Robert Welford, previously vice president of global R&D, takes over from Benoit Chatelard as president of Xeikon owner Flint Group’s digital division.

Chatelard has reached retirement age and decided to step down after a long industry career, and just under six years leading Xeikon. 

Welford joined Xeikon in 2018 and prior to that held senior roles at FFEI and Xaar. 

Announcing his promotion, Xeikon stated: “As the new president, he will further leverage these competencies and his solid background in the printing industry, as the company accelerates the industrialisation of its broad product line and continued integration with Flint Group.”

Welford said he was proud to be given the opportunity to lead the business. 

“Xeikon has always had a strong focus on customer-centric developments and application-driven solutions, and its name has become synonymous with breakthrough innovations and technology. Crucially, it comes with an excellent team of professionals, who are known for their vast experience and in-depth expertise,” he said. 

“This is an exciting industry to be part of, but like all other companies, I’m certain that we will have our share of new challenges and pressures as the market and our customers’ needs keep changing and evolving.”

Welford said Xeikon would continue on its “unwavering mission” to support printers and converters with tools to help them “successfully navigate the future and grow their businesses”.

Belgium-headquartered Xeikon offers a range of dry toner and inkjet presses targeted at commercial printing, labels, and packaging including folding cartons and corrugated. 

Jurgen Devlieghere, Xeikon’s long-standing VP for software and hardware development, will take over the R&D remit from Welford. 

(Courtesy: PrintWeek.com)