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Argyrou leaves, big shoes to fill
Aggie’ Argyrou has retired as SAPMA chairperson after leading the association for the past three years, which produced unprecedented challenges for the industry and the entire South African business sector.
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APMA entered Argyrou’s life when, at an AGM 11 years ago, he was elected to the SAPMA executive committee. At the same AGM, the Warrior Paints financial director was elected vice-chairman and he remained in that office until 2018 when he replaced Terry Ashmore as chairman. Aggie reflected on his association with SAPMA after announcing his retirement at the 2021 AGM: “Deryck Spence was appointed by SAPMA as executive director shortly after Terry and I were elected to our offices. Deryck, who retired at the beginning of last year, played an important part at SAPMA, introducing significant changes to the way meetings were conducted and bringing many fresh ideas to take the organisation forward. So, SAPMA substantially increased its membership of paint manufacturers and suppliers through the sterling work of Derryck and his assistant at the time, Mandy Linossi. “Now, after serving three years as chairperson, I feel it is time to retire and step down so that a younger person, with new ideas, could take over and help grow SAPMA. “Over the years, I have learnt much about the coatings industry and met many interesting and authoritative people and executives not only from South Africa, but also outside our borders. Deryck Spence, Sanjeev Bhatt, Mandy Linossi, and Tara Benn on our MANCO, were strong supporters and the chairman of the British Coatings Federation, Tom Bowtell, was helpful in sharing UK and European developments and trends with SAPMA. He also made the BCF coatings training courses available to SAPMA. “I believe that the concept of forming a professional body for the industry
is a positive way forward and the younger and energetic MANCO, Tara, Sanjeev and Stephen Reynecke will keep our members updated with new developments. SAPMA’s experienced consultant, Ivor Blumenthal, will also be involved in keeping the industry updated with labour and organisational issues. “I am sad to leave after so many years and will miss meeting with the members,
Aggie Argyrou
9 | Coatings SA
but know that I have left the association in capable hands,” Aggie added. The two co-vice chairpersons of SAPMA, Sanjeev Bhatt and Stephen Reinecke, paid tribute to Aggie’s input to the association. “Aggie is a man of few words, but they are always wise ones. Solid as a rock ethics and integrity. A true leader who led by example. Definitely a rare species in today’s world. We salute you!” stated Sanjeev Bhatt. Stephen added: “It is rare that one finds man who commits his time unconditionally, offering many years to our organisation and leading SAPMA for the last few. Aggie is a man of absolute integrity, and we appreciate the relentless efforts and time he committed to SAPMA.” “Aggie, thank you so much for all your time and commitment you have given to SAPMA over the years. Your dedication to the Association has not gone unnoticed and is appreciated by not only myself, but all the members of SAPMA,” said Tara Benn, SAPMA’s executive director. c
