years of experience in the business supplies industry, OPI is delighted to welcome Robert Baldrey as the moderator for the Global Forum. Robert began his career with Spicers, working in finance from 1982 until 1989. He then worked for the global distribution company TNT for three years in Amsterdam, before rejoining Spicers in 1992 as Finance Director of its French subsidiary in Paris. After a successful six year period during which the business was taken from near bankruptcy to being the most profitable part of the group, Robert left in 1998 to join Computer Sciences Corporation. In 2001, Robert rejoined Spicers for the second time as European CFO, and played a major role in the European development of the business, notably in Italy, Spain, and Benelux. Robert held this position for eight years before leaving in 2009 to join Vasanta as CEO. In 2014, Vasanta acquired office2office and EVO was created, becoming the largest multichannel distributor of business supplies and services in the UK and Ireland with a turnover of £660 million. Robert was CEO of EVO Group until earlier this year.

Bob AikenPresident & CEOEssendantBob Aiken is President and CEO of Essendant having been appointed CEO in July 2015. Bob has served on the board of directors since 2010. His extensive background includes a number of leadership positions such as: CEO of Feeding America, CEO of Bolder Foods, CEO of US Foods, President of Milwaukee Sign and CEO of Metz Baking Company. Bob sits on the board of directors of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.

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Gary BlanchettePresidentAmax IncorporatedGary Blanchette is President of Amax Incorporated, the developer, manufacturer and distributor of Bostitch, PaperPro and Black + Decker office products and the distributor of Stanley tools for the office channel.

James BishopUK Sales ManagerReally Useful ProductsJames Bishop has held the position of UK Sales Manager at Really Useful Products since September 2013. Really Useful Products has developed a range of innovative storage products which are manufactured in both the UK and US. Prior to joining the company, James was European Category Sales Manager and Sales Manager at stationery manufacturer Hamelin.

Eric BrassardChairman of the boardNovexcoEric Brassard has been President of the family business founded by Henri-Paul Brassard, Brassard Buro since 1993. Eric is a certified management accountant and is a member of the Quebec Chartered Professional Accountants. He has served on the board of Novexco since 2000 and was elected Chairman of the board in 2011.

Janet CollinsPresidentTurningPoint StrategyJanet Collins is a strategic advisor to the OP Industry, helping organisations transform through focused strategy, people alignment and taking action to achieve results. Janet was formerly President of GMi Companies, where she created a culture of profitable growth, innovation, and accountability. She has also held various marketing executive positions at LexisNexis, Relizon and Synchrony Communications.


Jaime CarbóCEOADVEOJaime Carbó joined ADVEO in 2015 as CEO. From 2011 to 2015 he was CEO of multinational olive oil manufacturer Deoleo, where he led its organisational, industrial and financial transformation. Previously, Jaime was Managing Director and member of the board of the food company Ebro Foods, and he has also held several senior positions in investment companies Socios Financieros and Corporación Financiera Alba, as well as construction materials manufacturer Uralita.

Gordon ChristiansenSVP MarketingHighlandsGordon Christiansen is SVP Marketing and Managing Director, Europe for Highlands. Highlands creates and implements fully managed programmes for brand owners, delivering value right through the channel. Services include product strategy, e-commerce, dealer engagement, field support and marketing services. After a career at Canon and ICC Information in sales, marketing and executive roles, Gordon became CEO of £20 million London-based dealer RED BOX with divisions including office supplies, furniture, retail art materials and MPS.

Sophie CarusSenior Conference ProducerOPISophie Carus is responsible for the conference programmes for OPI Events. Sophie has been working in a freelance capacity for OPI since 2008. Trading as Boston Events, Sophie is an event production specialist with clients in the UK, Europe, North America and Japan. She has 15 years’ experience in commercial research, event management, production and marketing, and has tackled a wide range of industry areas, including HR, finance, IT, pharmaceuticals, telecoms, manufacturing, education, healthcare and the environment.

TJ CraynePresidentPTC AssociatesTJ Crayne is the President of PTC Associates, a consulting practice that helps companies create and execute strategic initiatives with an emphasis on leveraging technology. Throughout his career he has helped hundreds of companies implement technology and new systems to grow and increase profitability. A technology leader with over 30 years of experience, TJ was formerly VP Reseller Technology for Essendant where he was instrumental in driving transformational technology offerings for the reseller marketplace.

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Rosemary CzopekFounderGorilla StationersRosemary Czopek is the Founder of Gorilla Stationers. She has been part of the office products industry for over 15 years with a proven track record in promotional and business products distribution. Rosemary started her career working for two family-owned businesses and progressed quickly to executive positions.In this environment of change, she recognised the need to do things differently to the “traditional” business model and as a consequence, Gorilla Stationers provides a uniquely diverse work environment.

John D’AgostinoCOOGMi CompaniesJohn D’Agostino recently joined GMi Companies (Ghent, Waddell, VividBoard) from outside the industry. He spent the most recent 15 years as a service provider and Managing Partner for a boutique consulting firm, providing operational expertise and strategic implementation to growing companies – both public and private. With experience in aerospace, steel, automotive, CPG, food & flavours, fabrication, plastics, print, converting, instrumentation and composites industries, John brings the best practices from each of them to drive channel and end-user value as COO for the three GMi businesses.

Heike DieckmannEditorOPIHeike Dieckmann is a long-serving member of OPI, having been with the company since 1999. During that time she has developed an extensive knowledge of the business supplies sector as well as a thorough understanding of all aspects of publishing and editorial in particular. As her native tongue is German, she remains a core point of contact for the German-speaking contingent of the industry. Before joining OPI, Heike worked on a number of business titles in London, honing her writing, subbing and proofing skills.

Paul DemeryEditorB2Bec News B2BeCommerceWorld.comPaul Demery is Editor of a number of publications and websites including B2Bec News and Internet Retailer for Vertical Web Media. Before joining the company in 2002, he was Editor and Associate Publisher of Electronic Commerce World which covered internet technology-enabled B2B systems and strategies. Prior to this, he covered the retail industry for Lebhar-Friedman and multiple industries as well as general news as an editor and writer at Long Island Business News and other New York area newspapers.

