In the summer of 2013, during one of my many trek’s through Europe as editor of Label & Narrow Web, I paid a visit to Telrol in the Netherlands, and had a memorable interview with its CEO Hoessein Hadaoui. There were several things that struck me as interesting about the company – for starters, they appeared to be a customer of just about every major press manufacturer. Initially, it was MPS who had introduced me to Telrol. At the time, the company had eight MPS flexo presses and was the press manufacturer’s largest Dutch customer. But touring Telrol’s massive “campus” of label-making facilities, I came to learn that the converter had equipment from just about every flexo press maker and major digital player at the time. And they also made their own labelstock. 

I selected Telrol as a “Company to Watch” for our annual article in the October 2013 issue of L&NW. Though much has changed at the company since then, including lots of M&A and equipment-adding activity, you can read the Telrol story here. 

Hoessein had the attitude that every type of equipment brought something unique and valuable to the operation, and his philosophy was to continue investing in the company. Just this past October, Telrol made headlines with the purchase order of SIX Xeikon CX3 digital label presses (aka, Xeikon “Cheetahs). Clearly, Hoessein’s leadership approach has not been one of the “wait and see” variety. 

This week I learned that Hoessein is moving on, stepping down from his position at Telrol and handing over the reigns to Jun Park, former president of Hansol America, and vice president for overseas sales at Hansol Paper in Korea, the company that acquired Telrol in 2014 in order to enter the European label market.

When I would see Hoessein at label events in Europe such as the FINAT Congress and the European Label Forum, he would always have a warm smile and friendly greeting. I’ll miss seeing the familiar face and getting his always interesting take on the state of the label market. 

In his own words, Hoessein Hadaoui bids farewell, while also introducing his successor:

“Dear business colleagues and friends,

After 20 years with full satisfaction, I have decided to leave the company as CEO of Telrol Group. With Europe’s no. 1 in both self-adhesive labels and POS paper rolls, the Group has the most solid and strongest portfolio to offer the market.

The next steps for the future will be more and deeper integration between Telrol, Schades and R&S, a strategy I have initiated, but where I do not see myself as being the right man. I have had many exiting and meaningful years after I joined in 1995. Twenty years of constant growth and profitability talks its own language and Telrol -Schades-R&S is the no. 1 in its business. It has been a fantastic journey, having met many interesting people, having learned a lot all those years, all for which I am truly thankful. To the most, I strongly believe I have set a pace for a European footprint. Telrol –Schades- R&S became an important part of the market and this combination will set its marks within the industry for the benefit of customers, employees and partners. No doubt this is the right combination and more and deeper integration between the companies is a necessity, therefore I strongly recommended a new CEO for the Group. Until November 2017, I will be consulting Telrol Group and support a smooth transition, but as from today the baton of being daily responsible for Telrol has been handed over to Mr. Jun Park.

Jun Park started working for Hansol Paper, former Jeonju Paper Company that was spun off of Samsung Group, in 1991. He has wide experience of overseas business including 10 year working career as GM of CK Fibres Inc. – recycling company in Vancouver, Canada and also as the president of Hansol America, Inc. – paper sales and marketing company for North American market in New Jersey, USA. He served as Vice President for the overseas sales at Hansol Paper in Korea during last 11 years. In 2014, he was appointed as CEO of Hansol Europe B.V. and moved to the position to the CEO position of Schades and R&S in 2015. Now, he has additional responsibilities as the CEO of Telrol Group. Thanks to all off you with whom I have done great business over the years and you who have supported Telrol and me. You are all welcome to contact me: [email protected].”