Fresh Polestar chief executive Barry Hibbert has completed his first week in the hottest hot seat in UK print.


Hibberts appointment was confirmed last Thursday (26 July), and revealed in a PrintWeek email newsflash (see www.printweek.com). He took up his new position virtually immediately.


He described his immediate priority as getting the businesses all working in the same direction, so the organisation is fully aligned with what the market requires.
The change programme is showing improvements and Im encouraged and plan to accelerate that, Hibbert added.


In principle I dont like lots of layers any organisation has to be lean in the way it comunicates between where the work is produced and the management level. We have to improve the communication process to be stronger and tighter and there are logistics issues that need to be addressed.


The highly-leveraged groups finances will also present a significant challenge. The business has cash constraints and has to manage them, and we will work closely with suppliers on this, he said.


Hibberts appointment follows a five month search for a new chief. He worked at BPC/Polestar from 1993-1998 and subsequently joined Httprint Europe which, like Polestar, is backed by Investcorp.


Hibbert beat off competition from a number of internal candidates for the role, but did not foresee any clashes as a result: All the senior guys in the business are professionals. The decision has been taken and now its time to move on and run the business.


Getting someone who understands our business and the business, and who is hands-on and full of energy is great. Its good news that we dont have to spend six months introducing him to the technology and our customers, said group sales and marketing director John Ashfield, while news and consumer managing director Chris Pavlosky stated: This is a new era, and puts some energy and pace into the equation. Im really looking forward to working with Barry we can achieve a lot together.


While Hibbert said it would be foolhardy to state that he knew exactly what to do with the business, one decision is certain: the groups HQ will move from Londons grandiose Manchester Square, to offices more suited to a modern manufacturing business.


As to the widespread industry view that Polestar cannot continue in its current shape, Hibbert stated: I would look at most print companies and say that is the case. Polestar will have to move with the times, just like any of our competitors.


[*] Rob North, httprints european sales director, will take over from Hibbert at httprint. He described the httprint business as healthy. The software side is really starting to develop, and we recently announced the KBA Karat solution. And weve just secured a new pan-european print management account in the 3m-4m range.








Industry reaction to Hibbert's appointment:



I'm disappointed for Chris [Pavlosky], but I wish Barry well. He has a very difficult job to do and I await the results with interest, Jasper Scott, IPC.



Hes a tough businessman very direct and very specific who will listen to whats being said but make his own mind up. Im glad to see him back and at the helm, though I dont expect it to be easy for suppliers, Charles Murray, Sun Chemical.



On balance it has to be good news because I believe hes the kind of person that gets things done, hes an implementer, Alice Symonds, NatMags.



I know Barry Hibbert from his previous involvement with BPC. Hes an experienced manager and were looking to work closely with him, Tony Burke, GPMU.




There will be some very happy people at Polestar and some who are crapping themselves, former Polestar director.



I think this is an excellent choice, hes a good guy who knows the business, Terry Baber, Kodak Polychrome Graphics.



Hes a very energetic, customer-focused character. I think he will do well, with the right team behind him, Martin Bloomfield, Reed Business Information.