Harry DochelliPresident of Business & Facility EssentialsEssendantWith over 25 years of leadership experience in sales and operations in the distribution industry, Harry Dochelli joined Essendant in 2012 as VP IDC Sales, was promoted to Senior VP Sales & Customer Care in 2013 and then took the role of President Business & Facility Essentials in August 2016. Harry was recently elected to the ISSA board as Distributor Director for a three-year term, which started in October 2016.

John DonaghyChairmanOffice ChoiceJohn Donaghy has over 35 years’ experience in the office products industry and has operated an independent stationery business in Sydney, Australia since 2001. John joined dealer group Office Choice as a member in 2006, has served on the board since 2012 and became Chairman in 2015. He was previously President of the National Office Products Association and is currently serving as Director for the Office Products Charitable Fund, which has raised over $800,000 to assist children’s charities.

Keith DoughertySVP Merchandising, Inventory and Pricing – Business & Facility EssentialsEssendantKeith Dougherty joined Essendant in August 2016 as SVP Merchandising, Inventory and Pricing – Business and Facility Essentials. Prior to joining Essendant, he spent seven years working for the investment banks Smith Barney and Salomon before joining US Foods in 1999. He served in various roles during his 17 year tenure with US Foods, most recently as SVP, Category Management, Indirect Spend and National Accounts.

Joe DoodyVice ChairmanStaplesAs Vice Chairman, Joe Doody leads Staples’ strategic reinvention and has responsibility for strategic planning and business development as well as the company’s operations in Australia, New Zealand and high-growth markets. Previously, Joe was President, North American Commercial, responsible for Staples Advantage and Quill.com. Before joining Staples in 1998, he was President of Danka’s Office Imaging Business in North America. From 1974 to 1997 he worked at Eastman Kodak in various roles of growing responsibility, the last being General Manager and VP North America, Office Imaging.

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Simon DrakefordCEOEO GroupSimon Drakeford is CEO of EO Group, incorporating Euroffice UK, Euroffice Italy, Euroffice Germany, UK Office Direct and Office Power. Since his appointment in 2007, Simon has led a change programme resulting in group sales increasing from £18 million to £40 million. He also founded Office Power in 2013, a technology-led sales service solution designed and built specifically to support multichannel office products dealers, helping them to cut overheads and increase profitability. In 2015, Simon was recognised as Professional of the Year at the European Office Products Awards.

Tony EllisonFounder, Chairman & CEOShoplet.comTony Ellison is Founder, Chairman and CEO of Shoplet.com. He has spent more than 20 years building up the office products e-tailer business which hit the 2014 milestone of one million product SKUs. Now, the product line sits around 1.1 million and the plan is to reach two million within the next three years. In 2013, Ellison expanded internationally and launched Shoplet in the UK. In 2016, Ellison announced plans to increase operations further – this time into the Irish market followed by continental Europe.

Hend EzzeddineCybersecurity Practice DirectorExpressworksAs Cybersecurity Practice Director at change management consultancy Expressworks, Hend Ezzeddine has over ten years of experience helping clients implement and adopt cutting edge IT solutions. Her focus is on designing organisational capabilities that enable a complete business transformation and maximises ROI of major IT programs. In the cybersecurity space, Hend’s work is primarily focused on the human element and leverages cognitive behaviours to reduce user errors and establish safer practices.

Jordan FeigerMajority owner & CEOVictor TechnologyJordan Feiger is majority owner and CEO of Victor Technology, a leading brand of business and education calculators, sit-stand desktop products, and wood and recycled plastic desk accessories in the US, Canada and Latin America. Prior to acquiring the assets of the Victor brand company in 2006, Jordan was an executive of Navistar International for 20 years, where he ran the heavy truck business among a number of senior leadership positions.

John FellowesPresident & CEOFellowes BrandsJohn Fellowes joined Fellowes Brands in 2001 and has managed various divisions of the manufacturer’s US and International business over the years. In 2012, John became President and in 2014 he assumed the role of President and CEO. He represents the fourth generation of the Fellowes family to lead the 99-year-old Chicago-based company. John builds upon a near century-long foundation and tradition with keen determination to keep its product offering refreshed and relevant for the ever-changing global market.

Boris ElismanChairman, President & CEOACCO BrandsBoris Elisman was named Chairman, President and CEO of ACCO Brands in May 2016. Prior to that, he was President and CEO. Boris was President and COO from 2010 until 2013, with full responsibility for sales, marketing, and operations of all of ACCO's businesses and products worldwide. In addition, he also held the positions of President and COO, President of ACCO Brands Americas, President of the Office Products Group, as well President of the Kensington Computer Products Group.

James EllwardPresidentTOPS ProductsJames Ellward has been with TOPS Products, a division of LSC Communications, for the past ten years and has served as President since 2013. Under his leadership, the company has more than doubled in size from $230 million to $550 million in net sales which includes integrating the acquisition of the North American assets of Esselte Corporation in 2014.

James FellowesChairman of the boardFellowes BrandsJames Fellowes is Chairman of the board of Fellowes Brands, one of Chicago’s oldest and largest family-owned businesses. He served 31 years as CEO and 45 years in an executive capacity until 2014 when his son John succeeded him. James was a charter member of the National Business Products Council for City of Hope from 1982 and served as its Chairman.

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Beth FreemanAssistant VP SalesFSIoffice Beth Freeman is the Assistant VP of Sales at independent office supplies dealer FSIoffice (Forms & Supply, Inc). Founded in 1962, Beth is a third generation owner at the privately held company, where her focus is sales and marketing. Her efforts are concentrated on the growth of new product categories, as well as the use of technology to engage and acquire new customers.

Chris FinnVPSchoen and AssociatesChris Finn joined Schoen and Associates in 2007. He attended DePaul University where he studied Business Management and Entrepreneurship. In his current role as VP, Chris provides direction and support to the Schoen field sales team, as well as manages national/key accounts. His determination to make an impact on the office products industry is evident through his dedication and enthusiasm for the business.

John GarfinkelExecutive Director EmeritusISSAExecutive Director Emeritus since September 2015, John Garfinkel was Executive Director of ISSA for 25 years. Prior to joining ISSA, he was VP and General Manager of Crown Zellerbach and also spent 25 years at James River Corporation, where he was responsible for commercial paper and non-woven disposables.

