WAN-Ifra has named Ingi Olafsson as director of its World Printers Forum, following Manfred Werfel's retirement.

Ólafsson, who is an Icelandic national, has led continuing education for the country's graphic arts and publishing industry, and was previously ad-production manager of daily newspaper Morgunbladid.

He has a bachelor's degree in Newspaper Operations Management from Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, and an MBA from Edinburgh University. He had previously worked with WAN-Ifra supporting technical teams in charge of the International Color Quality Club.

In his new role, Ólafsson will coordinate WAN-Ifra's print and production programmes, advise and serve member companies, and develop WPF's strategic and operational research, insights, and networking agenda.

Ólafsson stressed the need to continue to modernise and adapt the "industrial tool" of the world's press, which represents more than 80 per cent of revenues: "It is not only an essential contribution to the transformation of the press, but also the pillar of an omni-channel approach for all readers."

WAN-Ifra chief executive Vincent Peyrègne saluted the "exceptional contribution" of Manfred Werfel in recent years.