Agfa country channel manager, Phillip Burns, has announced his retirement from the industry after 26 years.
In a letter shared with Sprinter, Burns reflected on his journey within the printing industry.
“I was introduced to the digital print industry over 26 years ago when it was just beginning to take shape. Working at a sublimation textile printer I was tasked with finding a solution for producing short-run colour tests for customers. In my search, I discovered inkjet technology, which was still new at the time, as well as electrostatic printing.
“In late 1998, I took a bold step and invested everything into a Raster-Graphics Electrostatic Dye Sub printer and a Lemaire Calendar (names that might ring a bell for some). Over the next eight years, I grew a business and witnessed four significant technological shifts in ink technology. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to keep pace with the required investment, leading to the eventual end of the business.
“My love for the technology and the industry soon saw me emerge in a technical sales role with the Australian Vutek Distributor, focusing on new business development, where I built many lasting friendships that have remained with me throughout my career. After six years, I transitioned to HP, where I worked for eight and a half years as a Business Development Manager with the HP Scitex products. During that time, I had the privilege of witnessing incredible technological advancements and growth in the industry and the major transition from Analogue to Digital output.
“In 2020, I made a move to Fuji Xerox, stepping away from wide format inkjet printing, but by 2021, the wide-format industry beckoned me back, and since mid-2021 I’ve enjoyed being part of the Agfa team. I’m grateful to Agfa for the opportunity to work with their industry leading product range, especially in the past year when we saw a Smartech appointed as the Australian reseller taking the products to a larger market share.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to focus on new personal ventures, for many who know my passion this will include restoring vintage cars, working on my holiday house and some travel including walking the Camino De Santiago. I won’t be idle as I have recently started a Hydroblasting business, assisting motorbike and car restorers in bringing parts back to OEM condition.
“To everyone I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the last 26 years, thank you for the opportunity to be part of an industry that continues to amaze me with its innovations. It’s been a privilege to work in an industry that truly feels like one of my happy places.
“Wishing you a joyous Christmas and all the best for the upcoming year and all the best for the future.”
Burns has worked with Agfa since 2021 and prior to this worked for Fuji Xerox (Fujifilm Business Innovation) during Covid, had eight years with HP as business development manager and two years prior to this with DES. Burns was managing director of Full Impact Australia from December 1998 to 2006 including during the time of the company’s acquisition by AA Wade Screen Printers and worked for textiles company Brush Fabrics from 1992 to 1998.
In March this year, Burns enthusiastically welcomed Smartech Business Systems as the exclusive distributor for wide format inkjet printing solutions in Australia.
“By partnering with Smartech, we are confident that our customers in Australia will have unparalleled access to our wide-format printing portfolio. Smartech’s industry expertise and extensive presence across Australia make them the ideal partner,” Burns said at the time as he became country channel manager – liaising between Agfa in Belgium and Smartech locally.
Burns has confirmed Agfa service manager Rashed Chugtai is remaining with the business following Burns’ departure.
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