Esko, a global supplier of integrated hardware and software for the packaging, labels and wide format sectors, has announced the appointment of Stephen Bennett to vice president and general manager, Esko North America.

Bennett previously worked at Esko until 2017 as vice president of sales, having then moved on to Fujifilm as vice president, packaging solutions. He now returns to the fold to manage the overall Esko North America business strategy and 225 business professionals operating across the US packaging industry.

“Esko is a great company and I missed the team spirit and of course, the fantastic technology portfolio that we continue to develop,” Bennett says. “It’s great to be back on board at such a dynamic and high-growth company.

“Unlike many businesses in the sector, we’re expanding and hiring new staff to support our business growth,” he adds. “As we continue to roll out our integrated technology strategy across the US, with the support of the new Digital Maturity Model that’s just been launched, it looks like we have a great 2020 ahead.”

Esko’s Digital Maturity Model enables packaging business leaders, IT managers, prepress and operations staff to identify their stage of digital development in processes and workflow steps and strategically plan for the future.

“Esko hardware and software solutions are delivering step changes in operational efficiency, customer service and competitiveness for our customers,” adds Bennett. “Our new Digital Maturity Model is another step forward for our teams in supporting them on their journey to digital transformation. I’m excited about what this year is going to bring in rolling out these new services and solutions.”