Canon names Peter Saak to lead new EMEA print group

Canon has appointed Peter Saak as Chief of its newly renamed Integrated Printing & Services Group across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company renamed the unit from Digital Printing & Solutions. Canon described the change as a move towards more connected print and document services for enterprise customers and channel partners.

Canon said the group will place greater emphasis on services-led print and document ecosystems. The company also highlighted hybrid working environments and digital-first document workflows as priorities for customers across the region.

Saak has held several senior roles across Canon's regional sales organisations. Canon said his previous positions included B2B Country Director for Canon Eurasia, Managing Director for Canon Central & Eastern Europe and Canon Austria.

Most recently, Saak served as Executive Vice President, Developing Regions Business Group. Canon said he led growth across B2B product segments in Southeast Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company also said he worked on customer acquisition and partner channel development.

Group remit

Canon said Saak will lead the strategic integration of its printing technology with value-added services. Canon said the group will work on connected print and document management ecosystems for customers and partners.

The company also said Saak will focus on innovation and channel expansion into new markets. Canon positioned that work as part of a broader shift in how print, workflow and document services are delivered across the region.

Leadership change

Saak takes over after Hiro Imamura, the previous Executive Vice President for the unit under its former name. Canon said Imamura returned to Canon headquarters in Japan for a new role within the Printing Group.

Canon said Imamura spent five years in the role. It credited him with market share growth in workspace printing technology and solutions in the region. Canon also attributed growth in its production print business to Imamura's tenure.

Sam Yoshida, President & CEO, Canon Europe, Middle East & Africa, said the new appointment linked directly to the company's plans for the renamed organisation.

"I am confident that Peter's extensive B2B experience, customer knowledge and strong leadership across many of our EMEA markets will drive the success of our Integrated Printing & Services Group," said Sam Yoshida, President & CEO, Canon Europe, Middle East & Africa.

"I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Hiro for his outstanding contributions and leadership, which have been pivotal in developing our printing business," said Yoshida.

Market focus

Canon framed the change as part of a move beyond hardware sales alone. The company said the group will integrate print technology with software, services and solutions.

Canon also highlighted a focus on enterprise customers and partner channels. It said the group will address changing working patterns across EMEA, including hybrid work environments. Canon linked that shift to increased demand for digital-first document workflows.

Saak said the renamed group would continue the direction already established within the organisation.

"I am honoured to lead the newly renamed Integrated Printing & Services Group. Our goal is to build on the incredible foundation that exists, continuing to combine our innovative technology with solutions and applications that meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners. I look forward to working with the team to drive future growth and reinforce our position as a market leader," said Peter Saak, Chief, Integrated Printing & Services Group, Canon EMEA.

Canon said the group will pursue channel expansion into new markets as part of its agenda across EMEA.