Christa FurterCEOOWiba GroupChrista Furter was appointed CEO of OWiba Group (Office World and iba) in January 2015, having joined iba in 2005 as Marketing Director and taking over the CEO responsibility at iba in January 2011. Both companies are part of MIGROS group, one of the 500 biggest companies in the world. Her previous roles include Commercial Director for Regula Group, General Manager for mail order company La Redoute and Marketing Director at Yves Rocher.

Mary-Victoria Gerardi-SchmidVPPrintusMary-Victoria Gerardi-Schmid is VP of German reseller Printus Group, the market leader in Germany and number three in Europe for online and catalogue B2B office supplies.

Mike GentilePresident & CEOIndependent StationersMike Gentile was named President and CEO of Independent Stationers in 2005, having joined as VP in 2003. Prior to this, he spent six years at Boise Cascade Office Products where he worked as General Manager, Director of Marketing and Director of Boise Technology. Mike served as Chairman of BPGI from 2008-2009 and is a past member of the Board of Governors of NOPA.

Steven GlassManaging DirectorMidwest Resource GroupSteven Glass currently serves as Managing Director of Midwest Resource Group. His industry involvement includes participation on boards and committees including the BSA board of directors. Strong planning, organisational skills and his ability to execute have resulted in growth for its resellers and manufacturing partners. Known for his energy and enthusiasm, Steven has helped expand the scope of Midwest Resource Group from a regional sales company to a national service organisation.

John GivensFounder & CEOSource Office & TechnologyJohn Givens is Founder and CEO of Source Office & Technology. Source reached revenues of $45 million in 2014 and plans to achieve $100 million in the next 4-6 years as the business community is rewarding solutions over product pricing and innovation over size. Leveraging the breadth and depth of its strategic alliance partnerships with SP Richards, HP, Canon, HON and Teknion, Source is able to capitalise on regional economies of scale, superior supply chain management and intimate value creation for its clients.



Harry GouldChairman & PresidentSignature CommunicationsIn 1969, Harry Gould became President & CEO of Gould Paper, one of the four largest distributors of printing and business papers in the US, with annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. Harry sold the company at the end of June 2015 and is currently Chairman and President of Signature Communications which is primarily engaged in film financing. He serves as Vice Chairman of the New York City Housing Development Corporation, is a life member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and a member of the Dean’s Fund at Harvard Business School.

David GreggCEOSocialwise PartnersSocialwise is a start-up business products reseller based in Los Angeles, California. As a Benefit Corporation, Socialwise exists to revolutionise how the world does business, with its global objectives being that hope is engendered, poverty eradicated, and everyone is ennobled in a spirit of recognition that no life is unimportant. Socialwise will accomplish this mission by being a social enterprise world pioneer that develops, implements, and promulgates only the highest standards, most exalting principles, and best practices on the planet.

David GuernseyPresident & CEOGuernseyDavid Guernsey is President and CEO of Guernsey, a family-owned business that has operated primarily in the mid-Atlantic region since 1971. The Guernsey organisation is one of the largest office products resellers in the US, focusing on office furnishings, supplies and related services. Guernsey is founding Chairman of BPGI and has served as Chairman of NOPA, Pinnacle Affiliates and Independent Stationers.

Nigel GunnSVP SalesEsselteNigel Gunn has been in the office products industry for more than 25 years, starting out as a sales representative for Nobo Presentation Products in the UK. Nigel has worked in various roles at Esselte, including VP for Global Accounts and Regional VP, UK and France. Since 2005, he has held the position of SVP Sales Europe and International, responsible for Esselte’s 23 subsidiaries across Europe, as well as international sales in Africa, South America, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific regions. Nigel is now responsible for Esselte’s sales globally.

Michael HauckVP Marketing & Digital ServicesEssendantMichael Hauck has been with wholesaler Essendant since 2013 where he started as Senior Director of Content & Syndication managing product content teams and supporting the growing e-comemrce and print opportunities. In July, Michael was made VP of Marketing & Digital Services. Prior to joining Essendant, he worked at various companies including Mainfest Digital, Lyons Consulting Group and Quad/Graphics.

Steve HaworthGroup CEOEVO GroupSteve Haworth began his career in the office products industry in 1991, selling telex and fax rolls at ISA. This was followed by various roles at Kodak, IT Image and Pitney Bowes, before he accepted a position with the Vasanta Group as Managing Director of Supplies Team in 2009. Steve widened his role to include responsibility for all of Vasanta’s trading channels and joined the board in 2012. After the creation of the EVO Group, he assumed the role of EVO Group Sales and Marketing Director and was appointed to the position of Group CEO in April 2016.

Chris GrowDirector of Sales, Office Products, Craft and HobbyDeflectoChris Grow is Director of Sales at Deflecto, the world’s largest chairmat, bicycle reflector and dryer venting manufacturer and a global leader in sign and literature holders, office workspace accessories and other air distribution products. Chris joined the company as National Sales Manager in 2007, before taking her current role in 2014. Chris previously spent over seven years as National Account Manager at Quartet-GBC.

Matt GresgeCEOAIA CorporationAs CEO of AIA, Matt Gresge is responsible for growing its network of distributors, leading the team of service providers, overseeing the sales and marketing programmes, and ensuring AIA provides distributors with market leading technology solutions.Matt most recently served as President and COO of Highlands, a service provider to independent distributors and their supporting manufacturers, and prior to that was President of TOPS Products, a $300 million manufacturer of business products.

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Steve HilleardCEOOPISteve Hilleard is CEO of leading trade media company OPI and is a 29-year veteran of the industry. Having established OPI as the industry’s most trusted media player, his focus is on the transformation of the company into the premier independent global provider of world-class integrated packages of print and digital media, marketing and sales resources, industry information, research and consulting as well as events in office products and adjacent categories.

Jeff HillinsGlobal Business Director, Stationery and Office Supplies Division3MJeff Hillins has been at 3M for over 17 years and in his most recent role as the Global Business Director, Stationery and Office Supplies Division, he brings a unique strategic and operational perspective to lead two iconic consumer brands, Post-it Brand and Scotch Brand. Jeff has held several leadership positions at 3M including within the Infection Prevention Division and the Industrial Division.

Steve HoeftPrincipalExecution Specialists Group Steve Hoeft is a Principal Consultant with ESG, a US-based management consultancy with 20years of industry leadership experience, most notably as VP of Pricing with Corporate Express, where he led groundbreaking work in the areas of profit optimisation, customer specific profitability, SKU rationalisation and bid management. Steve has also served in senior strategy roles with Brinks and Advance Auto Parts. ESG has been recognised by Forbes as one of America’s best management consulting firms.

