Entering a new era with DPS leadership change

Now, Founder and Director of DPS Publishing David Baker, has decided to step aside into a more strategic role, handing the day to day operations over to new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Ogden, to take the South Australian success story to the next level.

“DPS Publishing has been my life and passion for the past 20 years,” Mr Baker says. 

“While I continue to have a passion and a clear vision of where DPS is headed, I recognise that it’s time to hand over the operational reins.”

Growing from one employee in 1998 and publishing the first DPS Guide to Aged Care South Australia in 1999, today the company employs 23 staff and annually produces six state and territory guides, the national retirement publication Your Retirement Living and the hugely successful online consumer platform AgedCareGuide.com.au.

Mr Baker says DPS is a dynamic and growing business with a national focus which is starting to look at branching out into other areas.

“The future for DPS is about understanding the difficult journey that our users, customers and consumers are on and providing mediums that best engage with them to enable them to make the best choices,” Mr Baker continues.

“But the ethos behind everything we do at DPS remains; to assist consumers, their families and carers on a journey for which they have not planned, nor which they necessarily want but has been imposed upon them by things they cannot control.”

Incoming CEO Mark Ogden is excited about the future of DPS. “I’m
thrilled to become part of such a well-established, successful business.
It’s business model is achieving great outcomes for individuals and I
feel I’m coming in at an opportune time.”

Moving from ICT to aged care publishing, the father of two is
bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, more than 15 years of
experience in global corporations and most recently 5 years in the ICT
sector.

Having worked across the consumer, manufacturing, and technology
industries, in a number of senior business, sales and marketing roles,
Mr Ogden has proven success and strategic management experience within
respected multinational organisations.

Mr Ogden has a clear understanding of the broader social impacts of
the ageing population and the significant implications it will have.

“People are growing older, living longer, and living more fulfilled lives. The dynamic is changing,” Mr Ogden says.

“The population that’s ageing is more affluent and they’re looking to
enjoy golden years. At the same time there’s an influx of people coming
to Australia to take advantage of our fantastic aged care.“

“There’s a huge social need which is a challenge but also an
opportunity. As part of a cultural change industry services will need to
evolve. It’s about how the use of information can make a significant
impact in a positive way,” he adds.

Mr Ogden says the DPS publications will continue to play a
significant role in the business but adds “It’s about understanding how
we can diversify into different industries and formats.”

“The digital landscape is infinitely scalable. The ageing population
is growing and the technology aspect of aged care is growing. I’ll be
looking to merge both growth industries to maximise and achieve their
full potential.”

“As a leader in aged care, Australia can make its mark on a global stage and I would like DPS to be part of that.”

“Mark has a wealth of experience with many companies across a diverse
range of industries from pet food to confectionary, supermarkets,
breweries and primary industries, web and IT businesses and cloud based
services,” Mr Baker says.

“I’m convinced that under his direction DPS will reach new heights.”

Mr Baker is not entirely stepping away from his brainchild. “I’m
going to be focusing all of my attention on the direction of DPS
Publishing from the position of Chairman of the Board,” he explains. The
move will allow him to spend more time with his family and on his other
passion: cycling.