By James Wells

MELBOURNE: Kodak Australasia issued a statement this afternoon to announce the sudden departure of country general manager – digital and film imaging systems (DFIS), Bryn Sharp.

According to the statement, Sharp left Kodak yesterday afternoon, and a decision regarding a replacement has not been made at this stage. Sharp, who is based on Sydney’s northern beaches, was traveling to Melbourne each week to work for Kodak.

Sharp was appointed late last year, when Kodak Australia was restructured into a sales and marketing operation following a withdrawal from wholesale film processing and the sale of its company-owned photo processing stores to independent operators.

Three months ago, Sharp replaced Kodak regional sales director – consumer division, South Asia Cluster – Steve Morley. Prior to joining Kodak, Sharp was Camera House chief operating officer and Retravision NSW chief executive officer. He has also held general management roles at Sanyo and Hanimex.

In late May, Kodak Australasia corporate communications and public relations manager, Glenn Campbell, left the company.

“Effective immediately, Greg McKibbin, CEO and Managing Director of Kodak Australasia will assume Country General Manager responsibilities for both Consumer Digital (CDG) and Film Product (FPG) Groups for Australia and New Zealand in addition to his current responsibilities,” the statement said.

Assisting McKibbin is Kodak deputy general manager – Australia and New Zealand, Clyde Rodrigues.

With over 16 years experience with the company, Rodrigues will manage the newly developed CDG and FPG groups which were previously combined under the DFIS banner.

The sudden departure has also surprised the Photo Imaging Council of Australia (PICA), who recently elected Sharp as vice president to replace the newly-elected president, Stuart Poignand.

Poignand, who is also Canon Australia consumer imaging products group – marketing manager, told Current.com.au this afternoon that the PICA board is aware of Sharp’s departure, but a decision has not been made regarding his appointment at this stage.

“PICA is taking this into consideration and will issue a statement in due course,” Poignand said.