Paperlinx supremo Andrew Price has hired Heidelberg Australia’s former boss to help continue transforming the company.
Andy Vels Jensen has joined Paperlinx as a consultant based out of his native Denmark. He returned to the country in late 2012 after 11 years in Australia.
Price told ProPrint that he targeted Vels Jensen because of his "broad international industry experience and his ability to think strategically about the industry".
"Andy will bring to Paperlinx a fresh thought process and a different view of the industry," said Price.
"For such a strategic and forward-thinking role I wanted someone who definitely was not from the paper business and had a deep understanding of the industry."
Price said Vels Jensen would help prepare a strategic plan for Paperlinx's Visual Technology Solutions business.
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"His general management experience will also ensure that the plan is not 'pie in the sky', but is real and within reach of Paperlinx and our capabilities."
Vels Jensen said he had been impressed by the transformation Price has led since Price joined Paperlinx in September 2012. The new leadership team cut a $266.7 million loss for 2011-12 to a $90.2 million loss for 2012-13.
"Andrew has already made a huge difference in Paperlinx, and after meeting up with him here in Copenhagen, I was happy to help out where needed and where I can add value," said Vels Jensen.
"Paperlinx is in the same position as many others within the industry; dealing with change and transformation, having to adjust to a new norm, but managed well, the opportunities to increase company value are many and very exciting."
[Related: Vels Jensen's famous awards speech]
Vels Jensen told ProPrint he had been offered Europe- and Asia-based industry roles since returning to Denmark, but had mostly kept himself busy with non-print roles.
"I've been taking on some smaller board positions to get a feel for possible new opportunities and industries, but the Paperlinx opportunity was interesting [and] keeps me engaged with Australian business and the trade, for which I am grateful."
Vels Jensen said he retained a deep affection for Australia and had been exploring business opportunities between Scandinavia and Australia.
"What I miss the most, except for a regular dose of rugby and AFL, is without any doubt the regular face-to-face contact with my good old friends and clients in Australia and New Zealand," he told ProPrint.
"I remain in contact with many individuals and some I have seen here in Copenhagen over our summer and others I will hopefully see next year when we plan to spend holidays in Australia and New Zealand."
[Related: Ups and downs of Paperlinx]
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