Women leaders in print and packaging drive success through collaboration, innovation, and investment in advanced Koenig & Bauer technologyKoenig & Bauer Forges Strong Relationships With Women-Owned Printing Businesses
Koenig & Bauer’s history includes important management decisions made by Fanny Koenig, the widow of the firm’s founder Friedrich Koenig in 1833
Female executives embrace their leadership roles to ensure that their customers and company achieve unbridled success
All industry associations have leadership groups for women to support, address, and offer formal programs such as continuous learning and peer forums
Accurate Box Company recently promoted Samara Ronkowitz (left) to executive vice president, the fourth-generation member of the Hirsh family to lead the business. She will proudly continue the legacy of female management at the firm alongside Lisa Hirsh, CEO and president
Koenig & Bauer is proud to partner with a strong, dynamic group of successful women who are leading and growing their printing and packaging businesses to new heights and profitability. These presidents and CEOs are among a distinguished network of trailblazers that have chosen Koenig & Bauer as trusted advisors to provide advice on becoming the most advanced printing and packaging firms, discuss the latest equipment, and to commit to elevating the industry.
“For many years women have been holding leadership roles in the printing industry and we’re very proud to be associated with these women who are achieving successful milestones,” says Eric Frank, senior vice president of marketing at Koenig & Bauer. “Our own history includes a strong remarkable woman named Fanny Koenig, who stepped in decisively in 1833 following the unexpected death of her husband, Friedrich. During a severe crisis, her entrepreneurial intuition secured vital orders, revitalizing production and, alongside Andreas Bauer, paving the way for the company’s continued existence and social mission. Today Koenig & Bauer continues to promote women within our organization and across the industry. This long-standing culture is part of what has ensured our legacy of success.”
These successful owners pride their achievements on their education, dedication to listening, and fostering inclusive environments while at the same time embracing their leadership roles to ensure that their customers and company achieve unbridled success. They have gained a high acumen of technical knowledge as well as financial and business knowledge. While these women leaders have all reached the pinnacle of success, they’ve also seen a sea change in the industry.
“I think the industry is much different for women in the printing and packaging market now thaen it was when I started out,” says Lisa Hirsh, president and CEO of Accurate Box, a manufacturer of litho-laminated corrugated packaging in Paterson, NJ. “Thirty years ago, I was the only woman in most of the meetings I attended and one of very few at industry events. Now there are many more women in every level of business and especially in purchasing and sales.”
The growth of women-owned graphic arts businesses reflects the strengths and skills many female executives bring to leadership roles.
“I believe one of the greatest strengths women bring to leadership is the ability to balance compassion with drive,” says Tonya Kowa-Morelli, former COO and president of Lewisburg Patterson Company. “Success in this industry requires both the heart to understand your people and the determination to move the business forward. It’s also vital to lead from within, not above. Passion and dedication are contagious when your team sees you working alongside them.”
Sarah Skinner, president of Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited, approaches her position as “very democratic and collaborative. I try to promote teamwork and invite input in decision making and promote communication and innovation.”
Key qualities, according to Marie Rosado, president at 3A Press, begin with leadership and empowerment. Strong leadership is not about authority, she says, it’s about inspiring others, building trust, and creating an environment where people feel motivated to give their best. Empowerment means not only lifting yourself but also opening doors for others to rise alongside you.”
Advice
With decades of leadership experience, what advice would these women CEOs provide to other females seeking to lead a print organization? Keeping an open mind, continuing to learn, connect with fellow industry professionals, and adopt new technology are but a few pieces of key recommendations.
“My advice would be to ‘“lean in’” and ask a lot of questions and work on solutions to a problem instead of just pointing out the problem. It is much more productive if you can be part of the solution,” says Hirsh.
Kowa-Morelli advises other female leaders to spend time listening to the people who do the work every day. “Empower your team to do their best work. Be present. Earn respect and trust by showing up and engaging with people, not just managing from a distance.”
Rosado offers two tips: invest in your workforce and embrace the latest technology. “At 3A empowering our employees through continuous training and development is vital. By fostering a culture of collaboration and support, we elevate our team's skills and drive the overall success of our business. We also recently acquired a state-of-the-art Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 that exemplifies our commitment to innovation. This strategic investment not only enhances our operational efficiency but also positions us as leaders in the industry.”
Opportunities and rewards
Women CEOs emphatically embrace opportunities in the industry and its rewards. Kowa-Morelli points to a defining moment to help transform Huston Patterson, a sister organization. “We had reached a point of complacency,” she recalls. “Within 18 months, we completely reshaped the business reigniting accountability, culture, and results. That transformation not only restored pride and energy across the organization, but it positioned the company for long-term success and strength in a competitive market. It was proof that when people believe in the vision and see progress, momentum follows.”
For Rosado, the first major customer order symbolized more than revenue. It was a symbol of trust, a leap of faith from a customer who believed in their capabilities.
Koenig & Bauer continues to see women rise in leadership roles at printing businesses. Accurate Box Company recently promoted Samara Ronkowitz to executive vice president, the fourth-generation member of the Hirsh family to lead the business. She will proudly continue the legacy of female management at the firm.
Industry associations and advocacy
A growing number of organizations support and mentor women in print, offering education, peer forums, and leadership development. These include Women in Wide Format, Women In Screen Printing, and Girls Who Print. The Paperboard Packaging Council has established the Women’s Leadership Council, a vibrant and engaged community of female leaders who come together regularly to discuss shared experiences and develop strategies for success.
Emily Leonczyk has recently been elevated to president of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) where she oversees a team mostly made up of women.
“At PPC, we're tracking incremental but consistent growth in the number of women engaging across the paperboard packaging industry and participating in PPC events, from operational roles to executive leadership,” says Leonczyk. “Over the last three years, we’ve seen an increase in women's attendance at our major conferences. As PPC’s first female president, this is a meaningful moment, especially alongside Hilda Murray, a dynamic leader who serves as vice president and co-owner of TPC Packaging and as Chair of the PPC Board of Directors.”
“It’s an honor to serve as PPC’s Board Chair at such a pivotal time,” says Murray. “Converters share a spirit of creativity and collaboration that drives continuous improvement. My goal is to support our members through change, celebrate one another’s success, and keep the industry moving forward together.”
Another influential organization is the Women in Print Alliance. “The enthusiasm surrounding our first year as a membership organization has exceeded expectations,” said Lisbeth Lyons Black, director of the Women in Print Alliance. “We’ve built a powerful global network connecting women across roles, experience levels, and market segments.”
Finally, for women working in the flexo industry, the Fourth Annual Women of Flexo is forthcoming in which women across all flexo roles – including administration, finance, prepress, production, and leadership – can attend educational seminars and workshops to help enhance their positions.
Koenig & Bauer sees vast opportunity for women to thrive across all areas of the graphic arts industry. It is a principle embedded in the company’s over 208-year history, dating back to Fanny Koenig’s leadership and vision. That legacy continues to shape the company’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence today.
