Xeikon management changes to strengthen company’s position

- Appointment fits with Xeikon’s strategy of extending and reinforcing its technology platform

 

- Wim Maes becomes supervisory director

 

Xeikon is to operate under a new chief executive officer (CEO) from the start of 2013, with the announcement that Frank Deschuytere is to succeed Wim Maes from January 1.

 

Maes will join Xeikon’s supervisory board, with Wim Deblauwe retiring as a supervisory director with immediate effect.

 

Deblauwe is departing from the company after a long period of time. In early September, he accepted the role of vice president of North Europe at Betafence, and wishes to concentrate fully on his new role.

 

Xeikon said Deschuytere’s appointment fits with the company’s strategy of extending and reinforcing its technology platform.

Deschuytere has more than 20 years of experience in the graphic arts industry, having started his career in 1989 in Agfa-Gevaert’s research and development (R&D) department where he worked on the development of technologies for digital printing.

 

In 1999, he joined Xeikon, taking on various roles as a member of the executive team, including responsibility for R&D, production, logistics, HR and sales.

 

In 2010, he moved to OTN Systems, a producer of telecommunication equipment. As vice president of R&D and service at OTN Systems, he oversaw the transition to a new network technology.

 

Maes joined Xeikon as CEO in October 2009.

 

Chairman Herman olde Bolhaar said: ‘We are very grateful to Wim for his achievements over the past three years.

 

‘He has laid a sound financial platform for Xeikon and established a clear strategic focus with a solid product range. Wim has also made an important contribution to the development and streamlining of our sales and service organizations.

 

‘We are delighted that he will remain involved in the group’s development as a member of the supervisory board.’

 

Xeikon said that its focus will be on further implementing its overall strategy, optimizing internal processes in order to offer more efficient delivery and service to its customers, and carrying out its technology agenda, which includes making the Trillium technology ready for market launch.

 

Bolhaar added: ‘In light of his background, Frank Deschuytere is the perfect candidate to lead Xeikon in this phase of the company. He is well-versed with the history of our company and we are pleased to welcome him back.’

 

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