BPGI Chairman Claude Ackermann, today announced that Jim Preston CEO of BPGI, will be retiring from Business Products Groups International (BPGI) after ten years at the helm of the organization in order to spend more time with his wife and family.

“Jim has made an invaluable contribution to the growth and success of BPGI. We have grown from 11 members in 9 countries to 22 members in 20 countries under his leadership. We have seen the successful merger of BPGI and Euro Buro in 2004, ongoing membership growth and in 2012 the addition of our newest members from two exciting emerging markets; Russia and South Africa.  Not only has the membership grown but the ROI’s are at a record level through record rebates and the lowest ever cost per member” Claude Ackermann said. “Jim will formally retire on March 2nd but remain with the organization to provide certain administrative services while we search for a successor.”

Business Products Group International, LLC (BPGI) is the world’s largest consortium of buying groups consisting solely of independent office products dealers.  BPGI’s mission is to maximize buying competitiveness of office products for its constituent groups on behalf of their dealer members. 

In 2012 BPGI will consists of 22 buying groups: Independent Stationers in the United States; Novexco Inc. in Canada; EOSA with dealers in 11 countries: Integra Office Solutions Ltd. and  Nemo Group in the UK and Ireland  and Office Club Ltd. in the U.K.; Gruppo In Ufficio and CCA in Italy; Indeks Retail (in/out AS) in Denmark; RED, Makro Paper and Sett Grup in Spain; Quantore in the Benelux; PEG in Switzerland; Intropa, Majuscule and Sacfom in France; ARD in Russia; Office Choice and Office Brands in Australia; Office Products Depot in New Zealand and Office National Africa in South Africa.