Ricoh Australia appoints new MD

update Printer maker Ricoh has appointed a new managing director to lead its Australian business, Les Richardson, who will replace the outgoing manager Nigel Shepherd.

Les Richardson, MD, Ricoh

Richardson was formerly the General Manager of Systems Support and joined Ricoh in 2001 after 24 years at Canon, giving him close to 30 years of experience in the printer industry. Richardson will take up the position on 1 September 2008. Nigel Shepherd leaves the position after more than 16 years in the top job.

"My focus is going to be transitioning what been known as a printing company to a software solutions company," Richardson said, "putting smart solutions around the network to manage printing around the network as well."

Richardson said this approach was a result of economic pressure: "We're very aware of the fact that the economy is tightening at the moment, and organisations will be looking for profit on the costs side rather than on the sales side."

"What we're talking about is taking outdated printing equipment and replacing it with more cost-effective equipment. Where we expect to make up revenue is selling the software and services that go with solutions," he said.