Anayath who previously was the director of the Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences, Bhiwani has held various positions at the Manipal University and then went on to be the head of Heidelberg’s Print Media Academy.

A proponent of ‘New Industrial Convergence Theory’, Anayath was conferred 'Global Academic Excellence award' in Chicago in the year 2011 for his contribution to global graphic arts industry by the ‘Printing Industries of America’.

In the year 2013, AIFMP (All India Federation of Master Printers) conferred the "Samman Award" to him during its diamond jubilee celebrations.

Recently he was conferred the silver medal by Society of Dyers & Colourists-UK.

A visiting professor to several Indian universities and an accredited PhD guide, Anayath is associated with Bureau of Indian Standards in TC 130 to develop standards for the Indian print industry.

Commenting on the news, Rajesh G, secretary of Kerala Master Printers Association (KMPA) said, “As an honorary member of the KMPA, we are proud and honoured to be associated with Prof Anayath for many years. We salute his truthful dedication for our industry and the pride he brings to us,”

He succeeds Prof Tankeshwar Kumar whose tenure ended last month.