KURZ strengthens digital embellishment business with appointment of consultant and book market specialist Matt Baldwin
Fürth/Germany, July 2, 2026: LEONHARD KURZ, a global leader in thin-film technology and digital embellishment technologies, has appointed Matt Baldwin, a recognized specialist in the book printing sector, to support the development and commercialization of its Digital Embellishment Solutions in the book market.
The appointment forms part of KURZ's strategy to accelerate the adoption of digital embellishment technologies within the book printing industry, enabling book publishers and printers to continue to innovate and create beautiful books in a resource-efficient and cost-effective way, while improving production flexibility, reducing waste and enhancing profitability across the book value chain.
Matt brings extensive experience of the international book manufacturing sector, having previously held executive leadership roles with CPI Group, Europe’s largest book printing group, and he is a member of numerous industry associations, such as the BMI (Book Manufacturing Institute). Throughout his career, he has worked closely with publishers and technology providers across international markets, to develop innovative digital production solutions and has deep knowledge of the specific commercial, operational and technological requirements of modern book production.
In his advisory role, Matt will work alongside KURZ's digital embellishment team to support market development, customer engagement and accompany specific projects to ensure KURZ’s digital embellishment customers benefit from a strong combination of technical and sectorial expertise.
"In a fast-evolving book market, digital metallization and spot varnishing technologies are becoming increasingly important tools for publishers and printers, enabling them to continue to innovate and create beautiful books in a flexible, efficient and responsible way," said Franz Repp, VP Sales EMEA for KURZ Steinemann DPE. "We are delighted to welcome Matt, whose extensive industry experience and market knowledge will help us further strengthen our offering in the strategically important book market."
KURZ's digital embellishment portfolio, which is produced by KURZ subsidiary Steinemann DPE in Switzerland, enables high-quality metallic, holographic and decorative effects to be applied efficiently for both short and long production runs. These capabilities are particularly relevant to publishers seeking premium finishes for books.
Commenting on the appointment, Matt said: “Publishers are increasingly using embellishment to enhance the appeal and value of physical books in a highly competitive market. Yet the industry has long faced a trade-off between the economics of traditional processes, which are best suited to longer runs, and digital technologies, which are uneconomic at scale. KURZ has developed a unique portfolio of digital embellishment solutions that bridges this gap, enabling publishers and printers to apply premium finishes efficiently at all production runs. The result is greater flexibility, improved supply chain efficiency and the ability to deliver highly differentiated products without compromising commercial performance. I look forward to working with the KURZ team to expand market awareness, identify new opportunities and accelerate adoption of these revolutionary and greatly needed solutions across the publishing industry.”