60 Bob Steadman     (50)
Guardian News and Media
Why With the world of newspaper printing fast becoming a contract world, Guardian News and Media's (GNM) power-base has diminished somewhat, contributing to the company's director of production, distribution and sales's slight fall. GNM exists in its own little bubble and is not currently involved in the battle for contract work. Steadman, who has 30 years of experience in the industry, has settled well into his current post since he took on the mantle in 2008.

59 Peter Morris     (51)
Friedheim International
Why According to staff, Morris is "the man to take Friedheim through this difficult time" and the managing director has as much experience in the industry as any rival. This year the company continued to add to its impressive battery of agency contracts, as well as tying up a major partnership with finishing manufacturer Duplo. The future looks pretty rosy for Friedheim under Morris' stewardship. "Nobody is better placed to inspire us," says one employee. "He works tirelessly and has no reverse gear."

58 John Fry     (NEW)
Johnston Press
Why Former Archant managing director Fry has flown into the Power 100 this year as he replaces long-time print stalwart Tim Bowdler as the Johnston Press chief executive. Fry could not have stepped into the hot seat at a more difficult time, as the newspaper sector continues to take a battering and Johnston undergoes a sea-change. A deep thinker, Fry brings a focused streak to his working life, despite an affable exterior. Away from work, the committed family man also has a sporty side, enjoying skiing, sailing and cycling.

57 Matt Bird     (54)
Etrinsic
Why Since InnerWorkings acquired Etrinsic, managing director Matt Bird has not taken his foot off the gas. He is fixed on remaining a pure print management business and announcements of contract renewals and additions testify to the success of that strategy. His colleagues say that he makes great efforts to remain accessible to staff and our public vote backs this, with numerous comments attesting to his personable and open nature. Outside of Etrinsic, Bird is married to a photographer and claims to be a bit of a dab hand in the kitchen. He must also be delighted that his beloved Birmingham City bounced back into the top flight this season.

56 Rupert Middleton     (60)
Trinity Mirror
Why Under Middleton's leadership, Trinity Mirror Printing (TMP) has become the largest newspaper contract printer in the UK, serving a wide array of everything from national dailies to student rags. TMP also provides a full-colour printing and finishing capability for Trinity Mirror's 300-plus national and regional newspapers, as well as managing Trinity Mirror's significant print procurement spend. Middleton, whose official title at TMP is group director of manufacturing, is currently the vice-president of the BPIF and is in line to be the next president. He looks well placed to take on the post if the comments of a colleague are anything to go by: "Rupert is a true visionary who has the respect of all."

55 Tony Rafferty     (56)
Printing.com
Why Expanding the Printing.com empire into the US has kept Rafferty busy this year, but colleagues say his terrier-like determination makes him perfect for the job. His dedication is such that, apparently, if you're a franchisee you can expect a visit from him every time he's in your neighbourhood. Whether it's a Tuesday night five-a-side with colleagues or getting to grips with the latest print technologies, his peers p say that he has the entrepreneurial knack of cutting through to the core of an issue, identifying the opportunity and making a decision. He is also fiercely protective. "He loves a fight," says one colleague. "If someone's going to have a go at his business or his people, then bring it on."

54 Charles Jarrold     (61)
Southernprint
Why "Innovative" and "a bloody nice chap" are just two of the phrases used to describe Southernprint managing director Charles Jarrold, who has continued to nurture the firm's spot at the forefront of web offset printing by driving it forward, despite industry turmoil. One voter said that he had made the business a "number-one brand" and continued to control costs against competition. Elsewhere, Jarrold enjoys the social side of print and is usually up for an alcoholic beverage or two plus a good chat, although with preparations afoot for the Chicago Marathon this October he may be resting his brogues and wine glass in favour of Nikes and a water bottle.

53 Steve Parish     (NEW)
Tag Worldwide
Why A return to the list for chief executive Parish, who's been busy building the largest studio and production house in Europe. Last year's launch of a packaging operation in Leeds is making waves in that sector, while new offices in France and Germany extend its UK and US reach into mainland Europe. Condé Nast's decision to switch a raft of magazine repro to Tag from Wyndeham reinforced its print credentials. Parish is driven to make sure that the firm lives up to the worldwide, erm, tag of its name and that's exactly what he's doing.

52 Alistair Gough     (55)
Robert Horne Group 
Why Robert Horne Group's managing director Alistair Gough started at the company as a lab technician in 1980. Since then, he has worked his way up to a main board director, running the sign and display division before leaving in 2004 to become managing director of fellow Paperlinx merchant PaperCo. Many in the industry say that it was a big deal to come back to a company where he had previously worked, with one Power 100 voter saying it was a tough role, especially in the current economic climate. However, since his return one colleague says he has "kept a steady hand on the rudder" at all times. Gough is also the NAPM's president.

51 Tim Delahay     (46)
DST Output
Why DSTi may have rebranded as DST Output, but Delahay's year has been more about internal transformation - the headlines he's been making are about the changes in training and transparency he has effected to boost staff morale and focus. And it's not just the free fruit - the changes he's introduced have transformed a company with a 25% staff attrition rate to one with less than 1%. The keen foodie has also extended his own responsibilities; not only adding fatherhood to the list, but also the running of the Customer Lifecycle Management division. With continued technology investment, new services and plenty of contract renewals, a £12m investment in premises and ambitious plans to grow turnover several times over in the short term, his slight slip in the Power 100 ranking may well be reversed next year.

Previous page
Next page
Back to rankings