Jackson, MI—Following the October 18 resignation of Ted Fox as executive director of PMA (Photo Marketing Association), to pursue opportunities outside of the photo-imaging industry, the association’s board announced the appointment of industry veteran Jim Esp to the position of executive director.
“Our industry is constantly changing,” said Brian Wood, international president, PMA “We need somebody at the helm with strong leadership qualities and an in-depth understanding of the needs of our members. Nobody knows this industry better than Jim or has a stronger willingness to deal with the constant shift in the paradigms where manufacturing and distribution meet retail.”
Esp, who had been named PMA’s interim director when Fox resigned, has been involved in the photographic industry for more than 30 years. During the last decade, as part of the PMA senior management, the majority of his time was spent working with the overseas markets to help develop some of the most successful PMA conventions and associations in Australia, Canada and Latin America.
Prior to PMA, his photofinishing and marketing experience was in the retail drugstore industry, including holding the positions of director of Photo Services at Eckerd Drug Stores , director at Genovese Drug Stores, and national product manager at American Stores Company, Inc.
“Right off the bat we need to focus on making PMA@CES 2012 an outstanding show,” said Esp. “We have all the right ingredients in place. Exhibit space is nearly sold out, but that’s only in the short term.
“Nothing could be more important than working to develop new educational and support programs for our 10,000 worldwide members,” he added. “Included in this effort is a stronger mission statement and better communication systems between all key industry executives in manufacturing, distribution and retail.” pmai.org
