Mark Stephenson: Life After Fujifilm

Mark Stephenson, longstanding business development manager at Fujifilm Europe and a key figure of the UK print industry, has recently announced that he will leave the company to seek new challenges.

Stephenson will say goodbye to Fujifilm on March 31st after 26 years working for the print manufacturer – and in a statement on LinkedIn about the news, he emphasises “what a fantastic 26 years it has been.” He goes on to stress that, while he will be spending time to consider his future options, “retirement will not be one of them.”

We caught up with Mark ‘The Spark’ Stephenson to reflect on his enduring history in the print industry and to discuss what comes next.

How different was the print industry when you joined it at the beginning of your career?

It’s barely recognisable! I started in the ‘wrong end’ of print as a letterpress compositor, which was a dying art even back in 1977. Fax machines were an emerging technology and digital printing was just a twinkle in the eyes of Benny Landa et al.

Talk us through the journey that led to you joining Fujifilm in 1999

I was a marketing manager for a chain of professional photo labs when an old friend at Fujifilm called me and said: "Come on over, the water's lovely." I got a job as project manager for a software product Fujifilm was developing called Valiano. Top features were OPI, DAM, and a ROOM workflow (if you know, you know).

How different was Fujifilm’s core focus when you joined the company, and how has that changed over time?

Computer-to-plate (CTP) was taking hold but most of Fujifilm's customers were nervous about transitioning away from film. We needed to re-educate ourselves and our customers for an increasingly digital world. Plates haven't disappeared but digital is definitely the focus. However, the industry moves slowly and needs companies like Fujifilm who have made the journey with them and can understand the challenges.

What major milestones have you witnessed at Fujifilm in your time working there?

I had a fantastic year as Southern regional sales manager, followed by a disastrous one that led to a sideways move into digital sales (lucky break). Working in Europe eight years ago to product manage Jet Press was a dream come true – so many opportunities to promote a technology that I truly believe in even now.

Are there any personal achievements during your time at Fujifilm that you want to highlight?

Early in my time at Fujifilm, I realised I was neglecting my family and we were both missing out on growing up together. I owe a massive thank you to the leadership team at the time who allowed me to take a step back until the time was right to jump back in with both feet.

How has the print industry as a whole shifted in recent years and where do you see it adapting further in the future?

How long have you got? The biggest theme for me is how our industry is looking outward rather than in. There are so many sources of help and advice with events, communities, and associations that provide input and answers to many of the challenges we face (I must mention the Independent Print Industries Association [IPIA], for fear of the wrath of Brendan Perring).

A lot has been said in recent years about trying to make the print industry a more visible and attractive prospect for the wider workforce. From your experience, what would you say is the best way that the industry can do that?

Back to the IPIA again and the New Narrative for Print initiative, which seeks to influence the influencers to promote print. Couple that with a desire to raise awareness of print with younger people, as early as possible – even, dare I say, in primary school. We need to frame print as an essential and dynamic part of everyday life.

Do you feel that the modern print landscape is more connected than ever? Is there still more work to be done?

We can always do more to promote ourselves but volume is not the answer. Storytelling in a vital and inventive way will make the difference.

What is next for you after you leave Fujifilm?

It’s still TBA but in an ideal world I continue doing what I have been doing (hosting events, moderating discussions, presenting at shows, and open days – online or on video) but for a diverse range of clients.

Are you open for discussing new projects and concepts with interested parties? If so, how can they contact you?

I'll talk to anyone, I'm pretty easy to find on LinkedIn. If you can't find me, I'm obviously not worth hiring!