Business - Appointments

The BPIF is delighted to announce that Kathy Woodward is to become the new BPIF Chief Executive. She will formally take the helm of print's leading employers' organisation at the BPIF AGM on 14 July when Michael Johnson, who has led the BPIF since September 2001, steps down.

The appointment follows a recruitment process lead by BPIF President Rupert Middleton and conducted by a panel of BPIF non-executive directors which interviewed a range of candidates, all with extensive senior management experience at both association and company levels.

Kathy, who is currently Chair of BPIF Training Limited, was chosen from the final shortlist.

Announcing her selection, Rupert Middleton, BPIF President, said:
"With all eyes on the BPIF to help shape the future of our industry, as our members seek to transform their businesses to meet the changing expectations of clients in a multi-media age, the role of BPIF Chief Executive has never been more important".

"The selection panel and I were looking for someone with an extraordinary mix of communication, influence, intellectual and leadership skills. We wanted someone with a proven track record, a firm understanding of policy matters and a passion for business. The candidate also needed a clear vision of what the BPIF needs to do to meet the demanding needs of its members and to attract more companies into membership".

"We needed a strong leader who will fight our industry's corner with Government and who has the tenacity and acumen to grow the BPIF's income streams. Kathy's drive, energy and appetite for change meant that she was, without doubt, the right person for the role".

Kathy has a proven track record of achievement both within the printing industry and in wider support services roles. She was previously Chief Executive of Foneback PLC, Group Operations Director of Astron and Development Director for BPC.

Commenting on her appointment Kathy said:
"I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen to lead the BPIF at this critical time. There are many exciting opportunities and challenges ahead of us to develop the BPIF business. I am looking forward to working with members and the very talented BPIF team to create high-quality, relevant business services that will support our eighteen hundred plus company membership in this challenging economic climate as they strive to create strong and sustainable business".

The appointment has been given a wholehearted warm endorsement by leading BPIF member company representatives.

Reactions to the appointment from leading BPIF members:

Andrew Pindar OBE DL (Pindar Group Chairman and BPIF Vice President) said:
"In an industry that is learning to adopt and celebrate its pivotal role in multi-channel communication, built on a bedrock of print, we've had the opportunity to rethink the leadership role of the BPIF, for its members and for itself as an organisation. Kathy stands out as the person to make this happen inside and out".

Barry Hibbert (Polestar Group Chief Executive) said:
"This is certainly a pioneering appointment by the selection committee and an important step for the BPIF. I have known Kathy for many years and she is, without doubt, not only a successful entrepreneur but a people person and passionate about our industry.  I cannot think of anyone with better credentials to take the industry forward".

David Holland (BGP Chief Executive/Chairman) said:
"I am delighted at Kathy Woodward's appointment. She is both a proven specialist and generalist within this and other industries where she has invariably been successful and has a track record of people development through an innovative and user friendly approach. I think she will be very good for this industry in her new role".

Avery Dennison has appointed Guido de Jong to the strategic new post of Global Services Manager for its Graphics and Reflective Products Division.   Based in Hazerswoude, The Netherlands, Guido de Jong is briefed to develop a global platform of value-added services for converters, end users, brand owners and designers that will enhance their understanding of the possibilities of self-adhesive graphics, initiate creative thinking, and help to establish an ongoing dialogue on topics of common interest.

Prior to joining Avery Dennison in 2002, Guido de Jong’s career included postings as product designer for an international design agency, and manager of the product development department at 3M Filtration Products Europe.  He has a master’s degree in industrial design from the Technical University in Delft.

In his most recent position within Avery Dennison -- Technical Services Manager, Graphics and Reflective Products Europe – Guido was responsible for the customer care department, technical support, and customer training and workshops.   With his team in Hazerswoude, he also developed the online Avery Graphics Academy, launched this summer.   He is looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead of him.   ‘Self-adhesive graphics are a very broad and dynamic market today, and that market needs and deserves support at all levels to achieve the best possible aesthetics – and, of course, the most innovative results.’

Mutoh America Inc. proudly appoints Kimber Johnson as its newest marketing manager.  Johnson's background in advertising and graphic design makes him a perfect fit within the Mutoh team.

