David Edwards has succeeded David Worley as chief executive of PlaceMakers. Previously general manager operations of the laminates and panels division in Australia, Mr Edwards is looking forward to the challenges his new role will bring.
“PlaceMakers is a great business with the potential for even greater success,” Mr Edwards, 46, says. “It’s an iconic brand with a winning business proposition and plenty of scope for future growth,” he says.
Mr Edwards has a broad and successful business background, including more than 20 years’ major-chain retail experience with the Coles Myer Group.
He accepted the role of general manager – sales and marketing within The Laminex Group in 1999, before assuming responsibilities for manufacturing, procurement and planning throughout the laminates and panels division.
He is attracted to the diversity of the building industry and the quality of the relationships that he’s been able to form throughout the industry. “The PlaceMakers role gives me an opportunity to return to a trade/retail environment and the chance to work with a group of motivated and passionate people.
“I have spent some time travelling throughout New Zealand, meeting some of our JV operators and customers. I have been impressed by what I have seen so far and am really looking forward to my time here.
” While David is a big fan of New Zealand, his sporting loyalties lie firmly in his native Australia. “I love most sports and support any team in an Australian jersey — win or lose.” He describes his own DIY skills as “rudimentary implemented with great enthusiasm!”
