Reston, VA - NPES, The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies is pleased to announce Mark Hischar, President and CEO of KBA North America, was elected Chair of the NPES Board of Directors at the organization’s recent membership meeting held during the NPES 2017 Annual Conference and Brand Inspiration Forum in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Mr. Hischar has been the President and CEO of KBA North America since October 2009. KBA North America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German-based Koenig & Bauer Group, the world’s oldest printing press manufacturer serving the broadest range of printing and imaging industry segments in the world. He joined the NPES Board in 2011 and most recently served as the Association’s treasurer for the past two years.

“This is an exciting time to be serving NPES as Chairman,” states Hischar. “The Association is well into the implementation of its strategic plan, which was rolled out early in 2017. The roadmap for NPES is clear as it moves to broaden its scope recognizing the continually evolving landscape of the printing, publishing and imaging industry. I am thrilled that I have been given the opportunity to lead this dynamic group.” Noting that NPES produces the GRAPH EXPO/PRINT tradeshow he advised, “This event is the premier tradeshow for the printing industry. In conjunction with NPES’ expansive new approach to the industry it will get better and offer greater value to all stakeholders in our broad industry.” He continued, “I strongly encourage NPES members to engage in the organization and I hope those suppliers to the printing, publishing and imaging industry who are not members will take a look at all of the tremendous benefits of participation, especially with our new strategic direction. As they say: ‘this is not your father’s NPES!’”

Charged with advancing the Association’s new strategic vision, NPES President Thayer Long states, “In this time of great change for our Association, and for our industry, the leadership Mark brings to the helm will be essential in guiding us surely and steadily forward.”

Prior to joining KBA North America, Hischar was the President and CEO and board member of W+D Machinery Company, an Overland Park, KS wholly-owned subsidiary of a German manufacturer of envelope manufacturing machines. His experience also includes a post as President and CEO of Tresu Royse Company, a manufacturer of auxiliary equipment for offset printing presses, as well as an executive at Matthews International Corporation, a manufacturer of prepress services and printing plates for the flexographic printing industry. Hischar holds an MBA from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science degree in management from the Pennsylvania State University.