bpma Strengthens Board
The bpma has appointed 3 new board directors, Alex Turner, Chris Lee and Debbie Willsmer. The bpma now representing almost £300m worth of member turnover has increased its profile hugely over the last few years and supported a number of key initiatives.
Neal Beagles, Chairman of the bpma commented on the new appointments “ I am delighted that our existing strong team will be supported by well known and experienced individuals that share our passion for moving the industry forwards”
Alex Turner
Alex Turner – Listawood
Alex Turner is Managing Director of the award winning, UK Manufacturer Listawood. He has overall responsibility for the company’s 150 members of staff at their Norfolk based, 70,000 square foot production facility. With expertise of UK and continental European markets, Alex has over 17 years of hands on manufacturing and industry experience. Alex completed an MBA course in 2005, giving him a wider business acumen which, together with his operational and marketing expertise, he looks forward to bringing to the board.
Whats your view of the bpma ?
“I have decided to join the bpma board as I am passionate about the industry and hope to help them with their on-going efforts to develop the market for everyone in it. I feel that the bpma is raising the profile of promotional merchandise as an advertising medium and admire the bpma’s dedication to developing the skills of people entering the industry.“
Chris Lee
Chris Lee – Brand Addition
Chris became the CEO of Brand Addition in 2008, overseeing the business’s growth into one of the largest Distributors in the industry and led the MBO from 4imprint Group plc in March 2012. Previously to this, Chris held a number of senior financial and operational roles within the European business at 4imprint after joining as a qualified accountant from Ernst & Young.
Whats your view of the bpma ?
“The bpma represents a vibrant, energetic industry that Brand Addition is proud to be part of. We believe it is important for Brand Addition to support the whole industry through its representation on the bpma and back the bpma initiatives for overall industry growth and ethical business practices.”
Debbie Willsmer
Debbie Willsmer -Willsmer Wagg
Willsmer Wagg was incorporated in 1999 and is wholly owned by Debbie Willsmer. She specialises in working with large Plc. companies becoming a preferred supplier and managing all areas of promotional merchandise and corporate branding.
Debbie’s background is in the retail sector working with High Street Names delivering branded costume jewellery and fashion accessories in the form of concessions or own buy. She worked with designers and store buyers producing ranges from concept to procurement. For the past 25 years Debbie has worked in the promotional merchandise industry and her passion is sourcing products that are outside of the box and involve creative thinking.
Whats your view of the bpma ?
I have been hugely impressed with the way the bpma has progressed particularly over the last few years. I am delighted to be invited onto the board and to help support the launch of the new education programme.
