60 (New)
Nick Cole, St Ives - SP Group
Why Since his appointment as group managing director of St Ives’ Marketing Activation division in March, Cole has focused on restructuring his team to ensure it is now in place to look at sales growth across all of the Marketing Activation business areas. “He has an abundance of industry knowledge and an easygoing charm, especially when dealing with clients,” says one colleague, who describes Cole as a charismatic leader who joins in with office banter at any opportunity. Cole’s family is the centre of his world and he enjoys watching rugby and cricket and playing squash in his spare time.
59 (2014: 66)
Alex Evans, Precision Colour Printing
Why During a tough year for web-offset, Evans has reorganised the company while considering other revenue streams. “That’s made it a bit bumpy but we’ve handled that. It’s been a challenging time but we’re through that now,” one colleague said. Evans is described as “a decent honourable fella, approachable even if he’s not one of the gang”. He is sociable and likes red wine but generally work is “all consuming” for him. “He likes to keep control. It’s great if you want to duck a decision and he’s brilliant because he will always make a decision.”
58 (New)
Kieran O’Brien, Hobs Reprographics
Why O’Brien has come a long way since 1969 when he started out providing copying kit and consumables. In the intervening years he was one of the first in the UK (if not the first) to use a wide-format Xerox plain copier, was an early adopter of the Canon Bubble Jet and also led the charge in the area of small-format colour print. Another key milestone for the business was the awarding of a Royal Warrant to provide printing services to the royal household. According to colleagues, one of the most inspirational things about O’Brien is 50 years down the line he’s still as passionate and enthusiastic as ever – especially when it comes to embracing new technology. Away from the office this “true leader and architect of our industry,” is a keen golfer.
57 (2014: 63)
Ryan Hennessey, The AA
Why They say that variety is the spice of life – just ask the AA’s procurement manager Ryan Hennessey. After starting out as an apprentice printer at Hobbs the Printers in Southampton in 1988, Hennessey has worked as a print buyer for some of the UK’s largest organisations, including British Gas. One colleague who has worked alongside Hennessey for years says that he’s a pleasure to work with. “He is not only the boss, but one of the team and a friend,” says the source. As a result, it’s little wonder that he’s well liked by internal customers and suppliers alike. In terms of his personal likes, Hennessey is a big fan of Johnny Marr and a keen Manchester City supporter.
56 (2014: 59)
Bradley Slade, SMP
Why Identified by chairman Peter Mitchell a long time ago as a future leader of the firm, managing director Slade has not disappointed. With creative agency Breed and experiential agency Dimension the firm is moving up the value chain and the results are paying off, Breed recently won two POPAI awards. Not that the firm has neglected the print side with a recent retooling, including the World’s first Inca Onset X. On the whole Slade stays quiet, but when he does speak he has a particularly loud voice.
55 (New)
Alison Kaye, CPI UK
Why After leaving CPI in 2013 to join St Ives, Kaye rejoined the business this year as STMA and Colour division managing director. She’s already made her presence felt by realigning the strategy for growth for CPI Colour and pushing and developing managed inventory on the STMA side. Kaye has recently headed the launch of CPI Connect, a POS and graphics creative agency, and overseen investment in the firm’s second Speedmaster XL 106. “Alison leads by example as she’s probably the hardest working member of the team. She has great rapport with customers across the board,” says one colleague.
54 (2014: 67)
Kirk Galloway, Buxton Press
Why While the rolling investment strategy keeps on, erm, rolling, managing director Galloway’s hefty 13-place jump up the Power 100 is largely down to his beloved Buxton being crowned Company of the Year in the PrintWeek Awards earlier this year. To win the award once when you operate in one of the toughest print sectors – sheetfed magazines – is an incredible achievement, but to win three times in seven years demonstrates the consistency that Galloway and his team strives for. That steely determination to succeed has helped him to develop an “unerring ability to outstare anyone” said one colleague, a useful trait for someone who “doesn’t suffer fools – and immediately cuts through bullshit”.
53 (2014: 58)
Heath Mason, Park Communications
Why Chief executive Mason has ingrained the importance of being customer-focused into everyone at PrintWeek’s Magazine Printer of the Year. Known for his attention to detail and mentoring skills – “the key word for Heath is empowerment,” one colleague said – he has focused on building the brand and supporting sales to attract an extra £1.75m in 2015 as Park invested around £3m in a KBA Rapida 106 B1 and HP Indigo 7800. Mason and partner Alison Branch “have fallen in love with cycling” and regularly cycle 40 miles at the weekend. Their charity ride to Amsterdam raised more than £8,300 this summer.
52 (2014: 56)
Gary Peeling, Precision Printing
Why “Well, you said ‘expect more noise next year’,” a colleague recalls last year’s Power 100 blurb for Peeling. “And the chief executive has not disappointed. He spearheaded successful acquisitions, formed a new group and brought in wide-format and e-commerce with WhereTheTradeBuys.com and YourWalls.com.” Investment in London and Sunderland bases continued, resulting in double-digit growth across the 130-staff group. Peeling keeps making noise because he has lots to say, adds the colleague: “Gary continued to rack up the airmiles for Dscoop and the BPIF, holding forth on tomorrow’s customer and the collaboration economy.”
51 (2014: 62)
Neil Felton, Fespa
Why The Fespa juggernaut keeps on rolling and Felton has been in the driving seat as CEO for two years, in which time he’s stepped on the gas. This year’s flagship event was the biggest yet with visitors up 17%. Regional events in Eurasia, Asia and South America have enjoyed even greater growth. Beyond the shows more local associations are joining while existing ones moving to the Fespa brand. Focus on emerging applications such as fabrics and interiors are driving growth for visitors, members and the organisation. Family man Felton is as devoted to nurturing his print baby as his own kids.
