Norm Douglas

Background

About Norm Douglas

With over 35 years of real-world experience spanning photo retail, military service, IT systems, web development, digital innovation, and operational leadership, I’ve built a career grounded in practical thinking, grit, and a relentless focus on getting the job done. I began my professional life in camera retail.at a time when photography was film, not filters.learning what it means to serve customers face-to-face. From there, I served in the Royal Australian Navy, where discipline, teamwork, and resilience weren’t just expected.they were non-negotiable. These early chapters shaped how I operate today: understand your customer, lead from the front, back your team, keep learning, and adapt. Now as Chief Executive Officer of Conni Australia, I lead a passionate group of people in delivering absorbent textile solutions that improve lives. My role spans operations, strategy, digital systems, and brand building.underpinned by a working knowledge of e-commerce, supply chains, data, IT infrastructure, and web development. I’m just as comfortable deep in a spreadsheet or logistics workflow as I am presenting to partners or working the floor of our warehouse. A proud GenX’er, I’ve had the benefit of navigating the world before and after the digital revolution. adapting from analogue to digital, brick-and-mortar to online, and now B2B to D2C. I’m deeply committed to authentic leadership, building sustainable businesses, and helping teams thrive in fast-moving environments. Outside of work, I contribute meaningfully to my community.as an active Australian Rules umpire and executive board member of the Geelong Football Umpires League. I also mentor within addiction recovery circles, having lived 21 years (and counting) of sobriety. My spare time is often spent with my grandkids, a guitar in hand, or out in nature reflecting on what really matters. Whether in business, sport, or life.I bring a straight-talking, values-driven approach. I believe in leading with integrity, staying curious, and always leaving things better than I found them.