Mark Chatterton, managing director of Morplan, has been voted as the new president of the Shop and Display Equipment Association (DDEA). Graphica Display’s production director Rob Hill has been elected as vice president.
The SDEA held its 75th AGM on 25 May, where SDEA members logged into the virtual meeting to hear about the work the association has been undertaking over the past year, including the upcoming Creative Retail Awards in September.
The new president opened his report by saying: “As I take up the presidency of the SDEA I look forward with a degree of optimism as retailers find their feet again and look forward with confidence to the years ahead.” He spoke about the fleetness of foot of the association and its members ability to support retailers who consistently look to re-imagine their customer offering, keeping themselves relevant, and above all interesting.
The president closed his report with a positive sentiment: “I firmly believe that this year will be a good one for our industry, and I look forward to the SDEA being the voice of our industry in as many forums as we are able to push it. I don’t think there is a better time to be a member of the association, providing reassurance to those retailers who are leading the revival that they are dealing with credible partners as we all strive to bounce back from the last two years.”
Mark had held the position of vice president of the association for the previous two years. The new vice president, Rob Hill, says: “I am very happy to accept the position of vice president and many thanks to Paul Smart for his service as president over what has been a very difficult past couple of years. We hope to expand the membership base of the SDEA and, along with the new president Mark Chatterton, I am really looking forward to the great return to the high street and prosperity for all our clients and fellow SDEA members.”
Paul Smart, business development director at arken P-O-P International becomes immediate past president. In his two years as president, Paul was instrumental in advancing the association’s technological services including overseeing the SDEA App and Creative Virtual Showcases.
Simon Olley, managing director of Stylo, joined the executive council this year. The executive council will work together over the coming months bringing fresh ideas and inspiration, securing the future growth of this highly innovative organisation.
