MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release: 17 November 2014
Omer Soker has been appointed CEO of the Australian Gift & Homewares Association (AGHA), after serving as Executive General Manager reporting to the board since December 2013.

“Soker has engaged strongly with the Membership and re-set the focus of the organisation in accord with the board’s wishes,” AGHA President Nigel Kirby said.

In his first year running the industry association which has 2,500 Members and a turnover of $8 million, Soker has restructured the Member services department, launched a new online resource to link local wholesalers and retailers, acquired Fashion Exposed to diversify the organisation into new segments, engaged government departments to provide industry support and begun work on reforming the Constitution.

Australian wholesalers and retailers need much more support to compete effectively in an industry facing structural threats, global disintermediation and cyclical challenges, Soker said.

“The AGHA has a huge role to play in providing the optimum commercial environment for these companies to succeed, and in leading the long term development of the gift and homewares industry.”

Media Enquiries:
Paris Dennett- Marketing Manager
02 9763 3225
paris@agha.com.au

ABOUT AUSTRALIAN GIFT & HOMEWARES ASSOCIATION (AGHA)
Australian Gift & Homewares Association (AGHA) is the leading industry body representing the gift and homewares industry in Australia with origins dating back to 1977. Based in Homebush, Sydney, the not-for-profit organisation is dedicated to serving its Membership base through the provision of discounted industry services, commercial and political lobbying as well as two annual Home & Giving Fair and FASHION EXPOSED REVIVED exhibitions held in Sydney and Melbourne. Find further information at agha.com.au.