22 August 2014

Kathy Woodward always led from the front

It is with great sadness we inform you that Kathy Woodward, BPIF Chief Executive, passed away on the 21 August 2014.

Kathy was a phenomenal business woman whose career embraced the IT, Telecoms and Print Industries. Not one to be led, Kathy was unafraid to make waves and consistently strived for both her businesses and staff to reach their full potential.

Kathy had over twenty years experience in the Print Industry including many high profile roles. At the British Newspaper Printing Corporation she blazed a trail in change management, managing the cultural shift out of Fleet Street for The Daily Mirror’s print operations. She then joined the British Printing Corporation as Development Director helping the 50 plus companies become one unified business using people power and engagement. Kathy then made the move to become Group Operations Director at the venture capital backed Astron during its highly successful growth and acquisition period where she was cited as one of the lynchpins in creating ‘Capita of Print’.

Outside of print she became Chief Executive of Fonebak PLC which she steered through its management buyout to an eventual stock market flotation and held Board roles with two technology start ups both achieving trade sale exits. In addition, Kathy sat on the Boards of a number of Third Sector Companies to which she gave a vast amount of support.

Her most recent role as BPIF Chief Executive allowed Kathy to focus on her twin passions, print and training; supporting the industry that she loved and the people within it. Throughout her 3 years in this role she drove all aspects of the business forward and championed her staff. Thanks to her inherent drive and tactical leadership £1.1 million was secured in funding for management training in the print industry, this grant continues to benefit all who work in print. This was one of many achievements she accrued on behalf of the BPIF for our industry.

Tony Garnish, BPIF President stated, “Kathy Woodward was one of the most energetic, enthusiastic and inspirational people I have met in my many years of working in our industry. Leading from the front, she with her team has driven a transformation of the BPIF which is second to none, and we will make sure her legacy continues.

Kathy will be very sadly missed, by our industry and the community in general, especially those of us who had the privilege of being her friend.”

A passionate believer in adding value through employee engagement Kathy invested heavily in her staff and took time to pass on her knowledge and develop others; she will be greatly missed by all BPIF employees. The BPIF and Printing Industry have lost a great champion.

For more information please contact Amy Hutchinson, Marketing Director at [email protected]