Building on its global presence as a leading RIP solutions manufacturer for all types of wide-format production environment, London-based Shiraz Software has announced the appointment of Tom Mooney as business development manager. Mooney, who brings in-depth technical knowledge of print production and extensive account management experience to his new position, will head up the company's initiative to identify and appoint new distributors in key territories world-wide, including France, Germany, Russia, Turkey and Eastern Europe, renewing sales and service channels for customers in those countries.

Shiraz Software's scalable and powerful RIP solutions – Shiraz RIP Server, Shiraz Signature and Shiraz Focus, all of which were updated to their latest versions in May this year – are used by a variety of customers on both PC and Macintosh platforms around the world. Mooney hopes to increase support by co-opting with distributors who have a native understanding of the requirements of their home markets.

"The latest Shiraz packages are built with a number of flexible features for large-format output. Users want to know that they have a reliable distribution channel that can demonstrate the power of the solution in situ and relate the product to their local market," explains Mooney. "The next logical step for Shiraz Software is to build on its recent successes by extending its dealer network."

Business development director Ramin Shahbazi explains that Shiraz Software has established a reputation for outreach with its customers, and that the use of its RIPs in various environments and territories will inspire the packages' future generations. "Tom is a perfect fit for Shiraz, and joins us as we seek greater insight into the highly individual needs of a diverse set of international markets," comments Shahbazi. "New distribution channels will allow us an improved understanding of our customers and Tom is perfectly positioned to establish and grow those sales and support streams."

In his previous role as OEM account manager with print and imaging technological solutions provider Software Imaging (formerly Software 2000), Mooney engaged with printer manufacturers to develop tailored strategies for the optimisation of printer output and efficiency, as well as the promotion of products into vertical markets. His advanced knowledge of the printing industry and its rapid development were immediately attractive to Shiraz Software, which views technological and business evolution as inextricably linked and mutually beneficial. Mooney was keen to implement his experience within a dynamic new environment and recognised the potential for an exciting business relationship when he met the company at this year's Ipex.

"Shiraz's solutions allow graphic arts production to be taken to the next level and I am thrilled to join a company with such exciting and dynamic products," concludes Mooney. "My challenge is to evangelise these innovations to end users and the wider creative community. I am looking to appoint additional distributors, build a global network dedicated and committed to customer service, and help all types of wide-format user realise their work on a grand scale using Shiraz's software."

Having gained his undergraduate degree in printing in Manchester, he completed a masters degree in digital imaging at the University of Westminster, providing him with a deep-rooted understanding of both the software and hardware aspects of the graphic arts market. Upon graduating, he began his career as an engineer with Software Imaging. His business skills were enhanced by a move into technical sales within the same firm selling the software he had written. After ten years Mooney left to join Samsung with responsibility for driving innovative print solutions on their embedded software. This increased his interest in and understanding of the relationship between sales, marketing and profitability -- assets which Shiraz Software was keen to bring into the fold.

"We are delighted to welcome Tom to Shiraz Software," continues Shahbazi. "He possesses both specialist technical prowess and a broad overview of the printing industry as a whole. His passion for Shiraz's software makes him the perfect individual to fortify the company's international network and innovate new ways of familiarising customers with its products. His skill set is further enhanced by sound business acumen and a genuine enthusiasm for the applications made possible by our products. In addition, his commitment to a personalised customer service model gels with Shiraz's ethos and will further enhance our user-focused approach to business."