Business News
Ricoh cements production solutions team with industry veterans
Thursday 11. June 2009 - Increases sales and support infrastructure to push segment
In a time when the market is experiencing massive consolidation, Ricoh is increasing its head count to support its commitment to grow their production printing division. With the recent appointment of Kathy Wilson as General Manager, Business Solutions and Production, the company is now finalising its team of specialist production printing staff.
“We have the products, the software solutions, and now a great team, rich in experience and knowledge, to back it all up,” said Wilson. “This is all part of our plan to become a leading force in the market by 2010.”
With over 20 years in the industry, Wilson joins Ricoh after spending eight years with EFI in San Francisco, USA as Senior Director, Product Marketing and Strategy, where she consistently grew market share. Prior to EFI, she worked for Canon Australia and Heidelberg Australia in various sales and managerial roles specialising in graphic systems and production printing.
Wilson oversees a team of dedicated and experienced industry veterans, including Mark Katrakis, National Business Development Manager. Katrakis joined Ricoh over two years ago after working as general manager of University Printing Service, and has prior experience with Nippa, Snap Printing and Pink Panther.
The most recent addition is a multi-level group of industry veterans to cement the ambitions of Ricohs high volume division, including its most recent appointments of two specialist engineers and a colour consultant — collectively offering over 45 years experience.
Franca Balsamo joins Ricoh as its National Production Colour Specialist with over 20 years experience in the industry, working in areas such as graphic design, pre-press, pre-press and production management, marketing and sales, digital printing presales, demonstrations, training and implementations.
Franca brings her vast industry experience, holding roles previously with Canon Australia and Fuji Xerox, along with extensive years working in the graphics / production areas.
“Franca will be primarily responsible for helping assist Ricoh’s push into the production digital colour market, by providing application testing, vertical and cross-market colour solutions and assisting in the training of technical staff in colour management,” said Wilson.
Two national production solutions engineers have also been appointed to offer pre sales support on Ricoh’s production software solutions, production hardware and colour management. They will also be responsible for implementations of productions solutions and on-site customer training, assisting in production colour management issues in the field.
Trade qualified in prepress, Nathan Short is Ricohs National Production Solutions Engineer for Queensland, with over 13 years experience in the printing industry. Turning his skills to the emerging digital market in early 2001 with Fuji Xerox, Nathan has gained expert knowledge in the production print market and associated software including colour management and variable data printing.
With over 12 years experience in the digital printing industry, Anto Galic joins Ricoh as National Production Solutions Engineer for South Australia and Western Australia. Throughout his career, Anto has mainly focused on the high volume production colour and B&W as well as production solutions workflow. Along with significant exposure to other parts of the industry, including four years in the offset industry as a digital prepress manager, Anto has previously worked for Canon and Konica Minolta.
“The production team has been expanded to include solutions consultants and support engineers. Ricoh can now conduct a comprehensive site analysis prepared by industry experts to best match the production needs of print shops,” said Wilson.
Ricoh predicts that the production printing market will grow to A$20 billion by 2013 – and they are well placed to take advantage of that growth. The global office automation company recently launched the Ricoh Pro C900/C900s, a new colour device offering heavy production capacity and professional finishing capabilities. With this new colour device slotting in alongside the successful heavy duty B&W engines, Ricoh are now offering a comprehensive product portfolio that integrates within the digital print workflow, has a flexible range of software solutions and comes with a service and support network around the globe.
The Japanese company has a proven history of innovation within the printing market. During the last four years it has further extended its expertise within production printing by incorporating Hitachi Printing Solutions and establishing the joint venture with IBM, InfoPrint Solutions Company.
“Our team is strong in experience and industry knowledge. We understand that our customers demand steady and consistent relationships to ensure their businesses continue to grow and better meet their clients demands,” Wilson concluded.