PICON INVITES STUART MURPHY TO STEP UP TO BECOME CHAIRMAN
9 OCTOBER 2024
The Picon chairmanship has switched from one British manufacturer to another. James Boughton, managing director of Edale, passed the baton on to Stuart Murphy, director of Rollem, at the Picon AGM and dinner at the weekend.
Bettine Pellant, CEO of Picon, says: “The chairmanship of Picon passes between council members every two years which keeps the organisation vibrant and open to new ways of thinking and fresh strategies. James has been an excellent chairman; now we look forward to working with Stuart who will bring his own innovative ideas.”
Stuart Murphy, who holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Sheffield and an MBA from the University of Warwick, rose from technical director to managing director to owner of Rollem between 1999 and 2023. Last year he sold the company to staff through an Employee Ownership Trust (OET) although he remains as director.
As he is, in theory, working part-time, he now feels he has the time to dedicate to Picon which he says remains highly relevant. “It brings together leaders in print supplying companies, large and small, in a forum where open discussion is possible and respect for each other is to the fore.
“Printing and print-related companies have to be innovative, be strongly led and have exceptional staff from top to bottom. Picon supports training at all levels, encourages apprentices and funds awards.”
Stuart describes his aim as Picon chairman as “to investigate and forge the future for Picon for the next ten years.”
Stuart is a Freeman of the Cutlers Company in Sheffield and the Stationers Company in London and he is a retired officer of the Royal Engineers TA. He is an orange belt in judo and plays the piano, keyboards and other instruments. He is married to Gillian and has three grown up children and six grandchildren.