Bottcher Australia chief executive Mitchell Mulligan has handed over the presidency of Visual Connections - the graphic arts vendors' group formed from the merger of GAMAA and VISA - to Roland DG's John Wall.

The handover was agreed at last year's merger of the Graphic Arts Merchants Association of Australia and the Visual Industries Suppliers Association.

Mulligan was previously president of GAMAA, and Wall - who is president and director of wideformat printer maker Roland DG Australia - is the former Visual Industries vice-president.

Apart from two trade shows focussed on digital print, the new group has continued its investment into the industry through shared management of Women in Print, investment in education through the Work Inspirations programme and grants and sponsorships including the $15,000 graduate of the year award (with LIA), which sent winner Jessica McAuley to DRUPA in June.

Mitchell Mulligan says it has been a rewarding year: "We are proud that Visual Connections has united major suppliers across the print, graphic and signage industries and continued to contribute to the sustainability of the industry".