Why Having been in the post for more than two years now, it’s safe to say that Gerard Heanue has firmly embedded himself as Heidelberg UK managing director, seamlessly making the transition from finance director to figurehead. A certifiable fitness freak according to colleagues, with cycling his speciality, a demanding year business-wise has ruled out taking part in any races in the past year. "But all that means is that he has been exercising his competitive streak at work, so its been a winning year for the business," says one source. However, the German giant’s decision to pull out of Ipex 2014 means that his energies over the next 12 months will no doubt be spent on making sure his team compensates for the big show sales bounce they’re used to in Ipex years.
Why Known for his forthright views and direct manner, ex-rugby playing Alastair Watson is "laid back, but a tough negotiator," one source says of the man who has retained his number 19 spot for the second year running. Colleagues say he maintains a purposeful stride, driving strategic sourcing for the US-based firm’s UK Global Document Solutions division. Although RRD has experienced declining European sales overall, the GDS division has had successes this year with Royal Mail selecting the business to take part in a £70m overhaul of its business mail service through the introduction of barcodes. This followed a major "multi-year" deal signed with International Airlines Group (IAG) in March to provide print management and logistics services.
Why A year which saw packaging giant DS Smith acquire SCA Packaging and consolidate its retail and display and manufacturing arm Multigraphics, was never going to be an easy one. Indeed the end of last year saw divisional chief executive Gary Saunders and colleagues fighting reports from the national press of disputes over final acquisition price. But the company, thanks no doubt to Saunders’ assured leadership, has emerged triumphant, posting a 51% profit increase on underlying pre-tax profits in the 12 months to 30 April. A background in senior roles at Quaker Oats, Nestlé, Sainsbury’s and RHM has clearly stood Saunders in good stead.
Why Recent events at CPI’s French parent group very nearly put a crimp in the suave demeanour of the firm’s UK chief executive, who is of course also a Frenchman. However, all’s well that ends well and with fresh backers in place over at HQ, Francois Golicheff was able to proceed with a substantial reinvestment plan at the UK wing. Golicheff wins plaudits for forging close relationships with customers and being in tune with their needs. Always immaculately turned out, we reckon he could vie for the accolade of most stylish man in print: "I’ve not yet seen him wear the same thing twice," says a colleague. There is a separate theory that his mood can be gauged by his choice of outfit colourway.
Why Her third year in the UK and in the Power 100 list, poetry-loving chief executive Moya Greene leaps up the chart again. Tripling 2012 profits to £403m – largely through DM services, raising the price of the 1st Class stamp and parcel delivery and capitalising on softer regulations in place since March 2012 – the Canadian’s drive to privatise the 497-year-old British institution is assumed to be a done deal. However, as the threat of CWU strikes loom larger by the day, she still has a lot of the mail sector convince… And it’ll take more than voluntarily returning a £120,000 home purchase freebie to sweeten them.
Why According to colleagues, HP Indigo and High Speed Inkjet Web Press UK country manager Nancy Janes has had a "great year". The UK is rapidly becoming the heartland of the HP Indigo 10000 and on her watch, the UK has also reportedly stolen Germany’s crown as HP’s largest EMEA graphics market. She’s described as an incredibly customer-focused leader and excellent communicator by colleagues. Having worked her way up through the business she joined 17 years ago, she’s not lost any of her sales charm either. "Nancy is very much part of the sales team, but she also has this uncanny knack of making customers part of that team too," says one of her loyal users.
Why Newsprinters made a huge investment in cross-media technology ahead of The Sun’s paywall going live recently, and this daring move smacks of the leadership of Brian McGee. The football-mad Liverpool fan, who coaches kids including his three young children, snatches every opportunity to create new revenue streams and explore emerging technology, insist colleagues. "Brian’s efforts at building relations with publishers and contract printers have helped us to secure a significant amount of volume across our sites," says one, flagging up the managing director’s inspirational thinking and supportive team building. Such leadership qualities make him the perfect person to keep exploiting opportunities thrown up by print, online, mobile and tablet technology.
Why David Hunter took on the mantle of managing director of the UK’s second-largest merchanting group Antalis McNaughton last February, having joined from Wolseley. "He’s got an excellent management team around him, and they were a bit ahead of the game and managed to get a lot of their restructuring done before the recession hit," explains one senior figure in the sector. While the merchanting group’s French parent Sequana’s latest results may have been poor, the group highlighted its UK operation, which controls around a quarter of the market, as one of its stronger performers. "David may be new to the industry, but he’s certainly found his feet very quickly. He’s a strong leader, steady and solid," says one rival.
Why It’s been another solid year for Wyndeham’s thoughtful chief executive. In fact, one associate believes this has been the best year for Utting and the business since the Icelandic banking crisis of 2008 that resulted in Walstead’s acquisition of the group. Despite his considered demeanour (a colleague describes him as "One of the great champions of web offset who understands the market better than anyone") Paul Utting has a lively side, especially when it involves what he sees as dysfunctional behaviour by competitors. He was said to be "incensed" at the apparent blind faith in future profitability shown by the management at BGP prior to its administration and pre-pack sale to Polestar.
Why Basil Bannayi’s minor slip two places this year is less a reflection of Close Brothers’ activities, rather the result of the UK print industry’s ongoing reluctance to seek finance for investment and growth. In recent months, however, there have been signs of recovery, so watch this space. Selling his business, Surrey Asset Finance, to Close in 1996, the managing director of Close’s three print finance businesses is credited with having an unfailing belief in the UK print industry, with the "resolve to support them where others have given up". A colleague describes him as a "straight-talker" who "brings great clarity to complicated situations".
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