Global Graphics PLC has appointed Mike Rottenborn as its new CEO following Gary Fry’s decision to step down from the post at the end of the year to pursue other avenues in the printing and publishing software industry. Rottenborn is currently the president and CEO of HYBRID Software Inc. and will take up his new position from January 1, 2020.

Gary Fry has served as chief executive officer since 2008 and has steered the Company through a significant growth period during which several strategic acquisitions have been concluded including Meteor Inkjet, the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, and, Xitron LLC, a leading developer of prepress solutions. He has been the driving force behind the Company’s success in providing software solutions for inkjet printing, a rapidly expanding technology which is used to produce labels and packaging, ceramics, interior décor, and textiles.

Rottenborn (52) founded HYBRID Software in 2007 to provide a software solution that bridges the gap between e-commerce portals, prepress workflows, and MIS/ERP systems. He has spent 30 years working in the graphic arts industry and began his career as an electrical engineer with DuPont Printing & Publishing. After DuPont, Mr. Rottenborn joined PCC Artwork Systems to focus on prepress workflow software for packaging and commercial printing customers.

Guido Van der Schueren, chairman of Global Graphics comments, “Gary Fry has been instrumental in shaping Global Graphics into the organisation it is today with a very clear strategic focus on digital and inkjet printing and the board is grateful for the energy and dynamism he has brought to the role. In Mike Rottenborn the Company has the ideal candidate to succeed Gary due to his impeccable technical credentials combined with extensive commercial experience. He also has the analytical, leadership, and organizational skills that are required to guide the business forward. With decades of industry experience to bring to bear he is a well-known and respected figure and the board is delighted to welcome him as part of the Global Graphics team.”

Rottenborn received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech and his Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Villanova University.