Xeikon NV has announced that Frank
Deschuytere is to succeed Wim Maes as CEO with effect from January 1, 2013. Wim
Maes will join Xeikon’s Supervisory Board; Wim Deblauwe is retiring as a
supervisory director with effect from today. Frank Deschuytere’s appointment
fits with Xeikon’s strategy of extending and reinforcing its technology
platform.
Frank Deschuytere (born in 1964 in Belgium)
has more than 20 years of experience in the graphic arts industry. He started
his career in 1989 at Agfa-Gevaert’s R&D department, where he worked on the
development of technologies for digital printing. In 1999, he joined Xeikon,
taking on various roles as a member of the executive team, including
responsibility for R&D, production, logistics, HR and sales. In 2010, he
moved to OTN Systems, a producer of telecommunication equipment. As VP R&D
and Service at OTN Systems, he oversaw the transition to a new network
technology. Frank Deschuytere has a master’s degree in engineering science
(specializing in civil telecommunication engineering) from the University of
Ghent, Belgium, and obtained an MBA from the University of Leuven, Belgium.
Wim Maes joined Xeikon as CEO in October
2009. Chairman Herman olde Bolhaar made the following statement on behalf of
the Supervisory Board: “We are very grateful to Wim for his achievements over
the past three years. He has laid a sound financial platform for Xeikon and
established a clear strategic focus with a solid product range. Wim has also
made an important contribution to the development and streamlining of our sales
and service organizations. We are delighted that he will remain involved in the
group’s development as a member of the Supervisory Board.”
Wim Deblauwe is departing from the group
after a long period of time. In early September, he accepted the role of Vice
President North Europe at Betafence, and wishes to concentrate fully on it. The
Supervisory Board respects this decision and would like to thank Wim for the
guiding role that he has played for the group. The Supervisory Board wishes him
success with his career.
In the years ahead, Xeikon’s focus will be on
further implementing its overall strategy, optimizing internal processes in
order to offer more efficient delivery and service to its customers, and
carrying out its technology agenda, which includes making the Trillium
technology ready for market launch. Herman olde Bolhaar added: “In light of his
background, Frank is the perfect candidate to lead Xeikon in this phase of the
company. He is well-versed with the history of our company and we are pleased
to welcome him back.”
