Business - Appointments

Xaar, the world's leading independent supplier of industrial inkjet printheads, is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlotte Baile as Marketing Communications Manager.

With almost 20 years of experience in marketing technical products, Charlotte joins Xaar from Linx Printing Technologies, an industrial inkjet manufacturer and a global leader in the product identification market.  She brings to Xaar a broad range of experience in marketing communications, channel training and development as well as Voice of Customer research.

Mark Alexander, Director of Marketing at Xaar, says: 'With our recent expansion announcement and growth into new markets such as ceramics this is an exciting time for Xaar. Charlotte will be further developing our relationship with our partners, as well as delivering strong communications regarding the benefits that Xaar printheads can deliver.  She brings with her considerable knowledge of inkjet applications and marketing and I am delighted that she is joining the Xaar marketing team."

Lisa Vogley, national sales manager of GEI WideFormat, a Visual Edge Technology Company, has announced the appointment of Curtis Sinay to GEI's large-format solutions sales team. Sinay will become the Sales Manager for the Western Region of the United States.

"It was very important for us to place an individual in this territory who is fully versed in all aspects of wide format category management, with proven skills in creating customised solutions focused on the customer," said Vogley. "We are extremely pleased to have such a talented professional with both sales and service expertise managing this critical position."

Sinay has spent the last five years with GEI WideFormat's service division as Technical Support Specialist for the West Coast Region.

 

 

Oscar Group Ltd, specialist in displays and signage for retail and industrial businesses, has appointed Tim Foster as its Business Manager.

Tim brings a wealth of digital print and display experience to the company from his career in the industry, in both UK and European markets for many years.

Drytac Europe Ltd, a Bristol UK based laminating film & machinery manufacturer, has announced that Steve Broad is to step up to the role of Sales Director effective January 2011.
Steve is currently Drytac Europe’s UK Sales Manager and was chosen from a panel led by Drytac Group President Marc Oosterhuis, who said “his drive, energy and appetite for change meant that he was, without doubt, the right person for the position."

Steve’s role will be to direct and manage the sales and marketing activities across Europe, Asia and Australasia; not only for the Drytac brand but also Hot Press and the recently acquired Teneka brand.
Broad brings with him a wealth of experience at the Director level. Prior to joining Drytac Europe, Steve was the joint owner and Managing Director of Print Finishing Solutions Ltd.
With his excellent technical knowledge and thorough understanding of the graphic and print markets, Steve is available to give Drytac’s customers sound advice on both products and applications.

Steve said he was ‘delighted’ with the promotion and looks forward to working with a very talented and dedicated Drytac team in continuing to offer customers and distributors unparalleled service and support. 

Electronics For Imaging Inc. (EFI) has appointed Vincent Pilette as its chief financial officer, effective January 1, 2011. Pilette joins EFI from Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), where he most recently held the title of vice president of Finance for the Enterprise Server, Storage and Networking business. Pilette will be reporting directly to EFI's chief executive officer, Guy Gecht.

"After a long and comprehensive CFO search, I am delighted to welcome Vincent to EFI's executive team," said Gecht. "His senior financial roles at HP in both the Enterprise Hardware and Software businesses are a terrific fit with EFI's diverse business, and his vast experience in worldwide operations and acquisitions will make him a key contributor as we continue to execute on our growth strategy."

Prior to joining EFI, Pilette spent fourteen years at HP, holding a variety of finance positions in the US and EMEA. Most recently, Pilette held the position of VP of Finance for the $20 billion Enterprise Server, Storage and Networking business. In this capacity, he was responsible for all aspects of finance for HP's fastest growing segment in 2010. Prior to this role, Pilette served, for three years, as VP of Finance for HP Software, during which HP Software revenue tripled and operating margin expanded. Over the last five years, Pilette participated in the acquisition and integration of more than ten companies, including 3Par, 3Com, Mercury Interactive, Opsware and Peregrine.

Pilette holds a BS in Engineering and MS in Business from Louvain University in Belgium where he graduated magna cum laude. He also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

"EFI has worked very hard over the years to successfully transform the company from a pure OEM business to an innovative company focused on digital printing solutions, with solid R&D capabilities and expanded distribution channels," said Pilette. "I'm excited to join the company and play an active role in achieving the full potential of its strategy."

Pilette succeeds Gordon Heneweer, who served as the Company's interim chief financial officer since May 10, 2010. "I'd like to thank Gordon for his great performance as an interim CFO for the past seven months," added Gecht. "We are looking forward to have Gordon resume his VP of Finance responsibilities and continue his significant contribution as a senior member of EFI team."

 

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".