Tim HortonCEOOfficeSupply.comTim Horton is the owner and founder of OfficeSupply.com. The business was founded 15 years ago in his garage selling closeouts on eBay. OfficeSupply.com is now ranked 392 in total e-commerce sales according to the Internet Retailer Top 500 guide. It has also been featured in INC. 500 as one of the fastest 500 growing companies in the US. Tim has been a member of the NOPA board, and currently sits on the ACCO dealer advisory board.

Yancey JonesCOOTSRCYancey Jones is responsible for all operations and support departments as well as acquisition integration within his third generation family-owned business. He has proven himself to be more than qualified to manage The Supply Room Companies, displaying an adept knowledge of the business structure having covered many roles from Order Puller, Delivery Driver, Controller, General Manager and now COO. Following his father’s legacy he has fostered business mergers and reserved the company’s objective of exceptional customer service, people and products.

Bob KressinPresidentKS TechnologiesBob Kressin is President of KS Technologies which engineers mobile hardware accessories, applications and cloud-based services. Prior to leading KST, Bob was a hardware engineer, designing oscilloscopes and logic analysers with Hewlett-Packard/Agilent Technologies, where he secured two patents. He holds a BSc and MSc in Electrical Engineering and has over 20 years of experience designing hardware and software solutions.

Walter JohnsenChairman & CEOAcme UnitedWalter Johnsen is Chairman and CEO of Acme United. He was President and CEO from 1995 until 2007, and then became Chairman and CEO. Over time, Acme has been transformed from an old-line manufacturer of scissors into a leading supplier of innovative cutting, measuring and safety products. Earlier in his career, Walter was the principal owner of Marshall Products, one of the largest global suppliers of blood pressure units, stethoscopes and other medical supplies.

Kevin JohnsonCEOWarehouse DirectKevin Johnson is CEO of leading workplace solutions company, Warehouse Direct. He spent over ten years in the OP industry before leaving to join management consulting firm Bain & Company. After working in a wide variety of industries while at Bain he returned to Warehouse Direct. Since returning to Warehouse Direct, Kevin has worked to transform the company from a mostly office supply distributor into the most diverse provider of equipment, services, products and interiors for the workplace. Warehouse Direct has achieved record sales in each of the last 24 consecutive years.



Samantha LeachSenior Change ConsultantExpressworksAs senior change consultant with Expressworks, Samantha brings over 20 years of experience in building and leading international high-tech programs through mission-critical stages. She started her career working for the National Science Foundation followed by several years leading large-scale technology projects at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Since then she has led global technology programs with a focus on information technology and corporate security.

Mark LeazerExecutive DirectorAOPDMark Leazer has been in the office products industry for 31 years, the first 30 at AOPD dealer FSIoffice. After three years as a chemist with Rexham Corporation, he began with FSI, managing the IT department before moving into sales technology and sales management at its Office Products Division. In that role, he was heavily involved with AOPD as a dealer, having served on the AOPD board of directors for 15 years. This year, he assumed the role of AOPD Executive Director, replacing the retiring Bud Mundt.

Kim LeazerOwner & VP SalesFSIoffice Kim has worked in her family-owned company since school and has experience in all aspects of the business. Since Kim took over sales and customer service in 1990, she has worked to develop the sales technology side of the business as well as the customer service department. Growing and diversifying the product offerings of the organisation over the past ten years has also been a large focus. She now works alongside her brother, sister and daughter in the day-to-day management and growth of the company.

Sid LermanPresidentThe Weeks Lerman GroupSid Lerman is a graduate of Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and he also studied business administration graduate courses at the Stern School of Business at New York University. Sid has worked in the office products industry for 31 years, the last 25 as President of The Lerman Company, known today as the Weeks Lerman Group.

Jeff LattanzioVP SalesAvery ProductsJeff Lattanzio is the VP of Sales for Avery Products, a division of CCL Industries. During his 14 year tenure with Avery, Jeff has held several sales and channel management positions with increasing responsibility, and most recently was GM for the Asia-Pacific region based in Sydney, Australia. Prior to joining Avery, Jeff worked for Plantronics, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb in sales management, marketing, and finance.

Tom LehrEVP & COOAIA CorporationTom Lehr has been EVP and COO of AIA Corporation since 2003. AIA is a franchiser supporting distributors in the promotional products industry and the eighth largest distributor in this industry. Recently, Tom spent time as CFO at BrightStar Care before moving back to AIA. Prior to all this, he was CFO at Airadigm Communications from 1996-2003.

John LeightonPresident Office BasicsJohn Leighton has been President of Office Basics since 2010. As President, John oversees the strategic direction of the Philadelphia-based business products and furniture distribution business. Under his leadership, Office Basics has grown to be the largest independent business products distributor in the PA, NJ, and DE markets. John has been responsible for driving growth into new markets for Office Basics, launching the Business Interiors Division, Managed Print Services and Facility Solutions Division under his tenure.

Todd LipsonVP Sales & MarketingHSM of AmericaTodd Lipson has been involved in the office products industry for over 16 years. He joined HSM in early 2007 and has held the position of VP of Sales and Marketing since 2008, responsible for the US and Canada. Prior to joining HSM, Todd held a variety of management, strategic, and sales positions with both Corporate Express and Office Depot.

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Belinda LyoneGeneral ManagerComplete Office SuppliesBelinda Lyone is a passionate second generation executive of Complete Office Supplies (COS), Australia’s largest privately-owned office products distributor. Prior to joining the family business in 2003, Belinda began her career in reward marketing before spending six years marketing international spirit and liqueur brands. Since joining COS, Belinda has been responsible for the procurement and marketing function. She has been instrumental in supporting the company’s ongoing success and growth, and in developing its e-commerce platform.

Dominique LyoneFounder & Managing DirectorComplete Office SuppliesDominique Lyone was born in Egypt and emigrated to Australia at the age of 13. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Complete Office Supplies (COS), Australia’s largest privately-owned office products distributor. COS offers an all-in-one solution for all office consumables to corporate and government agencies. Dominique was the runner up in the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. More recently, he was a finalist in the 2014 Ethnic Business Awards.

