Mark Bristow, managing director of Friedheim International, has been elected chairman of Picon.

Mr Bristow succeeds Gerard Heanue, the recently retired managing director of Heidelberg UK, who will now chair the finance committee. George Clarke has been confirmed as secretary and financial controller.

The new chairman, who has over 32 years of experience in the printing industry, is already clear about what he wants to achieve during his tenure.

‘I have three key aims during my two years in office,’ Mr Bristow explained. ‘The first is to maintain and develop the training initiatives and grant systems we have introduced for members. I also hope to develop the business support opportunities we offer to members and, thirdly, I want to encourage greater co-operation with other print and business organisations to improve the impact we have on government as well as influencing designers and marketing professionals.’

Those two years in office will encompass some major industry events including two Global Print meetings and Drupa.