Chairman and founder of Contra Vision steps down

Roland Hill, the inventor of one-way vision window graphics and founder of Contra Vision, has stepped down as the company’s chairman, transitioning to the new role of non-executive director.

While stepping down as chairman, Hill will remain actively involved in the business as non-executive director and founder, continuing to support Contra Vision's future growth.

Hill founded Contra Vision in 1985 following an extensive career as a structural and civil engineer. As part of his founding activity, he created the world's first commercially viable one-way vision graphics technology.

As a keen amateur squash player, Hill was driven to make the sport more accessible to a larger viewing audience, combating the issue that a squash court is traditionally enclosed by opaque walls.

Roland’s ‘eureka’ moment was to develop a new one-way vision technology which enabled colours and graphics to be visible from one side of the glass, while remaining see-through from the other side. This led to the construction of the Safe Screen squash court in 1982, the world’s first squash court with one-way vision walls on every side.

In 1985, the inventor turned entrepreneur founded Contra Vision to promote and sell products around the world and to license companies including 3M and Avery Dennison to use his invention.

Underpinned by over 20 further patented inventions, this new technology was further developed to enable images to appear on one side of a window while maintaining visibility from the other. These inventions led to a significant shift in the global graphics industry that impacted advertising, transport, retail, and architectural applications worldwide.

Over the past four decades, Hill has played a central role in developing the products, manufacturing methods, and commercial frameworks at Contra Vision, many of which formed the basis of today’s perforated window graphics and other see-through visual communications solutions.

Commenting on his time at Contra Vision, Hill says: "It has been an honour to lead Contra Vision and see the business grow from an idea into a global brand.

“I am proud that my legacy will remain as Contra Vision, and I am excited to see the next stage of the company's development. I look forward to continuing to support the business in my new capacity as non-executive director."

As part of the transition, Roland Hill’s son, Roger Hill, will now assume the role of chairman alongside his existing position as chief executive officer.

Roger Hill says: "Roland did not simply invent a product, he created an entire global industry.

“On behalf of everyone at Contra Vision, I would like to formally thank Roland for his vision, leadership, and lifelong commitment to innovation. His work has not only shaped Contra Vision into a globally recognised brand but has also defined and influenced the industry as we know it today.”

The announcement comes at a time of significant momentum for Contra Vision, including a reported record sales performance in the last financial year.

Roland Hill has also been nominated for the Outstanding Contribution Award at the inaugural Print Industry Awards, which will take place alongside The Print Show on September 30^th.