Gallus has appointed Dario Urbinati as its new CEO, supporting its ongoing mission to provide dynamic technologies and services to, ‘secure the future of the narrow web industry.’

With 17 years of experience in the graphic arts industry, including most recently as chief sales and service officer at Gallus, Mr Urbinati will continue to drive the company’s stated mission to turn the narrow web market towards a more sustainable and profitable future.

As well as his previous experience at Gallus, Mr Urbinati brings ‘significant’ experience of running label businesses, having served in senior positions with leading manufacturers around the world. He first joined Gallus in 2007, where he served nine years with the company, latterly as its managing director for Southeast Asia. He then joined Omet China as its narrow/mid web managing director, before becoming chief sales and marketing officer at Actega Metal Print.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Urbinati said, ‘This is a fantastic, growing business with incredibly talented and committed people and, with the might of Heidelberg behind us, an exciting trajectory for the future. While our ongoing mission is to support the success of our customers in the field, our wider ambition is to provide dynamic technologies and services to secure the future of the narrow web industry.’

Gallus is also building an experience centre in St Gallen, Switzerland, which has been specifically designed to aid collaboration across the industry, inviting customers, brands and suppliers from throughout the entire ecosystem to meet and share knowledge and technologies, as well as develop new ideas to tackle key industry issues and create new opportunities.

Dr Ludwin Monz, CEO at parent company Heidelberg, commented, ‘Dario has been responsible for refocusing the business against a very clear vision for the future of labels. This has meant resetting the business in important areas by increasing customer service and support, boosting sales and marketing activities and much more. He has also introduced an ambitious sustainability programme, with a landmark pledge to make our products carbon neutral by the end of 2022.’

Mr Urbinati succeeds Dr Frank Schaum, who is now to lead Heidelberg’s print segment but will remain as chairman of the Gallus board.

Dr Monz continued, ‘Gallus is an important pillar in the Heidelberg Group’s packaging business, which offers long term growth potential and, importantly, shares our commitment to quality. We are delighted to have Dario lead this business. I would also like to thank Dr Frank Schaum for his excellent leadership to date, and we are pleased that he will remain as chairman of the Gallus board.’