The Printing Charity appoints Phillips as new chair

The Printing Charity has appointed a new chair, vice-chair and trustees following its 2023 Annual General Meeting.

David Phillips, c.o.o. of Paragon’s Customer Communications business line, has been named chair following Jon Wright’s decade-long tenure in the role. Julia Cole, a non-exec strategy consultant for the British Printing Industry Federation (BPIF), has been named vice chair, taking over from James Povey. Wright and Povey served the maximum tenure in a trustee role, both joining the council in 2004.

The Printing Charity has also appointed three new trustees, who were specifically recruited to bring additional legal, social care and financial expertise to the board.

Catherine Cook is a qualified solicitor admitted in England, Wales and Scotland. She has over 26 years’ experience advising on corporate real estate transactions, and until May 2021 was a real estate partner at Clifford Chance LLP.

Sam Hay has worked in health and social care for 30 years, starting as a social worker and then moving into senior management positions in strategic commissioning, business development and operational delivery. He is currently working as head of social care for Mental Health Matters. Si Mathavan is currently a partner at Johnston Carmichael, part of the Moore Global network, leading on risk assurance and internal audit. He is also involved in ESG and chairs the Risk Advisory working group for the international firm.

Printing Charity c.e.o. Neil Lovell said: “We at the charity are grateful for all the time and energy that Jon and James have given to us, firstly as members of our council and then as chair and vice-chair. Their strategic guidance and support over the years have enabled the charity to be there for more people in our industry than ever before, whenever they need us. We owe them both a huge debt of gratitude for their unstinting commitment.

“I’m delighted that David is stepping into the role of chair, and Julia as vice-chair in this, her last year as a trustee. Both bring extensive knowledge and understanding of the print industry and the people who work within it, which will help us increase our ability to provide the best possible support and services to those who need it.

“We are fortunate to have recruited three exceptional new trustees, Catherine, Sam and Si, who add crucial insight and experience in various key disciplines to our already strong trustee board. As we look to the future, the additional legal, financial and welfare skills they bring will ensure effective oversight of the charity’s broad activities, and assist in the successful development of future services.

"I’m very much looking forward to working together to continue to grow the charity’s reach and impact as we prepare to celebrate our 200th year in 2027.”