Anglia Labels has announced the retirement of managing director Ian Woodhead, bringing to a close a distinguished 46 career in the print industry and 22 years of dedicated service to the Suffolk-based label manufacturer.

Woodhead’s career began in 1979 and has spanned one of the most transformative periods in print history. From zinc plates and chemical processing through to high-speed digital presses, he not only witnessed the industry’s evolution but actively contributed to it. After starting in sales, Woodhead completed an apprenticeship in polymer platemaking before moving into reprographics and operational management, later working with emerging digital systems including Art Pro, Barco and training on one of the country’s earliest HP Indigo presses.

Woodhead joined Technique Labels in 2000, where he first built a close working relationship with Anglia Labels’ founder, Rowland Grindell. When Technique Labels closed in 2004, he joined Anglia Labels as Sales Manager. Within six months he was appointed Sales Director, and in 2012 he succeeded Rowland as Managing Director.

Over the following eleven years, Woodhead led Anglia Labels through significant periods of change and growth. He oversaw continued investment in digital technology and production capability, strengthened customer relationships, and guided the business through complex challenges — including the Covid-19 pandemic — with steady leadership and pragmatic decision-making.

During a period of ownership transition following Rowland Grindell’s illness, Woodhead ensured stability and continuity for customers and staff alike, maintaining focus on quality, service and operational resilience.

Reflecting on his retirement, Woodhead says, “After 22 years at Anglia Labels, I leave the business in capable hands under the leadership of Sophy Moynagh, owner and operations director, supported by a highly skilled management and production team. My time with the company has been challenging, rewarding and immensely enjoyable, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.”

Moynagh comments, “Ian has led Anglia Labels with integrity, experience and remarkable composure. He has always been the first to step forward when challenges arose, and his technical knowledge and calm leadership have shaped the business we are today. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank Ian for his mentorship, resilience and friendship. His contribution to this company will have a lasting legacy.”

As Anglia Labels enters its next chapter, the company remains firmly positioned for continued development under family ownership. With an experienced management team, ongoing investment in technology and a strong customer base across multiple sectors, the business looks ahead with confidence and clarity of direction. Anglia Labels thanks Ian Woodhead for his outstanding service to the company and to the wider print industry and wishes him every happiness in retirement.