Karpenko's role sees him work across the footprint of Spandex, leading the development of new initiatives, services and products—as the company looks to bolster its presence in the sign-making and display markets.

“Rob has extensive international brand and business-to-business experience with recent focus specifically specialising on category and marketing management,” explains Spandex Group president, Rod Larsen.

He adds: “Due to his proven track record of delivering innovative solutions across fast-paced, multi-cultural environments within the visual communication industry, his appointment will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to the Spandex management team and will greatly contribute to our global growth plans.”

Karpenko will bring with him a host of experience that stretches right across the industry. He has previously held strategic positions at international paper group, Paperlinx, where he was responsible for implementing high value pan-European change and marketing projects.

Bristol-based Spandex has been very active in the market in recent times, having completed a number of deals to expand its services. The firm acquired major Italian materials supplier Sanvido earlier in the year, a deal that is part of the company’s strategy to expand its wide-format media and hardware portfolio for the UK visual communications market.

In addition, the firm enjoyed a big presence at FESPA 2013, where it had a range of new products on show to visitors. Karpenko will now look to build on this interest and continue to enhance the Spandex presence.
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