Above: Geoff Selig, winner of ProPrint Power 50 in 2019

The printing industry has paid tribute to IVE group executive chairman Geoff Selig following his sudden passing while on holiday in Europe, recognising his significant contribution to the industry.

In a statement IVE Group said Selig’s death was “caused by unforeseen complications arising from an accident in Barcelona”.

“The board, management, and the whole IVE family expresses its deepest condolences to Geoff’s family following this tragic event,” the company said.

“Geoff played a major role, over 40 years, in establishing IVE as Australia’s leading marketing and communications business, in the process, reshaping the landscape of the Australian printing industry.”

Kellie Northwood, CEO of the Visual Media Association (VMA), said the deeply saddening news of Selig’s passing will be felt by many across the industry.

“Geoff was an influential and inspirational leader, one I had great privilege in working with across industry projects over the years, and truly passionate about our industry,” Northwood said.

“The VMA board, members, and industry share our sincere condolences and thoughts to Geoff’s family and to the entire IVE Group during this difficult chapter.”

Keith Ferrel, general manager of Cactus Imaging, said the industry is in shock from the unexpected loss of Selig.

“A print industry icon and an inspiration to all those that knew him Geoff will be sadly missed. Condolences to the management and staff at IVE,” said Ferrel.

Emmanuel Buhagiar, director of Imagination Graphics, said: “Our sincere condolences to the whole Selig family. This is a tragic loss to all. Geoff was a smart and influential person who always had time for you. I owe a lot to the Selig family who gave me a great opportunity when I started my business in the 80s.”

Matt Ashman, managing director of Durst Oceania, said: “We offer our condolences to Geoff’s family and the team at IVE. It’s a real tragedy to lose someone so inspirational and influential in the print industry at such a young age.”

Nigel Davies, president of FESPA Australia, said: “On behalf of FESPA Australia and our members, I want to express our deep sadness at the news of Geoff’s passing. We recognise Geoff’s significant contribution to the printing industry as a whole and to the success of IVE. Our thoughts are with Geoff’s family and his colleagues at IVE.”

Mitch Mulligan, president of Visual Connections, said the entire Visual Connections team was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news of Selig’s sudden passing.

“The scope and significance of Geoff’s contribution is on a scale which is rare. In particular, we pay tribute to his enormous role in establishing IVE as a market leader in the industry over the past 40 years, especially in the last decade on the board. His leadership will be keenly missed but, more than that, he will be missed by very many in the industry who called him a colleague, a client and a friend. On behalf of the Visual Connections Board, operational team, and membership we express our heartfelt condolences to Geoff’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Mel Ireland, federal president, LIA, said: “As a third-generation print professional and one of the industry’s leaders, Geoff walked tall among the ‘people in print’, building on the proud legacy started by his grandfather. We pay tribute not only to his achievements, which are well documented, but to his professionalism and his leadership which will be greatly missed. We are thinking especially of his family, and send our deepest sympathy to them, the board, and the people of IVE, and all those who called Geoff a friend.”

Walter Kuhn, director at Kuhn Corp Print & Packaging, said: “My condolences to the Selig family and to the IVE family such a tragic loss, RIP Geoff. This will be felt by the entire print family Australia-wide.”

The team at Printer Media Group also express our heartfelt condolences to Geoff’s family, friends, and colleagues.

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