Number 2: HARRY DEBNEY
After holding a number of technical and management positions in the horticultural industry, Harry Debney joined Visy in 1983 as Sales Manager — Fruit & Produce. Harry became general manager of Visy Board Australasia in 1996, where he was instrumental in developing market share, cost reduction efforts, innovation skills and building a culture of continuous improvement.
Harry has been the chief executive officer of Visy since December 1999, assuming overall responsibility for all Visy packaging, recycling and paper divisions, while overseeing a major growth phase which has strengthened the company’s traditional fibre packaging base and broadened activities across primary packaging for food and beverages.
When Visy formally acquired Southcorp’s Packaging Australasian operations in 2001, Harry led the integration program and undertook responsibility for the new division.
He also oversaw the establishment of the Visy Technical Centre in 1998 and continues to sponsor innovation and automation work across the business.
Harry is a member of the Business Council of Australia and its Sustainable Growth Task Force.
He is a former Chairman of the Packaging Council of Australia, and continues as a Board member.
Harry was unavailable for comment.
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