January 22, 2004 -- Detlev Dierkes (47) has been appointed Head of the Trade Relations Department at Heidelberg with immediate effect. The Section establishes, maintains and organizes contacts with relevant target groups in the print media industry. The objective is to provide interested parties with information both about the sector and Heidelberg itself. Activities range from organizing visits to Heidelberg, to talks to trade groups, associations, universities, schools, in-house trade shows and holding seminars and workshops lasting several days. The department also supports local Heidelberg organizations with their individual projects. In general, Heidelberg intends to further internationalize these activities in the future. “The purpose of the Trade Relations Department is to provide selected target groups in the print media industry with the latest information about trends and innovations from the world of printing. It also aims to promote interest and commitment in the sector and further enhance Heidelberg’s profile”, says Dierkes about his new challenge. Dierkes takes over the Department from his predecessor Klaus-Jürgen Oppermann, who retired at the end of 2003 after many years at the helm. Dierkes has held various posts in the print media industry for the last 30 years and came to Heidelberg in 1997, where he has been responsible for prepress and digital printing in the customer center.