Johnson's tenure has seen huge changes in the printing industry, with the BPIF re-engineered under his leadership as it developed new business solutions to help its member companies adapt to their changing markets.  His legacy includes Vision In Print, first established in 2003 with the help of a £2.4m Government grant. Since then the BPIF's lean manufacturing support arm has delivered over 600 process improvement programmes, trained more than 4000 people in continuous improvement techniques, and delivered average added value benefit of £127K per programme.

Always keen to partner with other key stakeholders in his efforts to drive strategic change in print, Johnson worked with Unite to produce the industry's first national partnership agreement in 2005, supported by a £250K Government grant the BPIF secured from the then DTI to undertake the pioneering Partnership at Work initiative. Although BPIF members' views on the relevance of the national agreement have shifted somewhat since then, this agreement has been key to engaging employees and their representatives in the industry's change agenda.  

Last year the BPIF produced Priorities for Print, a much-applauded definitive summary of the BPIF's lobbying priorities and actions sought from Government. Under Johnson, the BPIF has fought hard to represent the interests of its members in Westminster and he has ensured that the organisation continues to punch well above its weight. Recent successes include reforms on pre-packs, a commitment that the taxman will not pursue retrospective VAT "supply splitting" claims, engagement with the Paymaster General's office on public procurement reforms, and the retention of print's Climate Change Levy Rebate Scheme.  

Colleagues of Johnson point to his strength of vision, remarking on how he has ensured that the BPIF continually seeks to identify emerging market trends. Johnson has made sure that the BPIF has invested in developing new business solutions to help members address these developments. Nowhere has this been more important than in relation to the BPIF's work on cross-media, with the BPIF now helping a growing number of printing companies to become cross-media suppliers and deliver integrated marketing solutions to their clients.  

Johnson's focus on tackling the industry's change agenda has not wavered even in recent times, when the BPIF's recession-hit finances have been extremely tight. The BPIF has made tough financial decisions during his time, with significant reductions in headcount proving necessary in the last three years. At the same time though, improvements in operational efficiency and cost savings he has driven through have meant that the quality of services the BPIF provides to its members remain undiminished. The BPIF has also achieved major economies of scale by partnering with other trade bodies, having managed the British Offices Supplies and Services (BOSS) Federation under an association management contract since 2007.

Michael Johnson says: "I am very proud to have played my part in the continuing evolution of our industry. But of course these achievements are not mine alone. I have had the privilege of working with the very able and diligent staff of the BPIF, an extremely talented team of people by whom this industry is very well served. I have also been fortunate in being guided and assisted by many highly committed and enlightened member company representatives, who have kept me in check and on track. I know that my successor, Kathy Woodward will continue to enjoy the same level of support when she takes over next month. I wish Kathy, the BPIF and its member companies every success for the future."

Said Rupert Middleton, "Michael has been an outstanding Chief Executive of BPIF. His commitment has been total and he has been passionate in providing the value of Trade Associations. Always challenging business practices and organisational structure where appropriate, he has inspired new ways of thinking and has always been on the front foot when defending our industry. The BPIF is now a much respected organisation; he has done the industry proud. "

Chief Executive Designate Kathy Woodward stated: "Michael has worked hard to put in place a strong team at the BPIF, and I intend to build on this with a firm focus on people development and strengthening talent within the organisation. I am also keen to ensure that we expand the BPIF's membership, so that many more printing companies can benefit from the high calibre expertise that print's premier trade body has to offer"