Presstek Seek To Strengthen European Performance

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team Oct 31, 2007

Presstek has appointed Peter U Blum as senior advisor for European operations.

Blum will report directly to Jeff Jacobson, president and chief executive officer of the company and will work with Ray Hillhouse, director of sales and operations for Presstek Europe.

Presstek appointed Blum to build channels, develop market strategies and improve operating efficiency with the goal of expanding Presstek's international reach and strengthening the company's European presence.

Jeff Jacobson commented: "Today, two-thirds of the global printing market exists outside of North America, and Presstek aims to create a European footprint that is equal to or larger than our North American operation.

In response to this growth opportunity, we are very pleased that respected industry veteran, Peter Blum, has agreed to become senior advisor to the company, focusing on our European expansion." He added: "Peter is one of the most respected executives in our business, having previously run Kodak Polychrome Graphics' largest regional operation for five years.

His knowledge of Europe's distributor and customer base and consistent track record of success will be an invaluable asset as we grow our international presence." Blum will be based in Germany, where he most recently served as president and senior corporate vice president of the European Region (Europe, Middle East, Africa) for Kodak Polychrome Graphics.

Blum also spent a large part of his career in a variety of leadership positions domestically and internationally, mostly for the Hoechst Group of companies.

He has held other senior positions in industry organisations such as the CCMA and the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Blum has also served as a board member of various Hoechst associated companies around the world.

He is an alumnus of the Harvard School of Business (HBS) and INSEAD in France.

Blum explained: "There is strong demand for high quality, easy-to-use, environmentally friendly and cost-effective digital offset printing systems internationally and I look forward to contributing to Presstek's global presence.".