In conversation with Greig Wood, MD, Kissel + Wolf

Kissel + Wolf’s Managing Director (MD), Greig Wood has been involved in the printing industry since 1979. His career has spanned across roles within the ink manufacturing, large format, digital and offset industries, and has ultimately brought him to Kissel + Wolf in 2013, where he’s been ever since.

In this article Image Magazine speaks to Greig about his career, role at Kissel + Wolf, work/life balance and leadership style.

Greig started his working life as an Apprentice Flexographic Gravure Printer at Colin Martyn Packaging in East Brunswick, Melbourne in 1979, which lead to a Technical Sales role in the laboratories of ink manufacturers Collie Cooke. From there, he went on to work in Sales Management at Yorkshire Chemicals in 1988 before joining his family’s company, SIAS Australia,  in 1990.

“The company was run by my father, John Wood Senior. We supplied a range of large format screen printing equipment from Italian manufacturer Siasprint Srl and worked with key European ink and consumable manufacturers Marabu Germany, Sefar Switzerland and Kissel + Wolf to name a few,” says Greig, who was Director of SIAS Australia at the time.

The company achieved steady growth and quickly became a well-respected and reliable partner to many screen printers across Australia. In 2006 it was purchased by Swiss mesh manufacturer, Sefar and four years later expanded into other markets before being purchased by Kissel + Wolf  in 2013.

“Under the guidance of Kissel + Wolf’s MD Martin Stacher, the business continued to thrive and my role within the organisation was once again varied. However it allowed me to look at new markets which we all believed were growth areas,” he explains.

In mid-2019 Martin Stacher decided to return to Switzerland to be closer to his family after over 20 years on the road and Greig was offered the role of MD, which involves overseeing the overall operations of Kissel + Wolf Australia.

When asked about what he enjoys about his role at Kissel + Wolf and the industry as a whole, Greig says it is the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that are presented to him and the interaction with Kissel + Wolf’s dedicated staff who have contributed towards the company’s achievements and steady growth over the years.

In addition, he enjoys working for a privately owned company like Kissel + Wolf that has a 125 year old history and a vast global presence across many countries, including its manufacturing plants in Germany, the US and distribution partners worldwide.

“I like getting to know colleagues and friends within the company’s network - all of them have extensive knowledge to share,” Greig says, adding that he also gets a buzz out of providing comprehensive solutions to his customers as the printing industry rapidly changes and evolves. One of these solutions is the newly-launched unique Kornit Polypro DTG Printer which prints high quality images in water-based inks onto 100% Polyester fabric.

Greig’s advice to industry leaders is: “Be sure that you love what you are doing. Don’t be afraid to ask for support. Support your team and those who make your business thrive. Prioritise your health and concentrate on one thing at a time.

“We are all entering a period of uncertainty with the COVID-19 outbreak and businesses will be under intense pressure in the coming months. Prepare properly and thoughtfully in these uncertain and difficult times with the health and safety of your family and staff in the forefront of your minds,” he concludes.