Page 56 - Print21 magazine Mar-Apr 2023

| PRINTER PROFILE | SUPPLIERS
Travels of a digital native
International travel has long been a defining factor of Australia and New Zealand’s graphic arts industries. Travelling to trade shows to keep up with the latest technology has ensured that local industry professionals can hold their own anywhere in the world. However, few have had the scope and breadth of Peter Scott’s travels, first as a service technician then eventually as managing director of Screen GP Australia. He talks to Patrick Howard about his years of odyssey.
It’s not hard to recognise the right person in the right place at the right time. They exhibit a sense of comfortable capability, ease in
handling the day-to-day challenges, an unflappable demeanour that inspires confidence. Peter Scott of Screen GP Australia, is perhaps
the longest serving, local managing director of a Japanese graphics technology company. One of an elite band that has earned the trust of corporate Japan to look after their affairs here without permanent oversight, the 24-year company veteran is into his second decade running the Australian and New Zealand operations.
He presides over one of the most sophisticated technology brands in the industry; one that consistently develops sector-defining products while building a reputation for reliable equipment that lasts. Over the years Screen has changed its product focus and mix a number
of times. As the head of the local business Scott has managed the sales and service system, while finding and developing strategic relationships with leading distributors. That he is still so at ease with the transformed company he helped create says a lot about his own technology background, as well as management nous.
DIGITAL TRAJECTORY
Scott is a graphic arts digital native, one of a generation of professionals that entered the industry during
its transition to digital production. Joining Seligson and Clare, the Heidelberg agent, as an electrical engineering apprentice, he
became engaged with the new Compugraphic typesetting, entering the industry with a clear digital orientation.
It was a time of revolutionary change with prepress already undergoing the transformation from analogue to digital technology.
A born traveller from the get go, when offered the chance to joi Hyphen Asia Pacific, owned and
run by Mark Chinchin and Steve Peck, Scott sensed an opportunity to advance his knowledge of typesetting systems and to travel.
56 MARCH/APRIL 2023