Marcus Weiss · CEO · Koenig & Bauer – Paper & Packaging | Member of the Group Management
In this interview, Morten B. Reitoft sits down with Markus Weiss for a discussion that starts with perspective rather than products.
Stepping into a company with more than 200 years of history is one thing. Helping shape where it goes next is something else.
Markus Weiss brings nearly two decades of experience from HP Inc., where he played a key role in developing digital print across regions, including EMEA. That background is evident in how he approaches the conversation. Change is not something to react to; it is something to manage, and often to lead.
The discussion moves quickly beyond technologies. Because the reality, as Weiss explains, is that customers are not buying offset or digital, they are investing in applications, efficiency, and relevance. The challenge is not choosing one over the other, but understanding how they work together.
Another important theme is complexity. Large organizations naturally develop silos across locations, technologies, and cultures. Breaking those silos and aligning around customer needs is easier said than done, but essential if companies want to stay competitive in a fast-changing market.
There is also a clear acknowledgment of the financial reality. Innovation is not optional, especially for manufacturers operating in Europe. Balancing innovation with cost efficiency is a constant challenge, and one that requires both discipline and long-term thinking.
Beyond strategy, the conversation also touches on leadership. Weiss emphasizes the importance of listening, encouraging direct feedback, and building strong relationships, both internally and with customers. It is a pragmatic approach shaped by experience in dynamic, often demanding environments.
This is not a product-focused interview. It is a broader conversation about how to lead a company with deep industrial roots into a future defined by change.
Watch the full interview with Markus Weiss to hear how experience, adaptability, and a clear focus on customer needs shape the direction of one of the industry’s most established companies.
Contact
Koenig & Bauer Packaging & Paper Sheetfed Systems
1445 Radebeul
Germany
Email : info@koenig-bauer.com
Thu April 23rd
Sheilae Siagian · The Print Nerd and Studen...
In this INKISH interview, Morten B. Reitoft speaks with Sheilae Siagian, a recipient of The Canadian Print Scholarships Program and one of the emerging young voices working to reshape how the printing industry is perceived. Sheilae explains that her interest in print began in high school through communication technology classes and yearbook production, where design became tangible. The ability to create something physical, something that can be touched and experienced, became the foundation for her decision to pursue print as a career, even without any family background in the industry. Together with Steve Falk, she developed the “Sheila the Print Nerd” video series, aimed at younger audiences about to choose their educational path. The idea is simple: show what the printing industry actually is. From manga books and packaging to signage and branded materials, the series focuses on real applications and presents them in a way that feels relevant and accessible. A recurring theme in the conversation is perception. Many people associate print with declining products, but Sheilae points out that when the industry is explained through everyday applications, the reaction changes. Packaging, signage, and printed materials are everywhere, and once people understand that, the industry suddenly becomes both visible and relevant. The discussion also touches on how younger and more experienced professionals can work together. Sheilae sees strong value in learning from experienced people while bringing curiosity and openness to the industry. Rather than viewing generations as fixed groups, she describes a need for collaboration where knowledge and new perspectives meet. Looking ahead, she does not limit herself to a single role. With insight into premedia, press, and postpress workflows, she is drawn toward positions that combine technical understanding with coordination and responsibility, such as project management, where she can stay close to both the process and the final product. The interview ends with an invitation to bring her concept to Europe, reflecting a shared ambition to strengthen awareness of print across markets and inspire more young people to see the opportunities the industry offers. The Canadian Print Scholarships Sheilae Siagian