SignLink SignLinkMagazine printmonthly_signlink PEOPLE | NEWS 12 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 265 - June | July Industry titan, Gill Harrison, passes away Durst signals major tech pivot with hire of new CTO Soyang Europe hires new northern sales manager UK vinyl wrap and signage supplier, William Smith Group, has announced the tragic passing of its training application manager, Gill Harrison. In a post on LinkedIn following her passing, William Smith said: “We are deeply saddened to share that our colleague and friend, Gill, has passed away this week. “Gill was part of William Smith for almost 40 years, joining at just 16. Over that time, she became not just a huge part of our business, but a well-known and respected figure across the wider industry. For many, Gill was the face of William Smith.” In a SignLink feature from 2022 about women in signage, Harrison spoke about how she joined the company as a school leaver after seeing an advertisement in her local newspaper. She began her signage story working in artwork, which included producing road traffic signs prior to digital printing. In its tribute, William Smith mentioned Harrison’s recent work as a trainer, where she shared her knowledge and helped develop many individuals entering the graphics and signage industries. Before that, Gill spent many years out on the road as an external account manager, building relationships and friendships with customers across her territory of the UK. The tribute from William Smith continues: “As a highly skilled professional in the sign industry, Gill was also a strong female figure. Her expertise in wrapping and deep product knowledge helped to inspire and support many others through her training. “She was incredibly passionate about her role and about the industry itself, always wanting to help others, share her knowledge, and see people succeed. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and she had a way of making everyone feel supported and valued.” Many figures in the UK sign industry have responded with their memories of Harrison and the impact that her death has had on them. Angela Turpin, director at NE Display, said on Linkedin: “Gill was a strong female figure within the print and signage industry. She always shared a warm smile, especially for women breaking into the space, and she championed success at every opportunity. “Last year at the Vion anniversary event, she briefly spoke with humility about her health journey, yet you could still see the warrior behind her eyes. I really looked up to Gill, and I'm genuinely sad for the whole William Smith team and our industry to have lost her.” Durst Group has appointed Wolfgang Knotz as its new chief technology officer, as part of its goal to transform from a machine manufacturer to a technology-driven solutions provider. In his new role, Knotz will be responsible for the company’s groupwide technology agenda, with focuses including integrating software, data, and automation offerings with new business models. Knotz will also aim to further strengthen Durst Group’s capabilities and provide customers worldwide with more comprehensive, integrated solutions. Knotz first joined the company in 2013 and held various leadership positions within the Durst Group. The appointment as chief technology officer comes against the backdrop of Durst Group’s recent strategic realignment, with initiatives such as the new Kyveris AI platform designed to accelerate its shift toward data-driven, connected production solutions. Wide-format print media manufacturer and distributor, Soyang Europe, has announced the appointment of Vicky Hudson as its new area sales manager. In her new role, Hudson will be tasked with working closely with the wider Soyang sales team to support customers and drive growth across northern England and Scotland. Vicky brings a range of experience to the role having worked within the print, signage, and display market for more than a decade. Previously, she worked across account management, business, and other sales positions at companies including Pyramid Display Materials and William Smith. Speaking about her new role, Hudson adds: “Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, helpful, and supportive, making settling in so much easier. I’ve also had the chance to visit some fantastic customers already, which has been a real highlight.” Vicky Hudson arrives with a decade of experience in print and signage [L to R] New Durst Group CTO, Wolfgang Knotz, with CEO Christoph Gamper Gill Harrison worked in UK signage for almost 40 years By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert
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