Criterion Founder Takes Over as Group Chief Exec

Media Release
20 August 2007

Criterion Founder Takes Over as Group Chief Executive

Brian Smaill has assumed the role of Chief Executive of Criterion Group, replacing Laurie Margrain who has stepped down to spend more time on other business interests.

Brian, along with brother Wally, founded Criterion more than 40 years ago, which has grown to become the Australasian market leader in flat panel computer/office, entertainment, home and kitchen furniture.

Mr Margrain, who was appointed CEO in 1999, will retain strong links with the company as a non-executive director, Criterion board member and board member of the EMA and the Manufacturers’ Policy Forum.

“This is a significant exporting business that has traded through a very difficult period for manufacturing exporters,” he says. “I remain committed to contributing to the continued success of the business and look forward to providing the support required that also allows me to pursue my other business interests.”

Mr Smaill says Criterion “would not be where it is today, with a strong presence in the Australian, USA and other offshore markets, without Laurie’s considerable business acumen and contacts. He has also helped put in place a robust financial model that will see us through this trying period.”

Criterion co-founder Walter Smaill assumes the role of Director of Manufacturing.

Criterion’s highly automated East Tamaki manufacturing plant has the capacity to produce up to 2000 units of furniture per day, with around 70% of total production going offshore. It is also the first furniture manufacturer in New Zealand to attain the Enviro-Mark NZ Platinum Standard.

ENDS

© Scoop Media