The Australian Gift and Homewares Association (AGHA) has appointed Omer Soker as CEO after serving as executive GM since December 2013.
AGHA president, Nigel Kirby, said Soker has engaged strongly with the membership and reset the focus of the organisation in accord with the board’s wishes.
In his first year running the industry association which has 2500 members and a turnover of $8 million, Soker has restructured the member services department, launched a new online resource to link local wholesalers and retailers, acquired Fashion Exposed to diversify the organisation into new segments, engaged government departments to provide industry support, and begun work on reforming the Constitution.
Australian wholesalers and retailers need much more support to compete effectively in an industry facing structural threats, global disintermediation and cyclical challenges, Soker said.
“The AGHA has a huge role to play in providing the optimum commercial environment for these companies to succeed, and in leading the long term development of the gift and homewares industry.”
The AGHA is a not for profit organisation that dates back to 1977. Based in Homebush it serves its members through the provision of discounted industry services, commercial, and political lobbying, as well as two annual Home and Giving Fair and Fashion Exposed Revived exhibitions held in Sydney and Melbourne.
