July 29-31, 2024
Burlington, VT
Do you fully understand what digital print can do for you?
Smithers' Digital Print for Packaging event provides all the solutions, with case studies and insight from the world's leading experts!
With a rich and diverse career in packaging and printing, my journey began as a Packaging Technologist/Engineer at CO-OP in Manchester. I had the unique opportunity to work across a range of manufacturing facilities, gaining hands-on experience with materials like cans, glass, plastics, paper, and board. This early foundation laid the groundwork for my deep understanding of the industry.
Transitioning into roles in buying and marketing, I expanded my skill set and perspective. In 1984, I took on the role of Head of Packaging and Technical at the retailer Iceland, where I played a pivotal role in launching and establishing the Iceland brand. This experience ignited my passion for the intricate relationship between product and packaging.
As my career progressed, I ventured into the realm of product launch systems, collaborating with renowned brands such as Danone, Heinz, Estée Lauder, Kraft, and others. This involved overseeing design, artwork, and pre-press companies, where I witnessed first-hand the power of effective packaging in capturing consumer attention.
Returning to the retailer Iceland in 2013 as the Own Label Manager, I led initiatives across a network of 1000 stores in 42 countries. One of the highlights of my career was spearheading Iceland's commitment in 2018 to become plastic-free by 2023, a move that underscored the growing importance of sustainability in the industry.
TJ Seiwert is the Sr. Manager of Design Operations for WK Kellogg Co. TJ brings over 30 years’ experience in Packaging, Printing, Merchandising, Pre-production graphics, house building and Sales. Primarily focused on Kellogg’s and since October 2023 WK Kellogg Co, his experience from both inside and outside large CPG companies gives him an uncommon perspective on how digital print can be utilized.
Sean Smyth has spent over 25 years in the industry in senior technology positions for a variety of print businesses across the supply chain, in hands on and consultancy roles. He helps companies make money through the appropriate use of technology.
Sean has a deep knowledge of the global print market, and a key member of the team providing quantitative market data and forecasts for the printing, paper and packaging industry. He authors off-the-shelf market studies and provides strategic consultancy services to a range of clients across the value chain.
Sean has a strong background in appropriate application of technology to print, implementing digital print systems, MIS and workflows to take time and cost out of the print supply chain. In 1994 he became Technical Director of Rexam, where the first colour digital presses in the UK were installed and he has extensive experience of digital printing. He has written many books and market studies on the future, print technology and digital print, including Smithers' flagship title "The Print & Production Manual" and the "Future of Global Print Markets".
Phil Stafford, Director, Global Channels, has over 25 years of packaging, agency and manufacturing experience, including global branding, smart packaging, print technologies and mobile payments.
Prior to his current role, he worked as a manager of Brand and Market Insights WestRock Packaging Solutions and as Director of Global Accounts Brand & Retail Package Solutions at MeadWestvaco (now WestRock).
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Windell McGill is a 25 year veteran of the packaging industry. The last 10 years of that has been focused on Digitally Printed Flexible Packaging.
Windell joined BW Converting Solution’s PCMC Business Unit to launch/commercialize their new ION Hybrid Digital Press for Flexible Packaging and Folding Carton’s in April of 2023.
Prior to BW Converting Solutions, Windell started and served as the Managing Partner of ePac Atlanta Flexibles. ePac is the first all digitally printed Flexible Packaging converter now operating 22 plants around the world. His group held a 49% equity interest in Atlanta, which they sold in February of 2023.
Prior to opening ePac Atlanta Flexibles he was the N. American Flexible Packaging Business Segment Manager for HP Indigo. His team was responsible for sales of the HP Indigo 20000 digital press.
Previous to HP, he was President Americas, AVT Inc., an Israeli based Print Quality Inspection company servicing the Flexible Packaging, Labels and Web Fed Folding Carton market.
