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Current managing director of Renz UK, Iain Bullock, will replace Picon’s current chief executive officer, Bettine Pellant, in October of this year
Iain Bullock, currently managing director of print finishing equipment manufacturer, Renz UK, will succeed Bettine Pellant as the new chief executive officer of Printing Industry Confederation (Picon) from October 2026.
According to Picon, Bullock was first identified as a potential candidate for the role two years ago, meaning that it took little time for the Picon Council to agree to his appointment when Pellant announced her decision to step down from her role.
Speaking about the appointment, Pellant says: “Renz UK has been a Picon member since 1997 and Iain has represented the company all that time and has been on the Council since 2019. He is well known in the industry, approachable, and he understands the challenges faced by graphic arts companies, especially SMEs.”
Pellant first joined Picon in 2007 to organise its participation at drupa 2008 and succeeded previous chief executive officer, Tim Webb, in January 2015.
Speaking about Picon’s development during her time in charge, Pellant continues: “Picon had sold the Ipex exhibition in 2006 and this enabled the organisation to expand the activities and benefits to the membership, not least the introduction of additional training grants, an internship scheme, and the Business Forum.
“I think one of my highlights was the production of the Picon Centenary Book and one of my biggest challenges was eating duck’s feet in China! I hope still to take on project work within the industry, but if I had one last wish as Picon chief executive officer it would be to be remembered as the organisation’s friendly face.”
Bullock started his career in the textiles industry, first connecting with Peter Renz at the Ipex exhibition in 1993, the third generation of the German-based family company which had recently incorporated Renz UK.
He subsequently joined Renz UK in 1994 to sell wire binding equipment and consumables to the finishing industry, becoming sales manager in 2001 and managing director in 2004.
Bullock’s 33 years of active involvement in the industry, his long-standing association with Picon and its members, and his leadership and people skills were all cited as making him ideal for the role.
Bullock will shadow Pellant from July 1st to September 30th, assuming his new role on October 1st.
Speaking about his predecessor, Bullock says: “I have known Bettine for nearly 20 years. During this time, at Picon events and industry functions, I have only ever heard complimentary comments about her. Bettine is respected, liked, and admired by all. She has led the organisation with the highest degree of professionalism.”
Discussing his ambitions following his appointment, Bullock adds: “Graphic arts has undergone rapid and significant change and my ambition is to help Picon and its members proactively drive change rather than simply reacting to it.
“I also want to continue to expand existing business support opportunities for members, facilitate closer cooperation with relevant industry bodies, and develop Picon’s training grant and work experience placement programmes. The aim of Picon must always be to support and provide the benefits our members need.”
