Former dairy farmer to succeed highly respected managing director.

 

Kevin Obern, managing director of OfficeMax (New Zealand) has announced his retirement, stepping down at the end of March after 13 years at the helm.

 

Obern (pictured right) will be succeeded by Adrian Blake, previously general manager of Fletcher Steel, a leading importer, distributor and processor of steel  products.

 

Starting out in dairy farming, Blake’s career has progressed through commercial, category and sales roles at Suntory Oceania, Mondelez International and most recently at Fletcher Steel. 

 

Blake has been working at OfficeMax since mid-January and said: “This is a business that has built strong customer relationships by adapting to change. With a clear sector focus, we’ll build on that momentum, shaping solutions around customer needs and delivering sustainable growth,” Blake said.

 

Obern has spent more than 18 years with OfficeMax in two spells as managing director, having taken up the most recent role in 2012.

 

In a LinkedIn post Obern said: “It’s been a privilege to work with such a talented team and incredible customers, suppliers, and partners, especially our owners Platinum Equity (owners of Winc Australia). 

 

Over the last decade, we’ve delivered industry-leading customer experience showrooms, expanded our distribution centre footprint, introduced transformative box-making technology, and equipped our Auckland DC team with high-tech wearable scanning devices. 

 

We’ve also navigated Covid and a deep recession during that time. Throughout it all, we’ve maintained an “always on” sustainability focus to support the transition to a low-emissions and inclusive future for all.”

 

News of Obern’s retirement generated an online flood of well-wishes from colleagues, customers and business associates.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: OPI