7 September 2015

Kingfisher makes 'strategic hire' with commercial director appointment

Kingfisher Print & Design is pushing forward with its growth and development plans by hiring a commercial director to help take the brand into new markets.

Dave Stones – who started in the newly-created role on 13th July –
will be responsible for contributing to the commercial printer's overall strategy, and increasing offerings to both existing and new clients.

Stones will oversee marketing, strategic business partnerships and sales. He will also focus on the company's front end, with the aim to increase its automation and efficiency. He will report to the firm's managing director Ross Bellotti, who runs the company with his wife Sarita.

Stones has more than 14 years' experience in the print industry and has joined from Stirland Paterson Group in Derby, where he was group sales and marketing manager.

In this role Stones was responsible for the sales team and also heavily involved in strategic decision making in partnership with the board. Prior to that he had worked as senior business development manager at Leeds-based printer Resource.

Bellotti said: "Dave Stones brings valuable know-how, and a real drive to push Kingfisher Print & Design to the next level. His knowledge of print and web-to-print will be instrumental as we look to define more innovative solutions for our clients and grow our presence nationally."

Stones added: "I have been tasked with bringing the Kingfisher Print & Design brand to new markets, providing a solutions based service, and one that promotes added value as a primary focus aimed at improving customer's ROI.

"The key thing for me in the role is about trying to make us as efficient and profitable as possible, both from existing clients and new business. I'm fortunate to have an amazing team with a great ethos and we'll work together to make that happen."

At the end of last year, Kingfisher invested in a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75 with Inpress control and AutoPlate following one of its most successful years to date.

Bellotti said: "The new Heidelberg XL 75 was a significant strategic investment for us and brings us a real competitive advantage. With Dave Stones joining us as commercial director it will ensure we get our message out to key markets, driving the next phase in Kingfisher's growth and development."

Kingfisher Print & Design employs more than 30 staff and has a turnover of over £3.7m. It produces a wide range of print for clients including estate agents, print management companies and large multi-site and franchised organisations.