New editor announced for Labels & Labeling

Quirk joined the Labels & Labeling team in 2005, rising to deputy editor before spending nearly eight years as L&L Latin America editor, based in Argentina. Within his new global remit, he will continue to write about the Latin American market, supported by L&L’s new Latin America correspondent, Keren Becerra, who is editorial director of Label Pack and president of the Mexican label association Ametiq. Further new columnists and regional contributors for Labels & Labeling will shortly be announced.

Quirk replaces Andy Thomas, who moves to the role of Tarsus Labels and Packaging Group strategic director, while industry veteran Mike Fairley, who launched Labels & Labeling nearly 40 years ago, takes on the title strategic consultant and Label Academy founder, where he will focus particularly on developing the global industry training and certification initiative.

Both Thomas and Fairley will continue writing for Labels & Labeling magazine and will work on a number of new initiatives including a global research division.

In other changes to Labels & Labeling’s global team, L&L China editor Kevin Liu has been promoted to project director for the Tarsus Group’s China labels business. He will shortly announce a new China magazine and social media editor.

In the L&L advertising team, Randy Kessler has been promoted to vice president of advertising sales and Richard Quirk to EMEA and online advertising manager.

Commented Andy Thomas, ‘It has been an absolute pleasure editing Labels & Labeling for the last 19 years and in that time we have built up the best global editorial team in the industry. James Quirk has thoroughly deserved his promotion and will bring a new perspective, energy and ideas to the magazine, particularly online. I am looking forward to my new role in developing the Tarsus Group’s wider label and package printing business, working with my long-term colleague and industry guru Mike Fairley, who first employed me on L&L and has been an invaluable mentor.’

Lisa Milburn, managing director of Tarsus’ Labels and Packaging Group, said: ‘I am delighted that James Quirk has accepted the role of group managing editor, Labels & Labeling. James has been with us for 11 years and in that time has developed a wealth of industry knowledge and invaluable relationships worldwide. He is extremely well respected both internally at Tarsus and in the wider label industry. This move has freed up Andy Thomas to take the position of strategic director across our whole group. I am extremely excited to work closely with Andy in this broader role across both Labelexpo and Labels & Labeling. With Andy’s vast experience, technical know-how and global knowledge, he is very well placed to help take our group forward. With Andy Thomas now taking up more of Mike Fairley’s responsibilities, this allows Mike to focus on and drive forward the Label Academy.’