“The opportunity to lead one of the most innovative, global companies in Austria and to implement its strategy of continuous profitable growth is one which rarely comes along,” said  Schulz on assuming the role, before adding: “Durst’s plans regarding its long-term strategy are as exciting as they are challenging. At the same time, I am inspired by the great commitment which the company has to this region.”

Schulz now heads a company which exports 98 percent of its products, has more than 150 employees, and posted sales figures of around £70.2m last year.

Schulz continued: “I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to take on probably the most demanding management position in my home state, that of chief executive officer of Durst Digital Technology GmbH.”

With competition in the inkjet and wide-format print markets continuing to intensify, Schulz will have to deal with a dual pronged assault on the company from Asian technology exporters and rivals expanding from the mid-tier market.

Chairman of the administrative board and founder of Durst Lienz, Dr. Richard Piock, commented on the appointment of Schulz when the news broke, highlighting her ‘good fit’ at the multinational: “We are very much looking forward to working with Mrs Schulz. Her many years of experience in international management in all the markets which are important to the Durst Group, combined with the fact that East Tirol is her home region, mean that Barbara Schulz is an exceptionally good fit with us, internationally successful yet based on strong Tyrolean roots.”
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