Vio Expands Leadership Team With Appointment Of Chris Friend
Press release from the issuing company
Vio has added another industry ace to its leadership team to support the growth of the business, with the appointment of Chris Friend to the position of Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing: Europe, R.O.W.
Chris Friend held board-level positions with Wam!Net from 2000 to 2003, initially as European managing director and subsequently as executive vice president for Global Sales and Marketing. Chris’ career in graphic arts extends back to 1994, having held senior appointments at MacEurope and then 3M Imation where he managed the company’s Print and Publishing division.
Chris’ move to Vio will help the company expand its position as the leading supplier of advertising supply chain management solutions. Reporting to CEO Rick Dool, Chris will be based at Vio’s European headquarters in London, England, and will take responsibility for the direction of all Vio’s sales activities outside North America.
Rick Dool comments: “Attracting a seasoned industry professional of Chris Friend’s calibre to this role is a real coup for Vio. His experience gives him invaluable insights into the benefits that Vio brings to the global graphic arts and advertising industries as a single-source supplier of integrated file delivery, network management and workflow solutions.”
Chris Friend adds: “I have observed Vio as a highly respected supplier with an enviable suite of best-of-breed applications for many years. The company’s acquisition of Portland last year reinforced this view, underlining Vio’s dedication to building a complete set of tools that can resolve the critical workflow challenges that confront graphic arts customers. Vio’s offering today goes way beyond file transfer; it’s about delivering real commercial benefits for customers by improving communications, enhancing automation and, ultimately, saving time and money.”
He continues, “Vio’s stance on industry standards such as JDF and AdsML, along with its track record of integrating its own applications with third-party solutions in areas such as pre-flighting, are proof to me that the company is 100% committed to working hand-in-hand with customers to develop creative, tailored solutions that meet actual business needs. But more than the products and services, Vio has consistently maintained and invested in staff with a deep-grained understanding of their customers’ business. This has proved a winning formula for success.
“It’s an inspiring career move for me, and I’m looking forward to playing a key role in realizing the enormous growth opportunities for Vio around the world. It’s a great time to be joining Vio,” he concludes.