Mike MaggioPresidentTriMegaMike Maggio has had a long and successful career in the US OP industry beginning with a 12-year spell at family-run independent dealer Independent Office Products. He then spent 14 years at SP Richards – rising to divisional VP – before moving to regional wholesaler ActionEmco. Following almost two years as GM of Frank Parsons, a division of leading independent dealer The Supply Room Companies, Mike was named President of TriMega Purchasing Association in December 2013.

Jenn MarkeyVP Marketing360piJenn Markey is a senior marketing executive with significant start-up and small company experience gained in the telecommunications, software, and semiconductor industries. She helps early stage companies build their market presence, customer footprint, and strategic business value using more than two decades of strategic marketing, product management, and business development expertise. Prior to 360pi, Jenn held senior technical and management posts with SkyWave Mobile, J2 Global, UBM TechInsights, CrossKeys, Bell Canada International, and IBM.

Jim MateseVP of SalesPilot Corporation of AmericaPilot Corporation of America prides itself on being a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality writing instruments in the United States. Jim Matese joined Pilot Corporation of America in 1988 as an Area Manager. He progressed through the ranks of Field Sales Manager and National Sales Manager to become VP of Sales in 2009.

Sean MaceyPresidentBasics Office ProductsAn industry veteran of 35 years, Sean Macey became VP of Merchandising at Basics Office Products in 1995, before becoming President in 2006. Sean is a past Chair of the Canadian Office Products Association and the 3M Canada Dealer Council.

Denis MathieuPresident & CEONovexcoDenis Mathieu is President and CEO of Novexco, a company privately owned by its BuroPLUS dealer members. Novexco is a distributor of office supplies and equipment across Canada. Prior to Novexco, Denis held the position of Executive VP of Corporate Services and CFO at Uni-Select, a publicly-traded company active throughout North America in the distribution of automobile parts and accessories, and was VP Acquisition at Groupe Transcontinental.

Amie LyoneExecutive LeaderComplete Office SuppliesAmie Lyone is a second generation executive at Complete Office Supplies (COS), Australia’s largest privately-owned office products distributor, with 350 staff and current revenues of approximately $A115 million ($90 million). Amie began her career in professional services where she quickly discovered her passion for people and processes. After five years, in 2004, Amie stepped into the rapidly-growing family business, with the brief to bring discipline into people management. 11 years on with COS, and Amie’s responsibilities have evolved to include all the operations team nationally.



David McQuillanPresident, Office SuppliesNPDDavid McQuillan has been President, Office Supplies at The NPD Group since 2015, having joined in 2006. In this role, he is responsible for delivering value and insights to manufacturers and retailers that are engaged in both the consumer and commercial channels of the office supplies industry. David has over 25 years' experience in market research spanning numerous industries, including office supplies, toys, pharmaceuticals, mobile devices, consumer packaged goods and entertainment-related research covering video games, video, and music content.

Chris McFarlanePresident & CEOPrintFleetChris McFarlane joined PrintFleet full-time in 2010 as President and COO and was promoted to President and CEO in 2012. He has more than 20 years of high technical experience focused on global expansion, operations, information technology, and customer relationships. Prior to joining PrintFleet, Chris held a series of senior management and board of director positions with businesses operating in North America, Europe, and Asia. In addition to operating responsibilities, Chris has led the acquisition and financing of businesses in five countries.

Neil McLachlanSenior VP & President, EuropeACCO BrandsNeil McLachlan has been Senior VP and President, Europe at ACCO Brands since May this year. Neil’s previous roles at ACCO include Senior VP of Strategic Initiatives, Executive VP and President International. Neil served as the President of MeadWestvaco Consumer & Office Product Company. Prior to Mead he was Senior VP of International at Fisher-Price, overseeing the development of the Mattel division's infant and preschool business.

Steve MeyerVP of SalesGould Office PapersSteve Meyer serves as VP of Sales for Gould Office Papers. His responsibilities include the development and implementation of Gould Office Papers’ strategy for sales and initiatives within the independent office supply dealer channel. In addition, he works closely with his direct reports as a mentor and leader to drive the process of achieving the company’s sales objectives. Steve has over 25 years of experience in the paper industry and joined Gould in 2013 after 16 years with the Enterprise Group as National Accounts Manager.

Brad MillsCEOMills Office ProductivityBrad Mills is the CEO of Mills Office Productivity, a family-owned offie products supplier. With over 40 years of experience in the office supply industry, Brad continues to successfully build the business through innovative practices, a passion for the environment and helping out those in need. He is also a board member of Basics Office Products and is Chairman and co-founder of the H.A.V.E. Cafe, a culinary school giving those with employment barriers an opportunity to change their lives.

Cezary MonkoPresident & CEOEsselte Cezary Monko joined global office supplies manufacturer Esselte in 1992 as Country Manager, Poland. Since then he has held various positions in the company’s international divisions. Cezary was in charge of Esselte’s European sales from 2002 to 2005, and was appointed President of Europe and International in 2005. He was promoted to his current position of President and CEO of Esselte in 2014. Earlier this year, Cezary collected the Industry Achievement award at the European Office Product Awards.

Andrew MorganECi Software SolutionsAndrew Morgan has been in the OP world since 1996 in many roles. Andrew’s first role was as a dealer in the Austin Texas area with Lone Star Supplies. He then founded Red Cheetah Software and successfully signed over 500 dealers in ten years before selling to ECi in June of 2013. Andrew now serves as the President of the Distribution Division, overseeing more than 2,500 independent dealers on multiple platforms and daily working with a great team to ensure that the independent dealer continues to be competitive on technology.

Michael MorrisExecutive VP MarketingTriMegaMichael Morris began his career as a marketing specialist for Levi Strauss, before moving into the IT supplies industry when he joined the former distributor Daisytek, first as Marketing Manager for Daisytek Canada, and then as Director of Marketing North America. In 2003, Michael took the role of Director of Marketing at TriMega, where he was responsible for developing programmes, promotions and tools to help independent dealers grow their business. He became Executive VP Marketing in 2014.

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Mark NewhallFounder & CEOExecution Specialists Group Mark Newhall is Founder and CEO of US-based management consultancy, ESG. Mark has worked continuously in the office products space since 1986, and served for 14 years as a senior strategy executive with Corporate Express, leading the integration in both North America and Europe of CE’s extensive portfolio of acquired companies. Since 2008, ESG has engaged with the senior executive teams of Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples, Target, Gordon Food Service, Caesars Entertainment and SP Richards.

