Ryan Miles named Heidelberg UK managing director

Miles will also serve as head of Cluster Northern Europe, a region which includes the UK, Sweden, Denmark and also South Africa. Miles is currently managing director of Heidelberg’s operation in South Africa and will relocate to the UK with his family. He takes up his new post April 1, 2019.

His career has included roles as finance director at Kodak SA and group chief operating officer at Itec SA.

Miles commented: ‘Having been in the technology, industrial, telecommunications and graphic arts industries has helped me build broad experience and I continue to grow and develop my leadership skills. If I have any regret it is that I didn’t join Heidelberg sooner.’

He notes differences between the South African and UK markets. In South Africa there is still an oversupply of production capacity and there is a continuing consolidation. The UK is largely through that phase and is described as 'one of the most productive printing markets in the world'.

Miles commented: ‘Heidelberg UK must continue to develop and innovate in order to provide the best value to its customers, whose needs are always evolving. Our service and support must remain world class and we need to ensure customers can take maximum advantage of the digitised world and the advanced technology that Heidelberg can offer.’

On succeeding Heanue, to whom he has reported for a number of years, Miles said: ‘Gerard is a true gentleman and can be very proud of his achievements. He has an ability to create and steer true growth and the past five years have been the most fulfilling of my career.’

Heanue said: ‘Ryan and I have worked together for five years and I have seen the great job he has done in revitalizing the organization there so I had no hesitation in proposing him to the Heidelberg board for the UK role. He is a good team player, very bright and future-focused. He is the right man to take the organization forward.’