During a career spanning over forty-plus years in the printing industry, I like to think I have met an awful lot of wonderful people. Sadly, many of those good people are either retired or have gone to the great exhibition in the sky, but some of them still walk among the living. Take Brett Newman for instance. He’s still very much alive and kicking!
A print industry veteran, Newman has worked at all levels of reseller, manufacturer and distributor organisations with experience across technical, sales and marketing roles. As a young man he began his industry career as a sign and display printer, and within a couple of decades was sat at the helm of Roland DG as its UK managing director. He was a first-class ambassador for that excellent company, and Newman, along with his colleague Peter Kettle, forged many of the long-standing relationships that have kept the company in such good stead to this day.
Unfortunately, a debilitating illness forced Newman to step away from his position as the head of the table, and upon recovery in 2017, he was to join Mimaki’s UK and Ireland distributor Hybrid Services as chief operations manager. Within three years he has just been announced as its managing director with overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business along with increased involvement in the company’s strategic direction.
“Appointing Brett as our first managing director is a key strategic decision for Hybrid as the company enters its 25th year in the print industry,” states Hybrid director, Peter Mitchell. “While we have all experienced a challenging 2020, our view is firmly to the future. With new products, projects and opportunities for Hybrid, our reseller partners and our customers, Brett’s leadership will play a key part in how this is delivered.”
Mimaki’s product range encompasses wide and grand format sign and graphics, textile and industrial printers and cutters, as well as an expanding 3D line-up, supporting software, inks and consumables.
“When I joined Hybrid three years ago, I was attracted to the combination of Mimaki’s innovative and continually advancing product portfolio, and the team at Hybrid and its reseller partners,” Newman confirms.
Newman’s new role enables him to continue the good work the company had already started under the guidance of company founders and directors Peter Mitchell and Phil Thomas to further develop the business, its people and its product line-up.
“We’re delighted to appoint Brett in this new role,” reaffirms Hybrid director, Phil Thomas. “His experience and commitment ensure the business is in an excellent position to maximise the innovation we’re seeing from Mimaki.”