Working under the guidance of General Manager: Brian Phipps and Director of Marketing: Hiro Futsukaichi, Johnson will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: creating advertisement material, maintaining the Mutoh website, expanding Mutoh Business Builder and managing the tradeshow and advertisement budgets.

Prior to joining Mutoh America, Johnson was creative director for Lamb Creative. Johnson managed all creative output of the agency, including advertising, websites and various printed marketing materials. Working at an Agency has made Johnson versatile and great at multi-tasking, which will facilitate a smooth transition into his new role as marketing manager.

Preceding his work in the marketing industry, Johnson received a Bachelors of Science in Finance and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Utah. Combining Johnson's education with his natural creative skills has created a useful set of tools for Johnson's professional life.

"I'm excited to further my career with Mutoh. I have worked in the wide format printer industry before, but never for a company like Mutoh. Everyone has been extremely helpful and I look forward to taking the Mutoh marketing department to the next level" shares Johnson.

Inca Digital, one of the world's leading manufacturers of large
format inkjet printers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Massey as
Director of Customer Support. 

Paul has a strong track record with over 20 years' experience in senior customer and
technical support roles, most recently as National Support Manager for Technotrans.
Based at Inca's Cambridge, UK, headquarters, he heads up the company's growing
network of global technical support engineers who provide first line technical
support in the field as well as third line support for international distributors. 

"Inca has a fast growing installed base of Inca Onset, Onset S20, Turbo and Spyder
digital flatbed printers around the world and a high level of customer support is a
key to ensure the best experience," says Paul. "From design through to build and
operation, reliability and robustness is core to every Inca printer. My focus is to
ensure that we continue to improve to ensure proactive, fast response and effective
customer support at all stages from smooth installation to training and ongoing
operation. Inca printers are critical profit centres within demanding production
environments and it's important that we provide rapid response to minimise downtime
whenever and wherever it's required."

Inca continually looks to improve and refine its customer support and Paul will be
implementing a series of new initiatives. He has already visited a number of
customers as part of this process. For more information about Inca's customer
support contact us on +44 (0)1223 577800 or visit www.incadigital.com.

Starting 1st December 2010, Jawdatt Mawassii (53) will join the team of the internationally active RIP software specialists, ColorGATE Digital Output Solutions GmbH, as Executive Vice President Business Development. His main responsibilities will include the OEM and licensing business in close connection with internationally strategic partners. Mawassii’s last position was as Vice President Sales and Business Development at GMG, a leading solution supplier for high-quality proof systems.

Optimum positioning

“I have known and appreciated Jawdatt Mawassii for many years as a leader with strong communicative skills, who has impressed me time and again with his ability to leverage innovative concepts to the position of product leaders with great dedication and perseverance,” commented ColorGATE Managing Director Thomas Kirschner. “Our company is among the world’s foremost market players in the LFP sector today with outstanding people and technology. We are now concentrating on continuing to expand our sales channels and product range and are very happy to add another professional as experienced as Mr. Mawassii to our team. With his profound knowledge of the industry and his excellent connections, he will make an important contribution towards the successful implementation of our strategic reorientation from RIP manufacturer to customer-oriented solution supplier.”

Fit to face new challenges

“In large-format printing, the trend is moving towards mixed production environments, such as the parallel use of digital and offset printing systems, at a breathtaking pace,” said Jawdatt Mawassii. “The needs are just as great as the expectations; after all, what we need now are state-of-the-art solutions that offer the optimum in flexibility, productivity and user-friendly operation.

In this respect, ColorGATE is known around the world for continuing to set new standards in the entire industry with outstanding new developments; the latest example is the recently released Productionserver 6 UXT Campaign Printing solution. No question about it: ColorGATE has recognised the signs of the times and I very much look forward to tackling my new responsibilities and challenges.”

Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. passed a resolution at the Board of Directors’ meeting held on November 10, 2010 with the following outcome:

Current President Mr. Akira Ikeda will take up the post of Chairman and the current Executive Vice President Mr. Mikio Noguchi will be appointed as President. This change comes at a time when Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. will draw up next year’s budget plan. With the new structure in the Board of Directors’ meeting, Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. will aim for continuous growth of the Mimaki group in the coming period. Date of appointment and resignation: December 10, 2010.