BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - At the annual meeting of the World Print & Communication Forum, which took place in Chicago on September 15, 2009, Michael Makin was unanimously elected president of WPCF. He succeeds Chris Sykes, Director of the Printing Industry Federation of South Africa, who had been president since 2003 and who hosted the successful World Print Congress in Cape Town in 2005. Upon his departure, Chris Sykes stated that it was an honor and a pleasure to work with his international colleagues and steer WPCF during the past 6 years.

Michael Makin, CEO of Printing Industries of America, declared, "I am deeply honored by the confidence that is placed in me and will do my utmost to continue the work of Chris Sykes." Michael Makin will put a special emphasis on the exchange of economic information and best practices among the federation members and enlarge the scope of activities to focus more on specific topics of importance to the printing industry at international level. 

In its discussions, the Board debated the current economic crisis, its effects on the federations and the actions federations have taken to help their members in these difficult times. The next meeting will be held in February 2010 in London.

WPCF is the world organization of the printing industry regrouping federations from North America, Japan, China and Hong Kong, Europe, India and South Korea.