Heidelberg A/NZ managing director Richard Timson has been promoted to a new role within Heidelberg, effective from 1 July.

Timson will take on the newly created role of business development regional project manager for Heidelberg Asia Pacific, with Savas Mystakidis appointed to succeed him in the role of A/NZ managing director.

According to Heidelberg Asia Pacific head Thomas Frank, after eight years as managing director of Heidelberg’s Australia and New Zealand operations, Timson will be leaning on his 32-year career at the company and his vast knowledge of the industry to work on a series of future initiatives for the region.

Frank added that Timson’s appointment to the new role would strengthen the company’s regional capability and enable greater focus on future solutions for customers across Asia Pacific.

“I am excited about using my experience in the broader international market and working with some of my counterparts in the Asia Pacific Region; obviously with COVID-19, the planned travel will take a temporary backseat for a short while. I am also really excited for Savas to take up the new role as he has so much experience and can add his personal touch to the business,” Timson told Sprinter.

As for Mystakidis, he has worked for Heidelberg in the Northern Region for 26 years and brings with him vast knowledge of the business, particularly in equipment, consumables and servicing.

“I am delighted to have Richard helping us develop the emerging markets in Asia while Savas has proven to be ready for taking the helm of Heidelberg Australia and New Zealand,” Frank said.

“Savas combines front-line experience with great management skills and has been involved in the decision-making body for our regional sales organisation, having joined management meetings in Tokyo and Bangkok.

“I am certain both Timson and Mystakidis will succeed in the very challenging business environment in Oceania and Asia Pacific respectively.”

Both Timson and Mystakidis will report to Frank, who is based in Singapore.