Agfa Graphics has announced that Gunther Mertens has succeeded Peter Wilkens as Regional President for North America effective immediately. He will also be a member of Agfa’s Global Graphics Management Committee (GMC). Mertens joined Agfa in 1999 and has held various positions in Management & Administration as well as in Finance.
Since 2006, he’s been the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Agfa Graphics’ subsidiaries in Canada and the United States. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Economics from the University of Antwerp, Belgium. In 2011, Mertens became an American citizen.
“Gunther is a well-experienced senior executive with a proven track record in our company,” said Stefaan Vanhooren, Agfa Graphics’ Global Corporate President. “He brings a broad business acumen and operations know-how, combined with a good understanding of the evolving needs of the North American printing industry.”
Mertens added: “Since the acquisition of Pitman in 2010, Agfa Graphics has served a significantly broader customer base. We will focus more on customers, providing them with added value across their businesses and an excellent experience in doing business with Agfa. It’s our clear intention to generate sustainable business growth, building on innovative solutions and broad relationships that we enjoy with a wide variety of excellent printing vendors.
Also effective today, Michael Ciaramella joins Agfa Graphics as its Vice President of Sales for the United States. He built his outstanding sales, marketing and professional service skills in the U.S. printing industry, including in successful management positions at HP, Eastman Kodak and Microsoft. “Michael has proven credentials in creating high-performing sales teams capable of selling value-added solutions encompassing all segments of our business,” said Mertens. “We welcome him and look forward to starting a successful journey.”
Agfa Graphics makes key North American appointments
