David Gibbons Announces Retirement After 32 Years in the Imaging Industry

David Gibbons, Director of International Communication at Comexposium Recycling Times (C-RT) and a prominent figure in the global printer and imaging supplies sector, has announced his retirement.

After a career spanning more than three decades, Gibbons will step down on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Having recently relocated to his native Australia, Gibbons plans to continue contributing to the industry through consultancy services. Reflecting on his multifaceted career, Gibbons noted, “Each of my careers has prepared me for the next one.”

He expects to continue to provide independent consultancy services in communications, branding and marketing.

Milestones and Mentorship

Gibbons’ professional journey began in education in 1977—48 years ago. He became a school principal (pictured, courtesy of St George and Sutherland Shire Leader) in Australia at just 22 years old. His innovative leadership significantly increased school enrolments, leading to major expansion projects.

In 1992, he entered the imaging industry, founding, marketing and managing Laser Advantage, a successful printer cartridge remanufacturing business in Sydney. He sold the business eight years later and used the proceeds to purchase house properties.

In 1999, Gibbons transitioned to a marketing and communications role, which included crisis management, filmmaking and broadcasting. He launched, scripted and hosted a weekly Christian news service on cable TV.

By 2000, he was also serving as the Executive and Public Relations Officer for the Australasian Cartridge Remanufacturers’ Association (ACRA Inc.), which supported over 300 remanufacturing businesses across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

His move to Zhuhai, China, in 2011 marked a pivotal moment. Invited by Tony Lee and Sabrina Lo, Gibbons joined Recycling Times to enhance its publishing and event strategies. His leadership contributed to the growth of the RemaxWorld Expo, which became the largest event in the global imaging supplies industry by 2010.

“My role was to teach, mentor and strategically develop our publishing and events strategy,” he added. “These were roles I had held in at least one of my many careers before landing myself in China.”

Building a Global Legacy

A cornerstone of Gibbons’ influence has been fostering international connections. He credits USA-based industry veteran Art Diamond (pictured) for mentoring him and helping establish worldwide relationships. To honor Diamond’s legacy, Gibbons introduced the annual Diamond Pioneer Award, recognising industry pioneers and innovators. Esteemed recipients have included the late Ed Swartz, Arnald Ho, Jackson Wang, William ‘Skip’ London, Mike Josiah, Jim Cerkleski, Zhu Shuang Quan, Graham Galliford and Tricia Judge.

Through his leadership, Gibbons expanded RemaxWorld Expo’s global reach, spearheading additional events in over a dozen countries, including Spain, Russia, the United States, Egypt, Ghana and Pakistan. In 2018, he developed a new event model and successfully ran big buyer and supplier VIP events in Mexico, Columbia, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Nigeria, Kenya, and Dubai.

Trust and Leadership

As an Australian living and working in China for 12 years, Gibbons left an indelible mark on the Chinese imaging supplies sector. Known for his people-first leadership style, he cultivated an environment of collaboration and independent thinking, inspiring young talent. His dedication extended beyond work, forging lasting relationships with colleagues and partners.

Tony Lee (pictured), who founded Recycling Times in 2007, was genuinely shocked when Gibbons told him his plans to retire in 2025. “He is always full of energy, highly capable, and sharp-minded —as if he were just in his 50s. I find it hard to believe he is 70!”

Gibbons worked alongside Lee in Zhuhai for 14 years. “I will never forget picking him up from Jiuzhou Port when he landed on July 1, 2011. I vividly remember the closing day of each exhibition we ran together, publishing the 100th issue of Recycling Times Magazine, and attending year-end celebrations.”

“David has been an incredibly important mentor and partner. We were a team of two. I set strict expectations while he was the one who mentored the team to achieve seemingly impossible goals.”

According to Lee, Gibbons is a passionate driving force transcending national boundaries, firmly opposing national discrimination and tirelessly advocating for innovation.

Cecile Zheng, Deputy General Manager at C-RT, remarked, “David has been a cornerstone of our company’s growth. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his passion and energy will remain a source of inspiration.”

Upon hearing the news of his retirement, C-RT’s partners responded quickly with heartfelt tributes and congratulations, reflecting on his impact and legacy.

Gustavo Molinatti, a publishing and events partner in Latin America, expressed deep gratitude for Gibbons’ trust and mentorship: “Only a few people believed in me enough to share a workspace and trust me. That’s where you come in. Thank you for believing in me and for wanting to help me move forward. We’ll keep walking—different paths—but always as friends and brothers.”

Similarly, Graham Galliford, an engineer, analyst, media contributor and summit speaker from the USA, acknowledged Gibbons’ significant contributions to the industry: “It has been a privilege to work alongside you. Your insights, professionalism, and enthusiasm have left a lasting impact, not just on C-RT but on the broader industry. Our friendship will be lifelong.”

Dr. Stanislav Malinskiy, from Russia, highlighted Gibbons’ irreplaceable role: “For more than a decade, you’ve been an inspiring figure for the RT staff, magazine, and events. Despite the challenges in today’s world, we believe human relationships are the most important and unbreakable thing. Our hearts are always open to you.” Valeri Sharova, also from Russia, expressed her personal sense of loss: “After so many difficult years, I’m truly upset that your role is ending. It’s a dark day for the industry and for many of us personally.”

Mohamed Maher, an event partner from Egypt, emphasized Gibbons’ inspiring leadership: “Your wisdom, dedication, and support have made a significant impact on me and the entire team. Your legacy will remain with us, and your leadership will always be remembered.”

Ivan Rosales, a publishing and event partner from Mexico, reflected on Gibbons’ tireless work ethic and camaraderie: “I will always cherish the good moments we spent together working, planning, developing business, and having fun. You have a friend here in Guadalajara.”

Tributes have also poured in from Swapan Roy and Dhruv Mahajan, esteemed publishing and event partners in India.

Long-time UK-based contributor, speaker, and supporter Steve Weedon reflected on the industry’s evolution, stating, “Looking back, we had a unique opportunity with the emergence of a completely new industry back in 1990. Over the past 34 years, we’ve navigated many challenges and bumps along the road. Both you and I can look back at our contributions with pride, knowing we played a significant role in shaping the industry’s journey.”

The “last laugh” comes from cartoonist Berto, a longtime collaborator and friend of Gibbons since their early media ventures in Sydney in 1980. Now based in Santiago, Chile, Berto encapsulated Gibbons’ career and personality in a symbolic cartoon. It portrays Gibbons standing atop the globe, clutching the RT Imaging World magazine he helmed for 14 years, with iconic imagery of Zhuhai and RemaxWorld framing the background.

In a nod to Gibbons’ signature TV news signoff, the cartoon includes his regular InTouch TV News catchphrase, “Keep in touch, I’m David Gibbons,” serving as a poignant reminder that while he closes this chapter, his story continues to evolve. Berto’s creation underscores Gibbons’ global impact, his passion for the industry, and the lasting relationships he fostered.

Gibbons can be contacted via his LinkedIn page or via email davidgibbons@me.com

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