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The Gift Awards 2008 Head Judges’ Bios
David Bateman
CEO, Soudan Lane Pty Ltd
David established Soudan Lane in 1987 as a Strategic Brand Communication company, specialising in product and Brand innovation. Recent projects have included the global development of the Gourmet Garden Herb & Spice brand, and the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IronMan Series.
Prior to the establishment of Soudan Lane, he held senior management positions with J Walter Thompson in Sydney, Toronto and Kuala Lumpur. His global client experience includes Kellogg’s, Nestle, Unilever, Pepsi, R J Reynolds, Labatts and Malaysian Airline System.
Dora Papas
Deputy Editor and Decorating Editor, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Dora is the Deputy Editor and Decorating Editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, which is the largest-selling title in the Australian homemaker category.
Her career in publishing began in 1993, when she worked as a Craft Editor for Better Homes and Gardens. In 1996 until 2001 she worked on Family Circle magazine as the Decorating and Craft Editor. In 1998 Family Circle launched FCTV, a daytime television show, shot on location at the magazine. Dora appeared as a regular presenter on FCTV. Dora went on to edit and launch a series of special-interest publications before returning to Better Homes and Gardens in June, 2002.
Kate Perkins
Buying Expert, Buying Management Consulting, Sydney
With almost 20 years retail and wholesale buying experience, including senior roles with former Grace Bros., Big W and for the past 8 years heading up buying teams with the Freedom Group, Kate shares her thoughts on what it takes to catch the eye and dollar of retail buyers through effective communication, range construction, price and margin mixing, and trade show presentation. Kate is a great example of a senior professional managing work-life balance, who as a mother of 2 young children is taking a break from full time corporate life and using her extensive product and sourcing experience to consult to wholesale and retail businesses on trend forecasting, product development, global sourcing and merchandise management.
Vanessa Colyer Tay
Style Editor, Inside Out Magazine
Paintbrush and pin-cushion in hand one minute, the latest design piece the next, Style Editor for Inside Out magazine, Vanessa Colyer Tay is always one step ahead of the trends. Vanessa started her creative career in fashion and beauty where she developed an eye for style. A stint in advertising was the catalyst for a change in direction, Vanessa switching to Interior Decoration and studying at Enmore Design Centre. Working as an Assistant Stylist in magazines gave her a taste for the glossies and upon graduation Vanessa set up her own company splitting her time between freelance magazine styling for some of Australia's best lifestyle magazines, and consulting as a decorator. Prior to her current position at Inside Out Magazine, Vanessa was Senior Stylist at Australian Home Beautiful Magazine.
Candice Deale
Senior Homewares buyer for Freedom Specialty Group
Having trained as a Textile Designer followed by a 5 year role as buyer and design manager for South Africa’s listed retail brand, Mr Price, Candice moved to Australia 6 years ago. With an overall 11 years combined experience in retail, trend forecasting, designing and product development, Candice has spent the past three years travelling extensively as the senior Homewares buyer within Freedom, focusing on trend forecasting and product development of the soft furninshings category.
Betina Reid
Senior Export Adviser, Austrade
Betina Reid is currently a Senior Export Adviser with Austrade working closely with exporters wishing to enter or expand into new markets. She is responsible for assisting companies producing consumer products such as cosmetics and personal care, gifts, pet products, gemstones and jewellery.
Nikki Donald
Education Manager, International School of Colour and Design
Nikki Donald is currently Education Manager for the International School of Colour and Design’s Foundation Course and teaches CIV in design. Nikki has almost a decade of experience in graphic design, including five years with Cable & Wireless Optus, and has just returned from 18 months in New York studying arts. She is also currently studying art / design history and educational psychology at UNSW.