Iain Bullock, managing director of Renz (UK), is to succeed Bettine Pellant as chief executive of Picon from October 2026.

Mr Bullock was identified as a potential candidate two years ago and, following Ms Pellant’s decision to step aside, the Picon Council moved quickly to confirm his appointment.

Ms Pellant said Mr Bullock was well known within the industry and understood the challenges facing graphic arts businesses, particularly SMEs.

“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 201,” says Ms Pellant. “He is well known in the industry, approachable and he understands the challenges faced by graphic arts companies, especially SMEs.”

Reflecting on her time at the organisation, Ms Pellant said she joined Picon in 2007 to organise its involvement at drupa 2008 and became chief executive on 1 January 2015. During her tenure, she highlighted the expansion of member benefits following the sale of Ipex in 2006, including additional training grants, an internship scheme and the Business Forum.

“I hope still to take on project work within the industry but if I had one last wish as Picon CEO it would be to be remembered as the organisation’s friendly face!” she said.

Mr Bullock paid tribute to Ms Pellant’s leadership, saying: “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.”

Mr Bullock began his career in textiles before joining Renz (UK) in 1994 after meeting Peter Renz at Ipex the previous year. He started by selling wire binding equipment and consumables to the finishing industry, later becoming sales manager in 2001 and managing director in 2004.

He said his ambition in the new role would be to help Picon and its members take a more proactive role in shaping change across the graphic arts sector.

“Picon is predominantly a high-level networking organisation, bringing members together through focus groups, webinars and social events,” said Mr Bullock. “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.”