The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has appointed Ian Wilton as its new president.

Mr Wilton currently works as operations director at CDS, a communications agency. Having been involved in the print and communications industry all his life, Mr Wilton left school and undertook an apprenticeship as a printer at a local company. Since then, he has held various management positions throughout his career, at director level for the previous decade.

On his election as BPIF president, Mr Wilton said, ‘I believe the role of the BPIF is very important to the industry that has been able to provide such great support to the businesses that I’ve worked with over the years, and I now have the opportunity to give something back, and to ensure it continues to develop its support and services for the industry’s future.

‘I, alongside the non-executive directors will continue to challenge the executive team to ensure the members are at the foremost of all the decisions we make. I will be there for Charles Jarrod [BPIF CEO] to support him during my time as president to ensure the strategic direction of the BPIF continues to enhance and add value to its members.’

Mr Wilton, the current BPIF vice president, was elected at the association’s recent virtual AGM on 15 December. At the virtual AGM, BPIF said farewell to incumbent president Darren Coxon following a four-year tenure.

Mr Jarrold said, ‘I’d like to thank Darren for all the support, advice and challenge that he’s given as president. He steps down from the role with BPIF a strong organisation, able to support the sector now and in future, and that’s a credit to his leadership of the board.

‘The sector as a whole owes a debt of gratitude to the support he’s given. I’m looking forward the next stage of development under Ian’s presidency, where we’ll benefit both from his huge industry experience, and knowledge of the BPIF and the role it can play.’

Mr Wilton added, ‘I’m reassured that BPIF heads into 2021 with a high level of confidence, so I particularly want to thank take this opportunity to thank the non-executive team for their diligence and support throughout Darren`s time as president and I know they will keep supporting this industry that we are all so passionate about.’