René NuñezCEODC MayoristaRené Nuñez heads DC Mayorista, an office and IT products wholesaler based in Mexico. Under his leadership, the company has experienced continued growth and has expanded its product line to include jan/san, furniture and electronics. 80% of sales are made through a B2B website and the company gives logistical support to major Mexican value-added resellers. The group has successfully launched Pedidos.com, which is aimed at the SOHO market to compete with major retail stores.

Leen NsouliIndustry AnalystNPDLeen Nsouli is the industry analyst for The NPD Group’s Office Supplies division. Since joining NPD in 2013, she has focused on the analysis of trends in the office and school supplies industries, providing clients with sales and marketing insights, and category management solutions based on point-of-sale and consumer information. Leen began her career as a Territory Sales Manager for Philip Morris USA.

Marc NijhofChief Customer OfficerALSO InternationalMarc Nijhof has been active in the industry for over 25 years, having joined Despec in 1991. In 2002, Marc was appointed Commercial Director at Dexxon Data & Media Storage, before joining Ahrend Office Products as Sales Director a year later. In 2006, Marc moved to Alpha International. He started as Commercial Director before being promoted to Managing Director in 2013. After ALSO Holding acquired Alpha International in 2014, Marc was also appointed as SVP for ALSO CoC (Center of Competence Printing Supplies).

Brad O’BrienCEOOffice ChoiceBrad O’Brien is CEO of Office Choice, one of Australia’s longest-established office products dealer groups. Since joining the business in 2012, he has used his leadership skills and vision to concentrate on improving business operations, brand awareness and the customer purchasing experience. Brad was previously GM at large franchise groups Retravision and Clark Rubber, and also of Dataworks, a leading software publishing and distribution company.

Tim O’ConnorFounder & CEORetail Performance SolutionsRetail Performance Solutions is a retail and consumer goods analysis and advisory practice. As an industry analyst and strategist, Tim has advised leading retailers and manufacturers including Walmart, Procter & Gamble and Coca Cola, and a number of trade associations such as GS1, IDDBA and PBBA. Tim’s insights on retail competitive dynamics and strategies have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, IDDBA What’s In Store, and FTSE Global Markets.

Bob O’GaraCEOHighlandsUnder Bob O’Gara’s leadership, Highlands has been at the forefront of supplier advocacy in the office, educational, industrial and e-tail channels of distribution. Highlands was the first group to form dedicated national account teams and comprehensive national field support, and the evolution continues with a constant expansion of services provided and markets covered. Today, Highlands provides brand advocacy through sales and marketing initiatives.

Alison OstendorfCo-founderSocialwise PartnersAlison is a full time tech and impact entrepreneur. She is co-founder of Socialwise (so-wise.com), a charitable and mission driven office supply Benefit Corporation. Alison is also the owner of Virgo Ventures (VirgoVentures.org), a web and mobile app development agency that specialises in mobile-responsive design and real estate systems automation.



Mike ParkerPresident of Global SalesFellowes BrandsMike Parker began his Fellowes career as a Territory Sales Manager in 2000. After various assignments in National Accounts, Mike was promoted to North American Field Sales Manager. Mike moved into various leadership roles which included Director of Commercial Sales, then VP of North American Sales, before assuming the role of EVP of Global Sales. In 2014, Mike became President of Global Sales and is now providing strategic leadership for ongoing growth and expansion across Fellowes’ worldwide markets.

Clem RestainoPresidentZebra PenClem Restaino has spent over 34 years in the office products industry, 30 of them at writing instrument manufacturer Zebra Pen. Clem began his tenure at Zebra in 1985 as a sales manager and was later promoted to VP Sales. In 2002, he was named President. Clem has been an integral part of Zebra Pen’s growth and commitment to produce innovative and high quality stationery products.

Bob PalmiereCorporate Account ManagerThe J.M. Smucker CompanyAfter spending ten years as a foodservice Regional Sales Manager, Bob Palmiere transitioned into the office coffee world in 2013 as the Northeast Region Manager for Smuckers, focusing primarily on Folgers Coffee. In his new role as Corporate Account Manager for Office Supply, Bob works closely with key office supply distributors, dealers and retailers to increase their capabilities to sell roast and ground coffee, sweeteners and office snacks.

Nicolas PotierManaging DirectorJM BruneauHaving joined Bruneau France in 2010, Nicolas Poitier is currently CEO of the Bruneau Group. With operations in France, Benelux and Spain, Bruneau enjoys a turnover of €300M ($329 million) and has 750 employees. An engineer by background, Nicolas developed a strong interest in sales and marketing with roles in companies such as Air Liquide and General Electric. More recently he held several general management positions within the Alcan Packaging Group (now merged with the Australian Amcor Group).

John RingleinPresident & co-ownerVictor TechnologyJohn Ringlein has been President and co-owner of Victor Technology since 2006. The company was founded in 1918 and was once the world’s largest adding machine company. Today, it is a supplier of calculators, rulers, desk accessories and stand-up desk converters. In 2015, Victor assumed marketing and distribution accountability for Sharp calculators in the US and Latin America. Prior to his time at Victor, John spent ten years at Navistar, a leading US truck manufacturer.

Alexander RinkCEO360piSince joining 360pi as CEO in 2010, Alexander Rink has led the firm to its position as the foremost provider of retail price intelligence for top tier retailers and brands. Shortly after joining, he pivoted the company (then known as Gazaro) from its initial consumer focus as an analytical comparison shopping engine to a B2B SaaS provider focused on enterprise omnichannel and e-commerce retailers. Officially rebranded as 360pi, it has grown significantly in customers, revenues and employees and established itself as the trusted source of omnichannel intelligence.

Matthew RobertsSVPTOPS ProductsMatthew Roberts has been with TOPS Products, a division of LSC Communications, for the past eight years and has served as SVP since 2013. He currently has responsibilities within the business for all product categories, marketing, sourcing, and overall company strategy.

