The printing industry is evolving, and the ink industry is working to keep pace. The growth of digital printing over an ever-growing list of applications is perhaps the most significant development, while the decline in the publication and commercial sector the most concerning. While Ink World is in the forefront of keeping you up to date with the latest news, there are countless industry experts who have insights well worth hearing and reading
Whether by providing thoughtful and meaningful social media content, active participation in trade organizations or sharing expertise through technical presentations at conferences, these individuals are some of the leading thought leaders in the ink and printing segment.
With that, here are some of the industry thought leaders, in alphabetical order, who we check in with on a regular basis:
• Ford Bowers - CEO at PRINTING United Alliance
With 20 years in the printing field, Ford Bowers served as president and CEO of SGIA, prior to the merger into PRINTING United Alliance, where he serves in the same roles. Bowers has overseen PRINTING United’s tremendous growth in the printing industry as well as the successful annual PRINTING United Expo. Linked In
• Lisa Fine, Technical Director at Ink Systems Inc.
Lisa Fine is one of the most highly regarded R&D experts in the ink industry. One of only three people to receive the three highest awards from NAPIM – the Ault Award, Printing Ink Pioneer Award and Technical Achievement Award – Fine has also served as president of NAPIM’s NPIRI president and as a NAPIM Summer Course instructor for more than 25 years. Linked In
• Mickey Fortune, Marketing & Communications Leader, RadTech International North America
With more than 1,500 Linked In followers, Mickey Fortune is the marketing & communications leader for RadTech International North America, where he is helping to drive the growth of the energy-curable industry while also leading the organization’s events.Linked In
• George Fuchs, Director - Regulatory Affairs and Technology, National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM)
George Fuchs is arguably the most knowledgeable expert on regulatory matters in the ink industry, keeping members up to date on the latest rules coming out of federal and state governments while working with legislators and government officials to explain the nuances of the impact these regulations can have. Fuchs is a leading speaker in printing conferences, as well as the organizer of NAPIM’s annual technical conference.Linked In
• Bryce Kristo – President and CEO, INX International Ink Co.
Kristo joined INX 1991, after working in public accounting for five years at PKMG Peat Marwick. He was the color systems manager in 1995, then headed into the finance segment, rising to assistant treasurer and director of strategic planning and development, VP of finance; VP and CFO, INX Board member as SVP finance/CFO iand EVP, CFO and general affairs. He became president and CEO on April 30, 2023. He has also served as a member of NAPIM, most notably as a member of its management committee.Linked In
• Haim Levit, Senior VP and Division President at HP
As senior VP and Division president at HP Haim Levit, has had a major presence in the digital printing industry for three decades, beginning his career with Indigo in procurement in 1994 and moving over to HP in 2002 when the company acquired Indigo. His expertise in digital printing spans the industrial segment, encompassing labels, corrugated and more, and he is a frequent author and speaker. He is active on LinkedIn with more than 8,000 followers.Linked In
• Lisa Pruett, President, Packaging and Labels at RR Donnelley
Lisa Pruett has a long history of success in the printing field, with leadership roles at Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., Zumbiel, PaperWorks, Easy Way Prodiucts and Downlite before becoming the president, Packaging and Labels segment at RR Donnelley. A leading speaker and writer, Pruett offers excellent insights into the label segment.Linked In
• Michael Sellers, Poly Category Manager at Kornit Digital
With more than 2,200 followers on Linked In, Michael Sellers is bringing the latest insights into the field of digital printing of textiles, from direct-to-garment and fabric printing to selecting the right inks. Sellers joined Kornit in 2017 as a regional sales manager, and became poly category manager in October 2023.Linked In
• Jay Tharp, Marketing Communications Director at Nazdar
Jay Tharp has more than 35 years in the ink and printing industry, beginning with Sericol in 1988 before moving to Nazdar in 1997. His knowledge encompasses a wide range of printing disciplines, including screen, digital flexo and UV, and he has with more than 4,000 followers on Linked In.Linked In
• Dr. Nicolas Wiedmann – CEO, Siegwerk
Dr. Wiedmann joined Siegwerk on Jan. 1, 2021, becoming CEO in April 2021. Previously, he was GM for the Business Segment Special Applications and Member of the Executive Board of the Business Division Aftermarket and Special Applications at Hella GmbH & Co KGaA, an automotive supplier. He also has held executive positions at Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG and Johnson Controls Automotive Europe. He is a leading proponent of the Circular Economy and is helping to drive the ink industry toward this goal.Linked In
