Koenig & Bauer, the world’s oldest press manufacturer, has entered a new era under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Kimmich. Speaking to Packaging MEA Managing Editor Usha Benjamin during his visit to Dubai, the Group CEO shares his outlook on strategy, innovation, and the role of regional partnerships in sustaining growth.
Koenig & Bauer, the German printing press manufacturer with over two centuries of history, recently named Dr. Stephen Kimmich as its new Group CEO. His appointment comes amid global industry challenges impacting investment and strategy, including supply chain constraints, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting customer needs.
Dr. Kimmich joined Koenig & Bauer in 2017 and served as Chief Financial Officer prior to his appointment as CEO. With a background in mechanical engineering and experience in both operational and financial leadership roles, his transition to the top position follows an internal succession path that reflects continuity and deep familiarity with the business.
Benjamin, Managing Editor of Packaging MEA, sits with Dr. Kimmich to speak about his approach to navigating market uncertainty, maintaining flexibility across regional operations, and reinforcing the company’s focus on its existing product portfolio rather than chasing expansion for its own sake.
The conversation also explores Koenig & Bauer’s direction on digitalisation, including the development of Kyana, a standalone platform for data-driven services. Dr. Kimmich shares his observations from recent visits to key markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, and discusses how local partnerships continue to shape the company’s global presence.
As Koenig & Bauer operates in a changing landscape, this exchange provides insight into how leadership is setting priorities and aligning long-term strategy with evolving customer and regional needs.
Usha Benjamin:
Dr. Kimmich, thank you for joining us. How has your transition into the Group CEO role been?
Stephen Kimmich:
Thank you. It has certainly been a busy period. Although I’m new in the CEO role, I’ve been with Koenig & Bauer for nearly six years now. That familiarity helped ease the transition. I know the people, the products, and the culture. My background is in mechanical engineering, though I was CFO prior to this, so it feels good to be back at the operational core of the business. The past few months have been busy but energising.
Usha Benjamin:
You’re taking the reins at a turbulent time globally. How is Koenig & Bauer navigating market volatility and supply chain pressures?
Stephen Kimmich:
It’s certainly challenging. As a German export-oriented company, we depend on global trade and stability. Those fundamentals are under pressure now. But despite that, we’re doing well. Our turnover is slightly up versus last year, and we’re seeing exceptional performance in regions like the Middle East and India, with solid momentum across Asia. For us, the key is flexibility—being present and responsive in growing markets, even when others soften.
Usha Benjamin:
Your product range spans multiple printing technologies. What does the strategic focus look like under your leadership?
Stephen Kimmich:
Koenig & Bauer has the broadest portfolio in the industry—offset, flexo, digital, finishing technologies—serving substrates from folding cartons and flexible packaging to metal and glass. That breadth is a strength, and we’re not chasing expansion into new areas for the sake of it. My focus is on ensuring the best-in-class quality and scaling our capabilities where we already have strong foundations, while consolidating what we already do well.
Usha Benjamin:
Speaking of digitalisation, you’ve introduced Kyana. Can you tell us about the thinking behind that?
Stephen Kimmich:
Kyana is our platform for connected packaging and data-driven print services. We launched it as a spin-off to give it room to develop independently from our traditional operations. This allows us to innovate faster and respond to changing customer expectations around digital workflows, predictive maintenance, and performance optimisation.
Usha Benjamin:
You’ve just come from a tour across the MEA region. How significant is this market for Koenig & Bauer?
Stephen Kimmich:
The Middle East and Africa are very important regions for us. I first came to Dubai in 2008, and we’ve had a strong presence here ever since. Our partnerships, particularly with Giffin Graphics and Al Kharaif Co for Paper & Printing Equipment, are long-standing. Market knowledge, service, and local presence are essential. That’s how we succeed in any region—through strong local ties.
Usha Benjamin:
Many of your customers see long-term ROI as critical. What makes Koenig & Bauer stand out in that regard?
Stephen Kimmich:
It comes down to three things: strong technology, reliable local service, and long-term support. Our entry-level machines already offer high productivity and automation. Beyond CapEx, we’re focused on total lifecycle cost. We’re a 208-year-old company, still partly family-owned, and that gives a generational view. This aligns well with how business is done in the Middle East and Africa, where relationships and continuity matter.
Usha Benjamin:
Finally, what can Koenig & Bauer’s global customers expect from your leadership?
Stephen Kimmich:
Consistency in customer focus. I travel often because it’s important to stay close to the markets and listen. Every strategic decision starts with what our customers need. You can expect continued innovation, strong products, and responsive support. It’s a privilege to lead a company with such a long legacy, and we want to honour that legacy by helping our customers succeed.
Dr. Stephen Kimmich, Group CEO, Koenig & Bauer
Koenig & Bauer – 200 years of print innovation
- Founded: 1817, Würzburg, Germany
- Claim to fame: Oldest printing press manufacturer still in operation
- Product portfolio:
- Sheetfed offset presses for packaging and commercial printing
- Flexo presses for corrugated and flexible packaging
- Digital inkjet solutions
- Folding carton and label presses
- Metal decorating and glass printing systems
- Finishing and postpress automation
- Innovation arms:
- Kyana (launched 2025): connected packaging and print digitalisation platform
- Global footprint:
- Production sites in Germany
- Strategic markets and service networks worldwide
Koenig & Bauer’s legacy is one of adaptation—from pioneering the first rotary press to introducing digital print systems, the company has consistently evolved with technology while maintaining a long-term view.