Heidelberg UK MD appointed Picon chairman

Gerard Heanue, managing director of Heidelberg UK, has been elected as the new chairman of Picon, the confederation supporting UK printing industry manufacturers and suppliers.

Gerard Heanue succeeds Robert Flather as Picon chairman

Heanue joined Heidelberg UK as finance director 22 years ago and during that time held posts as chief financial officer (CFO) for Heidelberg Asia Pacific and also CFO for EMEA before becoming managing director of Heidelberg UK in 2011.  He joined the Picon Council in 2012

He succeeds Robert Flather, managing director of Kolbus UK, as Picon chairman.

‘Robert was responsible for introducing a strategic review of Picon and the goals that he set as a result will continue,’ said Heanue. ‘During my two-year tenure, my focus will be on training and the development of skills within Picon’s member companies. I want to concentrate on promoting education and increasing the relevant member benefits, not least sharing best practice and inviting top speakers to discuss the industry and financial and economic issues.

‘We must encourage more apprenticeships and training and development strategies to ensure we better balance the age profile of our industry and optimise the potential of those working in our sector.’

Picon is a business support organization dedicated to the promotion and ongoing development of UK manufacturers and suppliers to the printing, publishing, papermaking and paper converting industries.

‘I am honored to work with the high calibre people that make up and run Picon,’ added Heanue. ‘It is a vital organization that lobbies for print manufacturers, provides strong member support and raises the profile of print.’