President's Column - November 2024
My name is Rob McCann and I’m your new President of the IADD. Quite a proud moment to write those words for 
the first time!
So who am I and how did we end up here? My introduction to the IADD began by being asked to stay late one evening in the New Jersey, USA Demo Center at Bobst so I could run a diecutter for a local chapter meeting being held at our facility. After a few more occasions demoing equipment, I was asked to give some technical presentations at other area events. I gladly accepted as this was an “excuse” to attend the meetings in general. By this point in my career, I was quite familiar with the machinery side but lacked overall industry knowledge and experience. I was drawn in by the questions and conversations taking place at these meetings, knew I had a lot to learn and recognized early on that each of the association members offered something I could learn from. Fifteen years later, I still believe that to be true.
I stayed as close as I could to the IADD and officially became a member in 2009. I was soon asked to be our chapter’s Treasurer, and I recall thinking I wasn’t sure I could handle the gig. I was assured I could, and apparently showing enough to move on to a Board position, joined some of the various committees and made my way to the Education Committee, eventually becoming Vice President, and now, I have the privilege of serving as President. It has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the opportunities this association has provided me.
I’ve now been in the Packaging Industry for 25+ years, all with Bobst. Started as a mechanical apprentice, sweeping the floor. After becoming a Field Service Technician, I was relocated to Switzerland, to our Headquarters. This is where I was first exposed to the process and operation side, rather than installs and repair. I stuck with that track and became an equipment instructor after returning to the US. I found it a rewarding challenge to be able to come up with different ways of explaining everything so it could click for everyone receiving the training. So very satisfying when it finally did! I really enjoyed my time as an instructor, so getting involved with the IADD’s Education Committee was a natural fit, which I continue to be an active part of still today.
My current day job is Head of Service Products Portfolio at Bobst, managing the business side of the industry. I feel my leadership style is very pragmatic, detail oriented and process driven. I plan to take the same approach as President, ensuring that decisions are made thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of the steps involved and the long-term impact on our association.
As we move into this new chapter together, we face an interesting landscape. Our membership demographic has changed, resources are spread thin and ease of searching, finding and sharing information has made some less reliant on our, and many other, industry associations. Shifting expectations, rapid technological advancements and the need to adapt to new ways of working and collaborating are needed. Times have changed, and so must the association. My vision is to steer the IADD into modern times, embracing new ideas and strategies, without straying too far from our rich history and traditions. I am big fan of keeping it simple and I’ve often said in our meetings, “Lots of more of what is working and less of what isn’t.” I believe this mindset will help us stay focused on strategies that bring value to our members and the industry as a whole. We still offer a wealth of information and our content remains just as relevant as ever. My role is to create new ways of delivering our message and sharing our knowledge. I also want to recognize and collaborate with our international industry colleagues, ensuring that the IADD becomes a more reachable and accessible resource for all members of the global diecutting and diemaking community.
As we take a long hard look at the state and health of the association, we have asked ourselves some tough questions regarding our position in the industry. In our Board, Executive and strategy meetings, we’ve asked, what is it that keeps each of us in the room, dedicated to the IADD? The resounding answer is the people. I remain amazed by the dedication of the staff and volunteers who have guided the association for over 50 years, helping to build and sustain the strong foundation on which we stand today. Their commitment is a testament to the passion and loyalty that drives our industry forward. I am truly thankful for those who volunteer their time on a regular basis. The IADD has a rich history of excellence and innovation, and it’s my goal to build on that legacy. Throughout my term, I will focus on fostering engagement, supporting professional development and ensuring that our association remains a cornerstone for our members.
I firmly believe that with challenges come opportunities. Together, we will navigate these new waters, finding innovative solutions to keep the IADD thriving. Our strength has always been in our community, and I am confident that by working collaboratively, we will continue to grow stronger and more resilient.
I am honored to have been elected as your President and excited to embark on this journey with all of you. When I first began in this industry, I looked up to the leaders of this association and its President, admiring their vision, leadership, knowledge and dedication to our craft. To now find myself in this role is both humbling and inspiring.
Thank you for entrusting me with this leadership position. I look forward to working alongside you all, as we chart a course for a bright and successful future.
Rob has 26 years of experience at Bobst, one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries. He currently serves as Head of Service Product Portfolio.
Rob is based in New Jersey, with his wife Monica and their children, Khai, Leo and Manuela. He enjoys camping, golfing, and cooking as well as being a full time chauffeur to hockey and swimming practices.
Rob is proof that being one of those “take it apart and see how it works” kind of guys can lead you to a wonderful career, meeting new people and experiencing the world.
The President's Column appears in The Cutting Edge, the IADD's monthly magazine.
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