A major change in leadership in the global Christian products market will take place at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), next month, when Jim Powell steps down as president of Christian Trade Association International (CTAI).

Taking over at the helm of the group linking suppliers and retailers around the world will be Kim Pettit, currently chief operating officer, who has been with the organization since 2009.

The former international director for CBA who was a driving force in establishing CTAI when the U.S.-based retailers association shed its overseas chapters in 2005, Powell plans to serve as a mission station guest house manager in New Guinea with his wife, Peggy.

"It's time," he said. "I am 67 and sense a strong desire to serve the kingdom in a new way." In addition, Pettit was well positioned with "new initiatives and energy" to help CTAI develop and support the growing international market for Christian resources, Powell told Christian Retailing.

Having previously served as president of the International Bible Society, Powell joined CBA as international director in 1994. With the founding of CTAI, he hosted an international celebration lunch and the International Marketsquare section at the exhibit floor of CBA's summer show, providing a meeting point for those doing international business.

In 2008, CTAI debuted Marketsquare International, an annual January show providing a one-stop North American buying opportunity for overseas visitors in the absence of CBA's canceled winter show.

CTAI currently has 18 member nations and produces an international business directory that lists hundreds of suppliers and retailers in around 50 countries.

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