Hannover, June 23, 2023 - ColorGATE Digital Output Solutions GmbH, a leading provider of essential software solutions, services and tools for successful digital printing, announces the appointment of Oliver Luedtke as the company's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Luedtke will take over from Thomas Kirschner on July 1. After an impressive 25 years as the company's founder and CEO, Kirschner will remain with ColorGATE as an advisor until January 2024.
With more than two decades in the digital printing industry, Luedtke brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. With a degree in printing technology, he has been part of the industry's digitalization journey since its beginning. Luedtke joined ColorGATE in 2019 as Chief Marketing Officer, leaving behind a remarkable impact on the company's brand and marketing communications strategies. Prior to his time at ColorGATE, he held senior positions at companies such as Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, Best GmbH, EFI, and Kornit Digital.
During his tenure as CMO, Luedtke successfully repositioned ColorGATE as a leader not only in sign and display printing, but also in various industrial applications, including surface decoration, garment decoration, packaging, and ceramic printing. His forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of the market have enabled ColorGATE to demonstrate its expertise across a wide range of industries.
Excited about the new challenge ahead, Luedtke emphasized the universal benefits of ColorGATE's solutions and services: "Every digital printer and decorator can benefit from what ColorGATE has to offer. We provide key software technology that improves color consistency, streamlines print data generation, and enables automation. We also offer comprehensive training and services to ensure successful operation. I am excited to take the reins from a successful founder and CEO. The technology, coupled with the passion and drive of the team, provides a strong foundation from which we will venture into new opportunities and projects to further expand our horizons."
Commenting on the transition, Thomas Kirschner said: "It is with mixed emotions that I leave the company after an exciting 25 years. However, I am pleased to say that we have carefully planned this transition and I have the utmost confidence in Oliver. His in-depth knowledge of the company and its operations makes him the perfect choice for this role and will ensure that the quality of service to our customers is maintained". ColorGATE looks forward to continued success under Oliver Luedtke's leadership as the company enters a new chapter of innovation, growth, and customer-focused solutions.
About ColorGATE Digital Output Solutions
For more than 25 years, ColorGATE has been driving the digitalization of the printing industry with its software, color and service expertise. The company offers a wide range of software solutions, services and tools for color management and print data generation in industrial digital printing as well as in the graphic arts and large format printing industries. ColorGATE provides digital expertise and solutions for printing system manufacturers, print service providers and technology users in the decorative, ceramic, textile and packaging printing industries.
ColorGATE offers an innovative, customized and modular portfolio of software and hardware solutions for industrial printing and decorating applications along the entire process chain. ColorGATE pays special attention to precise and consistent color reproduction combined with the highest performance.
ColorGATE Digital Output Solutions GmbH has been an independent subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd. since 2018.