David Phillips, COO of Paragon’s Customer Communications business line, has become chair of The Printing Charity, and Julia Cole, currently a non-exec strategy consultant for the BPIF, is the new vice chair. They replace Jon Wright and James Povey respectively, who stepped down at the charity’s recent AGM having served the maximum tenure in a trustee role, both joining the council in 2004.
Phillips has worked at Paragon in various senior operational roles since starting with the organisation in 2006. Promoted in April 2023 to chief operating officer for the Paragon Customer Communications business, he is a keen advocate of developing future talent, and plays a key strategic role within Paragon’s growth and innovation.
Cole has spent her lifetime in printing, starting with Xerox in the 1980s, then at OKI before moving to HP, where she spent 15 years in roles heading up UK marketing, transforming Dscoop EMEA.
The Printing Charity has also appointed three new trustees, who were specifically recruited to bring additional legal, social care and financial expertise to the board.
Catherine Cook is a qualified solicitor with over 26 years’ experience advising on corporate real estate transactions, and until May 2021 was a real estate partner at Clifford Chance LLP.
Sam Hay has worked in health and social care for 30 years and is currently working as head of social care for Mental Health Matters, a national specialist charity supporting young people and adults experiencing mental health challenges.
Si Mathavan is a partner at Johnston Carmichael, part of the Moore Global network, leading on risk assurance and internal audit. He is also involved in ESG and chairs the Risk Advisory working group.
Printing Charity CEO Neil Lovell said: “We at the Charity are incredibly grateful for all the time and energy that Jon and James have given to us, firstly as members of our council and then as chair and vice chair. Their strategic guidance and support over the years have enabled the charity to be there for more people in our industry than ever before, whenever they need us. We owe them both a huge debt of gratitude for their unstinting commitment.
“I’m delighted that David is stepping into the role of chair, and Julia as vice chair in this, her last year as a trustee. Both bring extensive knowledge and understanding of the print industry and the people who work within it, which will help us increase our ability to provide the best possible support and services to those who need it.
“We are fortunate to have recruited three exceptional new trustees, Catherine, Sam and Si, who add crucial insight and experience in various key disciplines to our already strong trustee board. As we look to the future, the additional legal, financial and welfare skills they bring will ensure effective oversight of the charity’s broad activities, and assist in the successful development of future services. I’m very much looking forward to working together to continue to grow the charity’s reach and impact as we prepare to celebrate our 200th year in 2027.”
