FMCG Sales and Marketing Expert Joins Packaging House as National Manager

A senior manager with experience in specialist FMCG marketing and sales leadership has been appointed to head Packaging House, New Zealand’s largest distributor of packaging products nationwide.

John McConnell has taken the role of National Manager for Packaging House, a division of Wesfarmers Industrial and Safety NZ Ltd (WIS NZ). He is responsible for a team of 140 staff, including 40 account managers, across 10 branches nationwide in his new role.

Packaging House distributes more than 20,000 products in the food service, hygiene and industrial packaging sectors - 90% of which are sourced from local supply partners.

John’s management experience in the retail and FMCG sectors with brands such as MySight Optometrists, Speight’s and Mac’s Brew Bars will stand him in good stead at Packaging House, which has a strong customer base in the hospitality sector, including more than 1,000 café clients.

“Packaging House prides itself on better understanding customers’ needs and requirements,” John says. “We lead the market by providing innovative packaging, hygiene and food service solutions, along with national coverage and exceptional customer service.

“My main remit is to continue to strengthen this position and facilitate new commercial opportunities to further improve our ability to meet the needs of our customers. The ongoing success of the business is a testament to our dedicated and passionate staff, who have an average of 5.4 years of knowledge each in the business. Our longest-serving person has been here for more than 20 years.”

The business continues to experience growth despite recessionary pressures, and last year increased its staff base by 8%.

John brings a wealth of relevant senior management experience having held roles with Lion Nathan NZ and Masterfoods Ltd, among others.
 

About Packaging House (PH)
With 10 branches, PH is the largest distributor of industrial packaging, food service and hygiene products in New Zealand. Offering the widest range of products, depth of expertise and full national coverage, the PH philosophy is to deliver individual local customer solutions via the building of successful partnerships with suppliers and customers. Specific areas of product and service expertise include:
• Industrial film and machinery
• Tapes, adhesives strapping and cordage related machinery
• Cases, boxes, board, paper and bags
• Bubble and foam protective products
• Food service products
• Retail packaging
• Hygiene janitorial and chemical products
• Canteen supplies