Toby RobinsChief ExecutiveOffice ClubToby Robins took over as Chief Executive of UK dealer group Office Club earlier this year following the unexpected death of its founder and OPI event stalwart Mark Austen last September. Prior to this, he set up his own dealership in 1989 which was subsequently sold to the Commercial Group in June. He has particular expertise in sustainability for which reason he has been retained as a consultant by Commercial.

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Doug RodewaldFounderHoffman Street HoldingsDoug Rodewald is well a respected and seasoned executive in the commerce and payments industry. He recently launched Hoffman Street Holdings to provide merchants, brands and technology companies access to the services and solutions needed to compete in today’s commerce world. Prior to Hoffman Street Holdings, Doug was a Partner at W Capra Consulting Group, where he was instrumental in the growth of the company and making it a leading payments and retail technology consultancy.

Richard ScharmannCEOPBS HoldingRichard Scharmann has been CEO of PBS Holding since 2008. PBS Holding is one of the leading distributors in Central Europe, providing services in Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland. With 987 employees, wholesale and contract businesses contributed sales of over €247 million ($270 million) in 2014. Previous positions include VP Aircraft Engines at Bombardier Recreational Products.

David SassPresidentSource Office & TechnologyDavid became President of Source Office & Technology in July this year. The company is a business supply and workflow efficiency partner, offering office environment solutions, including office supplies, printing services, office furniture, office coffee services and integrated software applications. David was previously President and GM at COTG – A Xerox company, VP and GM at North American Corporation, and VP of US Commercial Sales at the Sanford Division of Newell.

Joe SchaeferVP Sales & Marketing Office Supply.comJoe Schaefer has spent over a decade in e-commerce. During that time, he has built up online advertising and sales for both Fortune 500 and Internet Retailer Top 500 companies, including Microsoft, Sears, and now OfficeSupply.com. Since joining OfficeSupply.com in 2011, it has re-branded (formally DiscountOfficeItems.com), expanded its assortments, re-platformed, and introduced data modelling strategies. This was all accomplished while maintaining an average double-digit growth each year.

Thomas SchinkelPresidentThomas Schinkel & AssociatesThomas Schinkel is an internationally recognised business adviser who works with large and medium-size businesses on strategic issues that include cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and international business development. He has helped establish and co-founded several companies and he has served on the board of companies in the software industry, the business products industry and in the medical device industry.

Hans Schmid Owner & PresidentPrintus GroupHans Schmid is the owner and President of German reseller Printus Group, the market leader in Germany and number three in Europe for online and catalogue B2B office supplies. Hans acquired Printus in 1982 as a very small and unknown company. Today, the Printus Group has over three million customers, sales of over $800 million, and operates in Germany, Austria and Belgium. In 2015 the Printus Group acquired OTTO Office, a subsidiary of the OTTO Group.

Kevin SchoenPresident & CEOSchoen and AssociatesFollowing in the footsteps of his father, Fred Schoen, who founded the business in 1956, Kevin Schoen grew up in the business products industry. After studying business at the University of Southern Colorado, he returned to join the company in 1973. In 1978, when the company incorporated, he became VP, and when his father officially retired in 1992, Kevin became President and CEO. Since then, he has followed through with his mission to keep Schoen and Associates at the cutting edge of the industry.

Kenneth SchroederPresident & CEOFriendsOfficeKenneth began working in the office products industry in 1987 when he joined Evans Office Equipment. He purchased the copier division from Evans in August 1991 and later purchased Friends Office Products in December 1994. The two companies were combined in 1995 to become FriendsOffice. With locations in Findlay, Toledo, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Hermitage, the company has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.



Jennifer SmithCo-founder & CEOInnovative Office SolutionsInnovative Office Solutions began in 2001 as an office supply/furniture company Since then, the company has expanded its offerings to include categories such as facility supplies, educational supplies/furniture, print and fulfilment and managed print services. Through consistent double-digit growth, Jennifer has helped Innovative grow into the largest independent OP reseller in the Midwest. The company has been named on Minnesota Business Journal’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ every year since inception.

Brooks SmithCFO & General CounselInnovative Office SolutionsBrooks Smith is currently CFO and General Counsel of Innovative Office Solutions, a $100 million office products and office furniture company. He runs the financial and legal aspects of the company and has been involved in numerous acquisitions and forming of strategic partnerships. Prior to his current role, Brooks was an owner and President of Medcare Products from 1998 to 2009, and then a Director until the company was sold in 2012. Brooks also serves on the board of directors of several organisations, including Pinnacle Affiliates and the InSports Foundation.

Ken SmithGlobal VP of SalesDeflectoKen Smith has served as Global VP of Sales for JSP at Deflecto since 2014. Prior roles include VP Sales, Marketing and Pricing at Sun Office Solutions and Group VP Sales at United Stationers (now Essendant). He also held the roles of Director of Field Marketing and District Sales Manager at United Stationers. Prior to joining the office products industry Ken spent ten years in the transportation industry, holding key roles in operations, sales training and sales management at Roadway Express.

Christopher StottCEOPukka Pads GroupChris Stott started work at 15 in a printing company before becoming Shift Leader at 19. He then moved into sales at 28 and introduced Pukka Pads six years later. Chris purchased Pukka Pads in 2005 and now the group has a global turnover of around $75 million. The group now includes Concord Filing and Yorkshire Envelopes.

Mike StrandersVP EMEA MarketingACCO BrandsMike Stranders has over 20 years of experience in product marketing and business management roles within various consumer-durable markets, including seven years in strategic global positions. Mike joined ACCO Brands in 2006 as an EMEA Product Manager and worked his way up to his current role of VP EMEA Marketing, a position he has held since 2014. Mike is a member of ACCO’s European Leadership Team.

Joe TempletSVP Trade DevelopmentEssendantWith over 31 years in the wholesale business and 35 in the office products industry, Joe is currently SVP Trade Development for Essendant. He is focused on the acquisition of new business, retention of current business and assisting customers in M&A. His previous positions at the company include SVP Sales, VP Marketing, and SVP Sales and Operations, and he has seen Essendant grow from $300 million to $5.5 billion during his career.

Peter TilearcioPresidentGould Paper CorporationAs President of Gould Office Papers, Peter Tilearcio is in charge of developing and executing annual operating budgets and balance sheets as well as dealing with sales, operations and supplier relations. In addition, Peter is a member of Gould’s Senior Leadership Team and has been given the responsibility for exploring a number of key corporate projects. These revolve around developing closer synergistic ties with a number of Gould’s worldwide suppliers and improving efficiencies throughout the corporate supply chain.

