During his eight years as chief executive of the PPMA,? member numbers have risen to more than 400 through mergers with a number of related trade associations. The last year has been marked by his leading the PPMA out of the joint venture with Reed Exhibitions that ran the PPMA and Total shows; the PPMA will now go it alone as of 2014.
New pastures
Speaking to Packaging News, Buxton said: "I spent eight very good and productive years at the PPMA and I shall miss the members, the staff and the board, all of whom I have a very high opinion.? The PPMA (now the PPMA Group), is a strong and very credible organisation well equipped to represent the very best interests of its members.? I believe that both the Association and the industries that it represents have a very bright future and I hope that my contribution has made a positive difference.
"To this extent, I feel that if I am to make a move to new pastures, now would be the time to do so, secure in the knowledge that the PPMA is in a strong and stable position.? I also feel that it is an opportune and appropriate time to introduce new blood into the role of chief executive in order that a fresh mind can work with the PPMA Board and the staff in taking the organisation to the next stage in its development.? I look forward to seeing how it evolves as I know that under the guidance of the current board of directors (and no doubt those in the future, it will go from strength to strength."
A nuclear physicist by training, Buxton joined the PPMA in 2005 after working with firms such as BAE Systems and Taylor Woodrow. Buxton left the PPMA on 3 July. A PPMA spokesman said that he left for personal reasons.
'Long career horizon'
Speaking about his future, Buxton told PN: "At a personal level, I very much enjoyed representing all of the members across each of the four associations that now make up the group and I anticipate that I shall remain in the trade association world.
"Having said that, over my career I have spent many years in commercial roles for private industry and also a period of time in the public sector at the Cabinet Office so I keep an open mind!? Wherever I find myself it will almost certainly be fighting the corner for British industry!? I still have lots of commitment and energy and a good long career horizon to offer my next employer!"
He also said he was open to working within the public sector on "the business side of things", especially involving business, innovation and skills.
Commenting on his decision to leave the organisation, friend and IoPP UK director Kevin Vyse said: "I was shocked and disappointed when I was told that Chris was leaving PPMA. A real industry figurehead, a true gentleman and someone I have enjoyed working with."
Advice
Asked on what advice he could give to the packaging industry going forward, Buxton said: "I would say that with the fall from grace of the financial sector, UK government has recognised that the manufacturing and associated supply sector is a much needed life-boat for the UK economy.? If ever there was a day for our sector (and related industries), it is now.? When we put our minds to it, UK companies can compete with the best of any other country and we set the standard when it comes to innovation.? We shouldn't be too hard on the banks.
"We also need a strong financial sector to support our own efforts both domestically and particularly in export so the work that PPMA now does in engaging with the British Bankers Association is of great value and has done much to address the concerns of members.
"The other thought that I would leave would be to encourage members to invest in their young staff and train them appropriately.? They are our future and it is evident that the government don't have the resources or the funds to meet this requirement alone.
"God does indeed help those who help themselves and there are a variety of government initiatives to help fund such 'self-help' initiatives. I wish all of those in our industry only the very best of luck!"
