Iain Bullock to succeed Bettine Pellant as CEO of Picon

Iain Bullock, currently managing director of Renz (UK), will succeed Bettine Pellant as CEO of Picon from October 2026. Iain was identified as a potential candidate two years ago, so when Bettine announced her decision to stand aside, it took little time for the Picon Council to agree to his appointment.

Bettine said, ‘Renz (UK) has been a Picon member since 1997 and Iain has represented the company all that time and has been on the council since 2019. He is well known in the industry, approachable and he understands the challenges faced by graphic arts companies, especially SMEs.’

She continued, ‘I joined Picon in 2007 to organise Picon’s participation at drupa 2008 (we had 35 companies involved) and I succeeded Tim Webb as CEO on 1 January 2015. Picon had sold the Ipex exhibition in 2006 and this enabled the organisation to expand the activities and benefits to the membership, not least the introduction of additional training grants, an internship scheme and the Business Forum. I think one of my highlights was the production of the Picon Centenary Book and one of my biggest challenges was eating duck’s feet in China! I hope still to take on project work within the industry but if I had one last wish as Picon CEO it would be to be remembered as the organisation’s friendly face!’

Iain Bullock concurs. ‘I have known Bettine for nearly 20 years, During this time, at Picon events and industry functions, I have only ever heard complimentary comments about her. Bettine is respected, liked and admired by all. She has led the organisation with the highest degree of professionalism.’

Iain started his career in the textiles industry. Visiting Ipex in 1993 he met Peter Renz, third generation of a German based family company which had recently incorporated Renz (UK) Ltd. He joined the UK company in 1994, selling wire binding equipment and consumables to the finishing industry, going on to become sales manager in 2001 and managing director in 2004.

This 33 years of active involvement in the industry, his long standing association with Picon and its members, as well as his leadership and people skills, are attributes that were seen as ideal for the CEO role.

‘Picon is predominantly a high level networking organisation, bringing members together through focus groups, webinars and social events,’ said Iain. ‘Graphic arts has undergone rapid and significant change and my ambition is to help Picon and its members proactively drive change rather than simply reacting to it. I also want to: continue to expand existing business support opportunities for members; facilitate closer cooperation with relevant industry bodies; and develop Picon’s training grant and work experience placement programmes. The aim of Picon must always be to support and provide the benefits our members need.’

Iain will shadow Bettine from 1 July to 30 September 2026, assuming the CEO mantle on 1 October 2026.

Editor’s note: We wish both Bettine and Iain every success as they progress in their new roles.