Paul TooheyChairmanOffice BrandsPaul Toohey has operated an independent stationery business in Melbourne, Australia, for more than 30 years. After Office National was formed in 1999, which ultimately became Office Brands, Paul joined the board in 2002 and became Chairman in 2005. Office Brands is Australia’s largest franchised buying group solution for independent stationers. With 160 outlets across Australia and annual sales exceeding $A380 million ($300 million), Office Brands specialises in the B2B space, with more than 80% of sales through direct account relationships.

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Rick ToppinPresident & COOSP Richards Rick Toppin has a long, extended career in the office products industry. He spent the first 19 years with Moore Corporation in the printing and print management side of the industry. In 1999, Rick joined Corporate Express as a Division President, responsible for its business in the upper Midwest. In 2005, he was promoted to President of Corporate Express Canada before returning to the US in 2007 as its Region President. He joined SP Richards in late 2008 as EVP, Sales & Marketing, and was promoted to President & COO in 2010.

Bert van LoonIndependent StrategistBert van Loon grew up in B2B publishing, experiencing first-hand the industry’s transition from ‘print only’ to digital and cross-media. During recent years he has been delivering modern marketing communication strategies to non-publishing organisations using his vast experience to help them build an audience, start a dialogue and turn eyeballs into business leads. His motto: “I believe #ContentMarketing is to today, what advertising was to the 1960s! Mad Men become Meaningful Men!” If he’s not travelling you can find him at his workplace on the ancient SS Rotterdam ocean liner.

Ronny van RossemChief Product Marketing OfficerADVEORonny joined ADVEO in September 2016 as Chief Product Marketing Officer. He has over 20 years' industry experience in different management roles, including almost 14 years at Staples/Corporate Express Europe, where he was VP Merchandising for Europe and a member of the European Management Team. He has also held positions at Toshiba, Danka, Xeikon and Kruitbosch.

André VasconcelosCEOBi-SilqueAndré Vasconcelos is CEO of global visual communications specialist Bi-silque. He started his career at Bi-silque at a young age, obtaining experience of every sector of the business, including production, sales and marketing. André has seen the company become a modern, world-leading business, based on modern management models. The entire business is underpinned with a strong emphasis on social and environmental responsibilities, together with innovative product development.

Cordelia Von GymnichVP Consumer Goods & LeisureMesse FrankfurtAfter studying law, Cordelia began her career with Messe Frankfurt in 1989. After holding various positions including Area Sales Manager for Latin America and Director of International Sales, she was appointed VP Entertainment, Media & Creation and held this position for 15 years. Since 2013 she has been responsible for Paperworld, Creativeworld and Christmasworld and since May this year has been concentrating wholly on these three trade fairs.

Gavin WardCEOOffice BrandsGavin Ward has served as CEO of Office Brands since 2012. Office Brands is Australia’s largest franchised buying group solution for independent stationers, with 160 outlets across Australia and annual sales exceeding $A380 million ($300 million). Prior to joining Office Brands, Gavin spent 21 years at the Leading Edge Group. During his tenure the business grew from two people in one industry to a diversified buying group and franchised business catering for 11 different vertical markets with over 1,400 franchised stores and a broad base of over 450 suppliers.

Jon WayneVP Americas Supplies SalesHP IncJon Wayne is responsible for the go to market strategy and overall performance of the Americas Supplies business. During his 20 year tenure at HP, Jon has served in a variety of leadership positions across different organisations. Most recently, he served as VP Americas Partner Development and Programs, for Printing and Personal Systems. Jon has also held the role of VP US Distribution, where he was responsible for the US distribution business for Printing and Personal Systems.

Shirley WernesSales LeaderReally Useful ProductsShirley Wernes has more than 20 years of international merchandising experience in global markets with The Home Depot, Claire’s UK & OfficeMax. Shirley joined Really Useful Products in 2014 and is responsible for sales throughout North America. The company has advanced manufacturing facilities in the UK, but also manufactures products in the US.



Mark WilkinsonVP Sales EuropeACCO Brands Mark joined ACCO in 1998 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility, including Senior Director, European Major Accounts and Global Account Director. He is currently VP Sales for Europe. In addition, Mark is a member of the European Leadership Team for ACCO Europe, with responsibility for leading all sales activities in the UK and Continental Europe. Mark has five years experience as a Pension Trustee Director with ACCO Brands Pension Trustee Board and is a former England International Curling team member.

Ian WistOwner & GMWist Office ProductsIan Wist is a 30 year veteran of the OP channel. He is the co-owner and operator of a third generation reseller headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The roots of the Wist family in the supply business date back to 1922. Progressive evolution of the business model is a key to the longevity of Wist Office Products along with bright, energetic, and experienced staff.

Beth WrightChief Commercial OfficerBi-SilqueAn 18-year industry veteran, Beth Wright began working at her parents’ dealership in Virginia at the age of 13. She began her career in sales as a key member of the national accounts team at Daisytek International. By the age of 24, Beth had developed the company’s first outside salesforce and grew her division to over $224 million. Beth then spent five years as Director of Sales for Neoris, followed by three years managing national accounts at Cardinal Brands, before joining Bi-silque where she is now Chief Commercial Officer.

Martin WildeManaging DirectorMartin Wilde Associates Martin Wilde is an independent market researcher who has focused on the office products market for over 20 years. Well-known on both sides of the Atlantic for his in-depth knowledge of the OP industry, he has completed an unparalleled range of bespoke research studies over the years, helping vendors and resellers understand and adapt to market opportunities and threats. In conjunction with OPI, Martin also publishes regular ‘off the shelf’ reports on the OP market, the latest being “The Phoenix Report” – a survey of the US independent OP dealer channel.

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Save the date 14-16 June 2017The Westin Grand, Berlin

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Post eventPresentationsIf you would like a copy of the PowerPoint presentations, these will be available at www.opi.net/gf2016presentations.Access to these presentations is for Global Forum attendees only. Please use the password GF2016. There will also be information about the speakers should you wish to contact them. FeedbackThere is a questionnaire in your welcome pack that will also be available online after the event. We would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes either during the conference or afterwards to give us your thoughts. A link to the online questionnaire will be emailed to you after the Forum.

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