Business News

Thu Jun 7

Quinton Hildebrand new Ingham’s CEO

Written by Media Release

The Chairman of Inghams Group Limited [ASX: ING, Ingham’s], Peter Bush, today announced that after four years of leading Ingham’s, Chief Executive Officer Mick McMahon would be leaving the company, stepping down from the role after the Company’s annual results in August 2018. Mr McMahon will be available to the end of the calendar year to assist with an orderly leadership transition.

A domestic and international executive search process has commenced and it is expected there will be internal candidates for the role.

Quinton Hildebrand, currently Ingham’s Chief Commercial Officer, will be appointed acting CEO effective August 2018 and will remain in the role during the search process. Amongst other roles, Quinton was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Sugar.

Mr Bush said "We thank Mick for his years of meaningful leadership and service to Ingham’s, in particular taking the iconic Australian company on the complex journey through private ownership, through a successful IPO and implementing Project Accelerate, a strategy to make the company more efficient and competitive. His remarkable results speak for themselves.

"Quinton is well respected in the business and, having led key parts of the company, is well prepared to step up when Mick leaves the business."

Mr McMahon said "As we started work on preparing the next 3-5 year strategy, it was the moment for me to make a decision about whether I wanted to commit for the years ahead. After four years of intense focus and commitment to the company, its employees and shareholders, it was clear to me that now was the time to begin the search for the new chief executive officer. Advising the Board of my decision now facilitates an orderly leadership transition and allows business as usual operations during the executive search.

"I will leave Ingham’s at the end of the year with my best wishes for its continued success."

About Quinton Hildebrand

Quinton joined Ingham’s in November 2015 as Operations Excellence Director and was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in March 2017. Quinton brings 23 years’ commercial experience in manufacturing operations, commodity trading and marketing, and grower relations from South Africa, Europe and Australia. Prior to joining Ingham’s Quinton was CEO of Mackay Sugar.

Wed Jun 6

Eyewear now one of the fastest growing online shopping sectors in Australia

Written by Tess Sanders Lazarus

Australian owned website Optically.com.au is shaking up the eyewear market and making waves overseas.

Anand Keswani, founder and director of Optically, today said, “the world over, we want to make the process of buying prescription glasses easy and simple.

“Everyday, we focus on using technology brilliantly to achieve this.”

Optically began when Anand Keswani snapped his glasses while studying in the UK and realised just how expensive prescription pairs were. Surviving with taped together glasses for months, Anand poured his money and time into creating Optically.

“Optically.com.au has some unique differences that make it a leader in this field,” Anand Keswani added.

“We offer the largest range of prescription glasses and sunglasses online. Customers can use our cutting edge virtual mirror technology to try on glasses at home, and we also offer a trial of up to four pairs at a time so customers can try on glasses at home.

“We offer a 100% money back guarantee, if customers don’t like their glasses. We also offer 24 hour dispatches on a range of complete pairs in several locations across the globe.”

Customers can get a complete pair of glasses, including prescription lenses, for just $29.

Brands offered on the site range from affordable, high quality frames to designer brands including Lacoste, Guess, Safilo, Fendy, Jimmy Choo and many more.

Anand Keswani says, “customers can enter or upload their prescription online. They can even just take a picture using their smartphone and email it to us. This simplifies the ordering process.”

From humble beginnings in Australia, Optically has now expanded across the globe, with operations in New Zealand, the UK, the USA, and Canada.

Partnerships with global manufacturers have allowed Optically to locally source prescription lenses, allowing fast dispatch wherever a customer is.

“By listening to customer feedback and acting on it, we maintain a high level of quality service and continually improve our business,” Anand Keswani said.

“Over the years, I have learnt that growth is achieved by focusing on three main aspects: customer satisfaction, customer satisfaction; and customer satisfaction!”