President's Column - January 2025
Change is an inevitable part of professional and personal growth. Recently, I embarked on a significant transition—accepting a new leadership role within my company, which will take me and my family to Switzerland.
Accepting the position of Global Tooling Director and moving to the corporate headquarters will be both a homecoming and an exciting new challenge. It marks a return to the foundational elements of my career—working with converting tools, equipment, diemakers and converters. Not to overstate things, but tooling is the backbone of our industry—it drives quality, efficiency and innovation. Exciting to think I have the chance to lead improvements and initiatives that can set new standards for performance and sustainability. While this role brings a sense of familiarity and comfort, it also presents an opportunity for growth, as there’s still so much to learn about the actual business landscape. This role allows me to merge my early shop floor experiences with the broader vision I’ve gained over the past recent years, blending hands-on expertise with strategic oversight.
But this move is more than just a professional step—it’s a deeply personal journey. Twenty years ago, I met my wife in Switzerland. It was where our paths first crossed, where our shared adventures began, and where our vision for the future took shape. Now, two decades later, bringing our children to the same places where our story began is nothing short of surreal. Walking the streets and revisiting familiar landmarks feels like stepping back in time, but with a new chapter being written. Now, instead of two kids ourselves, exploring a foreign land, we’re a family taking on a new adventure together. Sharing this experience with our children is incredibly meaningful. We’ve taken them to the places where we first met and told stories about our early days here. For them, Switzerland isn’t just a new place to live—it’s part of their family’s history.
And as exciting as accepting the role has been and having to deal with a much increased workload, my current priority is ensuring a smooth transition for my family as we relocate. Moving internationally is more than a professional shift; it’s a commitment that impacts every member of the family, especially the kids. Ensuring their well-being and maintaining their enthusiasm has become our primary focus.
Relocating isn’t just about logistics—packing, flights or finding a new house. It’s about creating a sense of continuity and adventure. For the kids, this move means leaving behind friends, familiar routines and favorite places. My wife and I have been working hard to help them see this as an opportunity to explore, learn and grow rather than an upheaval. We’re recounting old stories of old friends, traveling and cultural experiences. Hopefully, creating a sense of anticipation rather than anxiety.
One of the huge benefits we see is that it will teach the kids about kindness. As we navigate unfamiliar surroundings, in a foreign country, in a foreign language (or two), we’ll often find ourselves in need of help. We will be on the “other side of the coin.” Whether it’s asking for directions, figuring out public transportation, advising of a cultural faux pas or navigating school systems, there will be countless moments when we rely on the kindness of strangers to get us through. There is a lot to learn in these situations. We will understand the feeling of appreciation when someone does step forward to help and it will hopefully motivate them to be that person when they can. Our hope is that by experiencing this, they’ll not only learn to appreciate acts of kindness but also be inspired to extend the same compassion to others. Whether it’s helping a new classmate or assisting someone who is lost, these small gestures make a big difference. These experiences will teach empathy from a firsthand perspective. They’ll know what it feels like to be in a new place, facing challenges and relying on the goodwill of others.
We want our children to see that community and connection matter deeply. This isn’t just about adapting to a new environment; it’s about growing as individuals and as a family. Through these moments, we hope to grow that spirit of kindness, humility and gratitude that will stay with them long after we’ve settled in.
Our move to Switzerland has highlighted a fundamental truth about change—whether in a family or an industry: it forces us to evaluate what works and what doesn’t, what to hold on to, and what to let go. This principle applies equally to my personal journey and to leading change within our company and association.
As we transition to a new country, my family is learning to balance familiar traditions with new experiences. We’re asking ourselves what aspects of our routine and culture we want to keep—those comforting touch points that anchor us—and what we can adapt or leave behind. This evaluation isn’t about discarding the past but about making thoughtful choices that serve our future.
Similarly, in evolving times, we must assess established practices and question their relevance. What processes continue to drive value? Which ones hinder innovation? Change offers an opportunity for this kind of reflection. It encourages us to blend the best of tradition with fresh ideas, creating a more resilient and forward-thinking organization.
For our association, the same principle holds true. As the IADD evolves, we must decide which core values and practices define us and which need to be reimagined. Preserving the essence of what has made us an ally to the industry, while staying open to new approaches, will help us navigate the challenges ahead.
In both personal and professional aspects, embracing change means maintaining a balance. It’s about respecting the past while being courageous enough to change the future. This mindset allows us to grow, adapt and ultimately, thrive.
So things will be different, with the family, the career and the association. And that’s perfectly fine. Looking forward to it, actually!
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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