KBA has moved to strengthen its position in greater China with the appointment of Eric Wong as general manager of its Hong Kong subsidiary.

He succeeds Joseph Kwan who now moves to a similar role in Taiwan business the group established last October.

The moves are part of its strategic realignment of products and organisation begun at the end of 2013. This will increase focus on digital, packaging, flexo and speciality printing, in addition to core markets.

Greater China chief executive Walter Zehner says the region is now KBA's largest single market, with rapid growth in Taiwan, where a subsidiary was established on October 9 last year. "It is also an important backbone in the business development of KBA Greater China," he says.

Under the changes, Kwan will switch his focus to the new team and business opportunities in Taiwan. "With his outstanding managerial competence, rich industry experience and enthusiasm, he and his team will provide KBA customers in Taiwan with innovative technologies and professional services," Zehner says.

Eric Wong joined as general manager of KBA (Hong Kong) Co - responsible for operations and marketing in Hong Kong and South China - on January 2.

He has spent 32 years with manroland in Greater China, witnessing huge change in the industry: "Joining a company with two hundred years history of technical innovation, a strong and broad array of product lines, and positive entrepreneurial team spirit I am proud to have become a member of the KBA family and will do my utmost to continue leading KBA in Greater China to new heights", he says.

Zehner says Wong "with more than three decades of excellent managerial and marketing experience as well as his amazing ability to respond to the great challenges in China's printing industry" will contribute strongly to increasing KBA's market share in Greater China.

"After Joe Kwan's outstanding contribution to gain a firm and sustainable foothold in that market, Eric Wong is now in a position to make dreams come true for our customers by providing the latest technology and application platforms engineered by KBA."

On our homepage: Eric Wong, new general manager of KBA (HK) Co

Right: Joseph Kwan, appointed general manager of KBA Taiwan Co