Xeikon NV has announced that Frank Deschuytere is to succeed Wim Maes as CEO with effect from January 1, 2013. Mr Maes will join Xeikon’s Supervisory Board; Wim Deblauwe is retiring as a supervisory director with effect from today. Mr Deschuytere’s appointment fits with the company’s strategy of extending and reinforcing its technology platform.
Frank Deschuytere has more than 20 years of experience in the graphic arts industry. He started his career in 1989 at Agfa-Gevaert’s 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 R&D and Service at OTN Systems, he oversaw the transition to a new network technology. Mr Deschuytere has a Master’s degree in engineering science (specialising in civil telecommunication engineering) from the University of Ghent, Belgium, and obtained an MBA from the University of Leuven, Belgium.
Wim Maes joined Xeikon as CEO in October 2009. Chairman Herman olde Bolhaar made the following statement on behalf of the Supervisory Board, ‘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 organisations. We are delighted that he will remain involved in the group’s development as a member of the Supervisory Board.’
Wim Deblauwe is departing from the group after a long period of time. In early September, he accepted the role of vice president North Europe at Betafence, and wishes to concentrate fully on it. The Supervisory Board said that it respects this decision and would like to thank Mr Deblauwe for the guiding role that he has played for the group.
In the years ahead, Xeikon’s focus will be on further implementing its overall strategy, optimising 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. Herman olde Bolhaar added, ‘In light of his background, Frank 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.’
The above changes will be presented to the general meeting of shareholders for approval.
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