The print and packaging industry has paid tribute to Neil Jones, the long-standing managing director for BOBST UK and Ireland, whose recent passing marks the end of a distinguished career
Tributes have been paid from across the print and packaging industry for Neil Jones, the long-serving UK & Ireland managing director for BOBST, who recently passed away.
Jones served as managing director of BOBST UK & Ireland and Ireland & Scandinavia zone service director as part of a career in print and packaging that spanned nearly four decades.
Having first joined BOBST in 1988 as a field service technician, Jones’ practical expertise and enthusiasm for knowledge-sharing led to a training role in 1993, supporting engineers and operators working with corrugated flat-bed die cutters and sheet-fed flexographic presses.
He became UK service manager in 1996 and was appointed president of Bobst Group Japan in 2006, before returning in 2010 to lead the UK and Ireland business as managing director.
His responsibilities subsequently expanded to include the Benelux and Scandinavian markets, supporting the development of BOBST Services and strengthening long-term customer relationships across the region.
In a tribute to Jones from BOBST, the company says: “A respected leader, colleague, and friend, Neil combined exceptional technical knowledge with warmth, integrity, and a sincere commitment to helping others succeed. His influence extended well beyond BOBST through his support for customers, dedication to developing people, and tireless advocacy for the industry.”
Craig Moran, who has served as BOBST’s UK & Ireland managing director since June 2026, says: “Neil was an exceptional leader and a great friend to so many of us. He understood our industry in extraordinary depth, but it was the way he treated people that made him so special.
“He listened, made time for others, and gave his support generously, whether to a customer facing a challenge or a colleague taking the next step in their career. He cared deeply about BOBST and the wider print and packaging community. His leadership was grounded in integrity, practical understanding, and a belief in people. We will miss his wisdom, warmth, and friendship enormously.”
Throughout his career, Jones championed apprenticeships and early-career development, supporting the training of 11 apprentices across field service and customer care.
Jones also undertook a range of voluntary service to the industry throughout his career, having joined the board of EFIA (now FIA UK) in 2012 and becoming chairman in 2017 where he championed flexography and industry collaboration.
He also sat on the board of PICON and volunteered his support for industry initiative, Young People in Print and Packaging (YPIPP).
His generosity extended to charitable causes, including supporting the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Benevolent Fund in Loughborough where he helped to raise more than £100,000 through company events.
In a moving tribute on LinkedIn, managing director of Think B2B Marketing, Joanna Stephenson, said: “I don't know how to say goodbye to Neil Jones. Neil was truly a close friend, a mentor, and one of my biggest supporters. He was someone I could turn to for honest advice, perspective, and encouragement, and his belief in me meant more than he probably ever realised.
“So much will rightly be said about Neil’s contribution to BOBST and the print and packaging industry. For me, though, it’s the friendship I will miss most with both him and Nicki, his wife. The conversations, the advice, and knowing he was in my corner.”
Georgina Lajos, customer care specialist at BOBST UK & Ireland, said: “Words cannot describe how devastated and heartbroken I am at losing Neil Jones, the most amazing man I have ever met. He was the best boss, mentor, friend, and father figure I have never had.
“In this short 2.5 years of knowing you, I owe you so much Neil. You always believed in me from day one. You have seen my abilities and what I could achieve and accomplish, and you were in my corner of my good and bad times equally.”
In a statement following his passing, BOBST adds: “Neil will be remembered with great affection and respect by colleagues, customers, and industry friends alike.
"His contribution was measured in business achievements, but equally in the trust he earned, the opportunities he created, and the people he supported. Everyone at BOBST extends their heartfelt condolences to Neil’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”
