Koenig & Bauer Durst has confirmed Daniel Velema as its new managing director, with Robert Stabler stepping down from the position he has held since the joint venture company’s inception in 2019.

As of February, Mr Velema joins the company that has sought to develop and disrupt sheet-fed packaging markets with inkjet-based digital printing systems combined with offset converting technology.

Mr Velema is noted as having ‘extensive domain experience’ in the printing industry and managing consultancy. He has held various senior level management positions and most recently was general manager of the pre-press activities at XSYS Global. Prior to that, he spent 30 months with Xeikon as vice president, corrugated and solution services.

Of his new role, Mr Velema said, ‘I am really looking forward to joining Koenig & Bauer Durst, which was set up by two technology pioneers in the printing and packaging markets and has a growing presence in the industry. Corrugated and folding carton printers/converters continue to digitise their production environment to increase efficiency, flexibility and to provide a better service to brands and retail. In the long term, this leads to significant cost reductions. Koenig & Bauer Durst’s machinery, software and services offering is well positioned to support and accelerate our customers’ journey and I look forward to working together with our customers, partners and suppliers.’

His appointment coincides with Koenig & Bauer and Durst reaffirming their commitment to the joint venture they established in 2019, including expanding its R&D capability.

Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed segment CEO Ralf Sammeck said, ‘To take the joint venture to the next level, we are delighted to have appointed Daniel Velema as the new managing director from next February.’

Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner, Durst Group, said, ‘We are looking forward to welcoming Daniel to Koenig & Bauer Durst to drive the company forward to the next stages of development.’

Mr Stabler commented, ‘Having led the joint venture company for almost five years, I have been proud to lead a committed team of professionals and establish ourselves as a real force in the industry. The fact that our two parent companies – Koenig & Bauer and Durst, two giants in packaging and printing – have committed to further R&D capabilities speaks volumes about the positive impact we have had in growing our presence significantly in corrugated and folding carton markets. These are ripe for digital transformation – and we have a growing customer base to prove that.

‘I thank all staff, partners and our extremely loyal customer base who have shown unstinting as we have continued to grow and establish our global capabilities as a partner of choice across the world.  Together with Daniel, there will be a significant handover period in what I am sure will lead to further success and profitability in the months and years to come.’

Of Mr Stabler, Mr Gamper said, ‘Robert has been instrumental in developing and leading the joint venture team that has developed high-end systems in fully automatic, industrial-scale production. We want to thank Robert for bringing the joint venture from an idea to a vibrant, standalone company.’