By Craig Zammit

SYDNEY: Woodland Home Products marketing manager, Chris De Florac, has announced he is set to resign from the company after seven years to pursue his own commercial graphics and marketing consultancy service.

“I am hanging up my hat here at Woodland Home Products and moving on to wear my own hat,” said De Florac.

“I’m starting my own graphics and marketing business called Marketing Resource Professionals. It’s been more of a hobby over the last couple of years but I suppose it’s been part of my ultimate plan to move on with some of my own stuff in life,” he told current.com.au.

“I’ve been here seven years so I think that’s a good run in today’s terms, and there’s a lot of stuff that I’ve covered in the seven years that I’ve been here.

“When I started with the company it was a lot smaller than it is today and there’s been some good times and some bad times. The market is quite competitive, whether its appliances or barbecues, but it was always my plan to get on with my own thing,” he said.

De Florac will officially farewell the company on Friday 22 June, with his replacement yet to be determined.

“It’s still undetermined; they’re only just starting the process of recruitment now. I imagine it’s going to be at least eight weeks.”

Before exiting the business for good, De Florac had a few parting words for the industry he has been a part of for the last 18 years.

“If there’s one parting comment to make, it would be that retailers need to support one of the last standing Australian brands in kitchen appliances.

“The reality is that in the future more products will go offshore, but certainly, at least in regards to St George, we’re one of the last standing Australian brands and retailers should support brands that have been in Australia for many years,” he said.

“In short, it’s been great to work with everyone over the years and I thank each and every one of you for the support, opportunities, help, advice and service you have offered me during my time here. I will miss you all and I wish you every success in the future both in your personal lives as well as your careers.”