By Deborah Jackson, editor National Liquor News
Carla Bridge has been named as the new General Manager of POPAI, succeeding outgoing General Manager Lee McClymont from 3 October.
McClymont will remain with the Association, stepping up to a role on the POPAI Board of Directors, in addition to her new role as ANZ Marketing Manager for Valspar Australia.
Bridge brings almost 15 years of retail industry leadership to the role, most recently as Head of Media and Communications at the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), and as former Managing Editor of Inside Retail.
She told TheShout that this is an exciting time to join POPAI and she is looking forward to the challenge.
“POPAI has gone through a successful process of transition and strengthening under Lee McClymont. I’ve watched the business mature for number of years now, and I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the strong foundations left by Lee, to offer more relevant and expanded benefits for our members, sponsors and partners,” said Bridge.
POPAI Chairman, Janet Bailey, says Bridge will be a key asset to the continuing evolution of POPAI as the Australian home of retail marketing and shopper experience.
“POPAI has undergone significant change, as has the whole of retail. As an industry body, we now represent end-to-end retail marketing and experience, wherever that experience may be – in-store, online, or at any touchpoint, anywhere.
“Carla has a unique perspective on this evolution. In her previous roles at the Australian Retailers Association and Inside Retail, she has been commentating on these trends for many years.
“Our membership will benefit greatly from her passion for sharing global and Australian best practice through online industry intelligence, events, awards, education, and networking.
“We sincerely thank Lee for the strong leadership and passion she has shown during her tenure as General Manager. In collaboration with the Board, Lee has completely modernised the Association’s operations and industry voice, and we look forward to her continued contribution on the Board of Directors,” says Bailey.
“The work of POPAI is growing and evolving, with our thought leadership in the areas of retail experience and shopper marketing. In 2017 we will deliver more than ever to our members and the industry.”
“We sincerely thank our leadership team and the entire Board of Directors for their ongoing commitment to supporting industry growth.”