Reston, VA - PRIMIR, the Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization, the research unit of NPES, announces the leadership succession to PRIMIR Chair by Frances Cicogna, Manager, Business Development & Segment Marketing for Canon U.S.A. Production Solutions, during the PRIMIR Executive Committee's annual planning meeting on January 5th.

Outgoing Chair, Eric Frank, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Product Management, KBA–North America, will continue to serve on the Executive Committee. According to Frank, "I'm pleased for the opportunity to have led PRIMIR during a time of transformation, resulting in what's been heralded broadly as 'PRIMIR 2.0' designed to benefit members with innovative new research formats and delivery systems."

Serving as PRIMIR's Vice-Chair for the past two years, Cicogna has an extensive 20-year tenure in the printing industry, the last 5½ with Canon U.S.A., responsible for understanding customer needs, developing strategies and implementing go-to-market initiatives. On assuming the leadership role, Cicogna stated, "The industry is evolving and while we adapted over the past year to meet the changing needs of our constituents (PRIMIR 2.0), we will continue to provide value to our members by driving relevant, timely and useful information more deeply within companies to more effectively engage all change agents, generate innovation and market opportunities."

Assuming the role of PRIMIR Vice-Chair, is Richard Mullen, VP-Market Development & Analysis with Domtar, a global paper, pulp and fiber-based products manufacturer. Mullen's tenure with PRIMIR is lengthy, having led and participated on numerous research study task forces, and serving as member of the Executive Committee for several years. His responsibilities at Domtar include strategic project analysis, business plan development, and market trend analysis for paper and pulp. His previous industry experience includes product management and development roles at Domtar, Georgia-Pacific and IP Specialty Papers. Mullen noted, "PRIMIR is a critical source of insightful information, providing members with both vision and practical tools to face the future with confidence—I'm honored to be among its leadership."

Serving also on PRIMIR's Executive Committee are: Deanna Klemesrud, Global Marketing Manager, Packaging and Narrow Web, Flint Group; and, Chris Calomino, Marketing Manager, ACTEGA North America, Inc.