Ink Technologies (UK) Limited's (ITL) has appointed Leo Vermeiren to represent and grow its increasing market share in the European alternative inks sector. A skilled linguist, Vermeiren will bolster the company's sales and business development across the continent, opening new business opportunities and bringing his considerable and detailed knowledge of the printing market to the company. Based in the Netherlands, he will deploy his international business network, sound sales background and customer-focused approach to ensure that current and future users receive robust, reliable inks and service across a diverse range of uses and applications.

Vermeiren's experience within the printing sector is extensive; prior to his new role at ITL, he was Graphtec Japan's business development manager. When the imaging products company opted to centralise its operations, Vermeiren decided to remain in Europe to pursue new challenges. Numerous contacts had recommended that he explore the possibilities achievable with ITL's diverse range of ink solutions, which include eco- and full solvent, coding, UV-curable and water-based alternatives. The company's versatile portfolio piqued Vermeiren's interest and upon closer inspection, he found that ITL provided the professional challenge he sought.

Previous positions include business development management for sign, screen-printing and graphics equipment developer and manufacturer Anagraph USA. Earlier in his career, Vermeiren was European manager for Arlon USA, global producers of cut vinyl, flexible substrates and print media films for the digital imaging, signage and screen-printing industries. He has also worked as a sales manager for international label manufacturer Fasson Europe and, later, Avery Label as the managing director of its labelling and equipment division in Belgium.

"Leo is a seasoned player in the wide-format technology industry who ITL is extremely excited to welcome on board," enthuses Peter Williams, sales and marketing director. "His ambitious vision married with sturdy experience in this sector is the perfect combination needed to progress the company's European expansion. He shares ITL's commitment to finding the correct ink solution for each customer and supporting them through their development. His extensive business network will facilitate ITL's drive to introduce a wider audience to our products, while his long history of working in senior positions within key suppliers will assure customers of his in-depth understanding of the industry as a whole and the needs of those who work within it."

"I am attracted to companies which exhibit the potential for continuous growth and development," states Vermeiren. "In the ink industry, there are ever-increasing arrays of alternative colour-matched products to cater to the customer's needs. Despite consistent improvement of standards and expectations in this market, ITL still remains at the forefront in terms of both the quality and cost-effectiveness of its solutions for the small-, wide- and grand-format printing industries."

"ITL's inks hold their own against European competitors and my aim is to introduce these sterling products to a new set of customers, furthering the company's steady growth," states Vermeiren. "It is so exciting to become involved in its mission to continue providing cost-effective, vivid, hardy inks to an ever-evolving customer base."

Multi-lingual Vermeiren will be able to capitalise fully on his pan-European platform. He speaks Dutch, German, French and English as well as a little Spanish and Italian. In addition, he is mindful of China as an emergent market and has been learning Mandarin for over a year with hopes to fortify ITL's links in Asia. Born in Belgium, Vermeiren is now based in the small Dutch town of Terborg where he lives with his wife and son. He is a keen fan of tennis and rock music and still active in car racing, and enjoys the myriad travel opportunities available in Europe.