Fujifilm has promoted Ashley Playford to national sales manager of its ANZ graphic systems division.

He was previously NSW Account Manager, and his advancement follows previous incumbent Paul Budgen moving across to Fuji Xerox Australia, which is a related entity to Fujifilm.

The company says his excellent technical credentials complement sales and management skills. Prior to joining Fujifilm in 2014, he ran the digital print and prepress department at Sony DADC and is an experienced Mac operator, graphic and POP designer. He served his apprenticeship at UK printer GI Direct and Leicester College and passed his City & Guilds in Printing & Graphic Communications. He also holds a Diploma in Management from TAFE and has completed a Leadership Essentials course with the Australian Institute of Management.

Playford says he believes Fujifilm has the most comprehensive portfolio of graphic arts products and services in the industry: "We cover offset litho workflow, flexo, wide and superwide format digital, inks plates and other consumables. Innovation is key to any businesses success while respecting established procedures and methods."

Acting divisional manager for graphic systems Warren Hinder says Playford "performed very well" since moving from a production role and into sales: "Obviously, his technical experience is appreciated by customers and I am confident he will enjoy even greater success in this national sales managership role."