AUSTRALIA: Jands has appointed Geoff Smith as CEO following 24 years with the distributor, with the appointment confirmed by the Jands board and announced by Chairman and Founder Paul Mulholland.

Smith takes on the role after holding a succession of senior positions across the business, including more than five years as chief operating officer, where he was responsible for strategy, people, operations and supply. His previous roles also include general manager of distribution, alongside leadership positions spanning marketing and business development.

His extensive experience across the business has given Smith a broad understanding of Jands’ operations and its relationships with brand partners and customers. Over his 24-year tenure, he has also built extensive relationships across the professional AV, entertainment and installation sectors in Australia and New Zealand.

Mulholland said Smith’s 24 years with Jands had played a significant role in building the company into its current position. His understanding of the company’s brands, partners and people, combined with his proven leadership record, had given the board complete confidence in his ability to lead Jands into its next chapter.

For Smith, the appointment represents an opportunity to build on Jands’ established position while maintaining the company’s core focus. He views his role as leading a business he cares deeply about and continuing Jands’ longstanding commitment to bringing leading global brands to Australia and New Zealand, backed by strong local support. With 55 years of trust behind the company, Smith’s focus will be on maintaining that foundation while continuing to deliver for partners and customers as the industry evolves.

Jands has confirmed that the leadership transition will not change how partners and customers engage with the business. The company’s team, brand portfolio and market support will continue as normal under Smith’s leadership.