Zipform Packaging CEO John Bigley will retire at the beginning of October, bringing to a close a long career spanning metal and fibre packaging, industry leadership and manufacturing innovation. Wayne Purcell has been appointed as his successor.
Bigley has led Zipform Packaging since joining the company in 2018, following his role as managing director of Jamestrong Packaging. During his eight years as CEO, he has guided the fibre packaging business through Covid-related disruption and other market challenges while overseeing significant growth in volumes of its kerbside recyclable packaging.
His tenure has also included the development of Zipform’s manufacturing base in Melbourne, which showcases the company’s linear-formed fibre technology, and the introduction of new business processes to support its growth.
“John is the epitome of professionalism and has been a pleasure to work with,” said David Edwards, founder and chair of Zipform Group.
Since 2021, Zipform has received nine Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards and three WorldStar Packaging Awards. Recent developments include the PapeR Bottle and a dry-moulded fibre meat tray.
The company has also maintained a strong presence across industry organisations and collaborative initiatives. It has participated in several Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation committees, engaged with the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre and supported Australian Institute of Packaging initiatives. Zipform is also a founding member of the recently established Australian Paper-Based Packaging Alliance.
Bigley recently completed a three-year term as president of the Australasian Institute of Packaging, where he was instrumental in reframing its strategic direction.
His packaging career began as a service engineer troubleshooting metal can-making machinery around the world. Reflecting on the four decades since, Bigley said leading Zipform had been the most enjoyable period of his career.
“I have learnt so much from my team, who I thank enormously for their hard work and support,” he said. “I would especially like to thank David Edwards and Simon Backhouse from Zipform for their unwavering support for what we want to achieve with the business.”
Bigley and his wife, Conchita, moved from the UK to Australia in 2011 on what was initially intended to be a three-year contract.
“We fell in love with Australia, and the Australian packaging industry became family,” he said. “Fifteen years on, and now approaching 63, I look forward to a long retirement based here, with regular trips to the UK to see our ever-expanding family.”
Incoming CEO Wayne Purcell brings more than 38 years of experience in senior operational and commercial roles across the Australasian packaging industry. He spent the past 16 years with Pact Group, most recently working in a group commercial and strategy role.
