Toronto-born Marg Macleod, the driving force behind one of the Canadian printing industry’s longest established and most successful trade associations, is stepping down after more than 28 years at the helm.

In an enormously diverse and successful print-related career spanning over 45 years, New Brunswick resident Marg Macleod has been involved in just about every facet of the Canadian printing industry. Her background includes print sales in book manufacturing, print training, print buying and print consulting with a focus on workflow management, lean manufacturing, and management information systems. Author of seven textbooks supporting print production courses, she has also written several whitepapers on Lean Management practices and Management Information Systems for OEMs.

As a sales rep for Friesens, one of Canada’s largest and most successful book printers, she worked with some of North America’s leading publishers. Prior to becoming a book-printing sales rep, she spent 18 years in print production at major advertising agencies, and two years as Director of Marketing for Jannock Imaging, where she worked firsthand with advances in electronic imaging technology – from satellite ad transmission in 1985 to robots in printing plants in 2000.

A comprehensive knowledge of printing
Macleod began her career working in print production at Ogilvy & Mather Canada (as Print Production & Print Traffic Manager), and later Saatchi & Saatchi Canada (as VP of Print Production), and as Director of Marketing for Jannock Imaging – the holding company of 42 graphics industry companies. This experience helped her develop a deep knowledge of the printing industry. Today, she consults regularly for printing firms and OEMs.

As President of her own firm, IBEC Training & Consulting, she also consults for printing companies in the development of strategic and marketing plans, process improvement, process mapping, and ISO 9001 certification. She has served as a mediator in client/supplier disputes, and as an expert witness in litigation involving prepress/press expertise. Another skill frequently called upon, is her ability to assess existing purchasing processes and recommend methods to increase productivity and sales.

Marg is an ISO 9001 Certified Lead Auditor, a Certified Internal Auditor, a Certified Quality Process Auditor, an Accredited Print Manager and a Certified Print Production Practitioner. In addition to having served on the OPIA Board of Directors, she is also Past President of the Digital Imaging Association, and current Co-Chair of the PAC Digital Imaging Council.

Association involvement since 1987
The Ontario Pre-Press Association was launched in October of 1987 and Macleod was a member representing the Jannock Imaging Group of Companies. She joined the Board of Directors in 1991 and in 1998 became President. It was during her presidency that the Association re-organized and re-branded, becoming the Digital Imaging Association (DIA). The focus on education and networking became the top priority, supporting its members’ digital transformations.

Marg became DIA Manager in 2003. During her time in this role, and with the support of its Board of Directors, the association thrived despite challenging years that saw economic downturns, a global pandemic, supply-chain disruptions, mergers and acquisitions, cybersecurity threats, and most recently cross-border tariff chaos. Six online/in-person information sessions/panel discussions throughout the year brought together experts to help members deal with these major issues and other emerging trends. Plus, members can now network with audiences from Europe and South America, as well as Canada and the U.S. The DIA’s two big events – the annual Christmas Luncheon and annual Golf Tournament – continue to be extremely popular.

A legacy of helping printers succeed
In 2025 it was time expand the opportunities for member education and networking even further. So, the DIA merged with PAC Global to become PAC Digital Imaging. Members became a valued part of PAC Global’s worldwide network of over 3,000 printing and packaging professionals eager to share their knowledge and expertise to help grow their businesses.

With the expanded Association now positioned for the best possible success, Macleod said her last meeting will be Wednesday, January 21, at Spicers Canada. “I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful print-industry professionals over the years, to share ideas, facilitate industry growth, and expand our horizons as the industry grows,” she said. “I feel very honoured to have earned the respect and friendship of so many bright and talented people in this wonderful industry, who I will always consider not just as colleagues, but as friends.” Her replacement will be named later this month in a separate announcement.

Jim Downham, President and CEO of PAC Global, added: “Although I have only had the opportunity to work with Marg for a short time, it was immediately clear why her impact on the industry has been so profound and enduring. Marg brings rare depth and clarity to everything she touches, along with an unwavering commitment to education, collaboration, and member success. Her leadership helped guide the Digital Imaging Association through decades of change and positioned PAC Digital Imaging for a strong future within PAC Global. On behalf of our Board, members, and global community, I thank Marg for her extraordinary service and wish her every success in the next chapter of her career.”