GCA CEO Amanda Fergusson has announced that she will step down from the role at the end of the year, after what the GCA called ”eight years of transformational leadership’’
During her time in the role, Amanda has steered the GCA through a number of major campaigns, including advocating for the industry as Royal Mail introduced numerous price hikes and changes to its delivery system, and representing greeting card designers as they battled against unauthorised copies of their work on online marketplaces.
Amanda, who plans to take on some personal projects once she leaves the role, told Greetings Today: ”It’s been a really difficult decision. I’m going to hugely miss the greetings industry and my many friends within it. It’s a wonderful industry – we work together as a team, probably like no other industry.’’
The GCA said Amanda ”led the association through its 100th anniversary and helped it evolve into a modern influential trade body, leaves behind a legacy of strengthened governance, expanded membership and member engagement, and elevated industry visibility with stakeholders and the media.’’
Current GCA president Karen Wilson said: “It is with gratitude and genuine sadness that Amanda will be leaving her role at the end of the year. The Council fully supports her decision, and her departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter for our association. Amanda has led our organisation with a rare combination of vision, integrity and dedication that has shaped the GCA over the last few years. I speak for all the council by saying that we are saddened by her decision, her impact will be lasting and profound and we are incredibly thankful for her service”
Amanda said: “It has been a privilege to lead the GCA through this period of change. I am grateful for the support, commitment and passion of our members and Council and am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.
”I leave confident that the GCA is well positioned for continued success. We have an excellent Council and wider team at the GCA and I feel now is the right time to step aside, giving me the opportunity to focus on projects away from the industry.”
The GCA Council directors will begin the search for a new CEO immediately, with the aim of appointing a successor in the autumn to allow for a December handover
