Business News
Bobst pays tribute to Neil Jones, a respected leader and champion of the print and packaging industry
Monday 02. November 2026 - Bobst is deeply saddened to announce the death of Neil Jones, its long-serving Managing Director for the UK and Ireland & Scandinavia Zone Service Director, Northern Europe, whose contribution to the business and the wider print and packaging industry spanned nearly four decades.
A respected leader, colleague and friend, Neil combined exceptional technical knowledge with warmth, integrity and a sincere commitment to helping others succeed. His influence extended well beyond BOBST, through his support for customers, dedication to developing people and tireless advocacy for the industry.
Neil joined Bobst in 1988 as a Field Service Technician. His practical expertise and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge led to a training role in 1993, supporting engineers and operators working with corrugated flat-bed die cutters and sheet-fed flexographic presses. He became UK Service Manager in 1996, bringing a strong understanding of customer needs and a people-first approach to service leadership.
In 2006, Neil was appointed President of Bobst Group Japan, before returning in 2010 to lead the UK and Ireland business as Managing Director. His responsibilities subsequently expanded to include the Benelux and Scandinavian markets, supporting the development of BOBST Services and strengthening long-term customer relationships across the region.
Throughout his career, Neil remained committed to giving others the opportunity to progress. He championed apprenticeships and early-career development, supporting the training of 11 apprentices across field service and customer care. The knowledge and confidence he helped build will remain an enduring part of his contribution.
Craig Moran, Managing Director, Bobst UK & Ireland, said: “Neil was an exceptional leader and a great friend to so many of us. He understood our industry in extraordinary depth, but it was the way he treated people that made him so special. He listened, made time for others and gave his support generously, whether to a customer facing a challenge or a colleague taking the next step in their career.
“He cared deeply about Bobst and the wider print and packaging community. His leadership was grounded in integrity, practical understanding and a belief in people. We will miss his wisdom, warmth and friendship enormously. He leaves a lasting legacy in the business he helped shape and the many people he encouraged along the way.”
Raphaël Indermühle, Member of Group Executive Committee and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Bobst Group SA added, “Neil lived his life in service of others, always ready to help with generosity, humility and extraordinary dedication, and he will remain in our hearts as an inspiration and an example to us all.”
Neil also gave significant voluntary service to the industry. He joined the board of EFIA, now FIA UK, in 2012 and became Chairman in 2017, championing flexography and industry collaboration. He also sat on the board of PICON and volunteered his support for the industry initiative, Young People in Print and Packaging (YPIPP).
His generosity extended to charitable causes. A passionate supporter of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Benevolent Fund in Loughborough, Neil helped raise more than £100,000 through company events over a decade to help the UK’s injured serving military.
Neil will be remembered with great affection and respect by colleagues, customers and industry friends alike. His contribution was measured in business achievements, but equally in the trust he earned, the opportunities he created and the people he supported.
Everyone at Bobst extends their heartfelt condolences to Neil’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.