During the European Label Forum 2026, held in Seville on 27-29 May, Finat announced changes to its leadership and awarded two honorary memberships. Dana Kilárska, president of Slovakia-based Purgina, became the organisation's new president, while Vito Giurazza, president of the Italian company Tikedo, took on the role of vice-president. At the same time, outgoing president Philippe Voet and former president Chris Ellison were awarded honorary membership for their contribution to Finat's activities and the development of the European label industry. As the association emphasised, these decisions mark a new stage in the organisation's development while also confirming the continuity of its long-term commitment to leadership, cooperation and industry progress. The distinctions awarded to Philippe Voet and Chris Ellison are also intended to reflect recognition of their many years of work during a period of significant change in the label sector in Europe and beyond.
Dana Kilárska takes up the position after several years of active involvement in Finat's structures. She was previously known to the organisation's members as chair of the Young Managers Club, now operating under the name Young Professionals Network. According to Finat, she has built a reputation as a committed industry leader with an international perspective and a clear focus on the future of the label sector. Her appointment also has symbolic significance, as Dana Kilárska is the first woman to serve as Finat president. She has more than 20 years of international business experience gained in the hospitality, printing and packaging sectors, which, according to the organisation, translates into a combination of strategic competence, commercial management and a people-centred approach. Referring to her appointment, she said: "This role means a great deal to me, not because of the title itself, but because of the community behind it. Finat is made up of exceptional people, and having the opportunity to lead them is an honour".
Changes on the board and continuation of activities
Vito Giurazza, president of Tikedo, has been appointed vice-president of Finat. Since joining the association's board in 2023, he has contributed a broad strategic perspective and expertise in business growth, transformation and entrepreneurship. As Finat indicates, his appointment underlines the organisation's ambition to remain closely connected to the realities and opportunities shaping the European label market.
In his career, Vito Giurazza has worked with entrepreneurs and management teams across various sectors, focusing on strategy, business development, mergers and acquisitions, and capital raising. Since 2019, he has led Tikedo's development into one of Europe's major label converting groups, operating in several countries. Finat believes that his experience will strengthen the association's leadership team in its further efforts to promote innovation, resilience and sustainable growth across the value chain. As he stated, "It is a great honour for me to take on this role and I would like to sincerely thank the General Assembly and Finat members for the trust they have placed in me".
Honorary memberships for former presidents
In awarding honorary membership to Philippe Voet of Etivoet, Finat drew attention to his role in leading the association during a particularly demanding period. Philippe Voet joined the Technical Committee in 2017, became a board member in 2019, and took on the role of president in 2021. He led the organisation at a time when the industry was emerging from the pandemic period while also facing new challenges related to supply chains, sustainability and European regulation.
Under his leadership, Finat organised its activities around four strategic pillars: community, knowledge, collaboration and advocacy, and then aligned its organisational structure accordingly. Philippe Voet also co-led an internal restructuring aimed at better aligning the association's governance and operations with the adopted priorities. During this period, Finat expanded cooperation across the value chain and strengthened its advocacy role. In his farewell remarks, Philippe Voet recalled that he had been motivated to accept the role of president by reasons he described as "pleasure, interest and significance", and, as he noted, those same qualities continue to define the association and the people who make it up.
Finat also honoured Chris Ellison of OPM Labels & Packaging with honorary membership for his long-standing commitment and influence on the organisation's development. Chris Ellison first worked with Finat as a guest speaker in 2005, joined the board in 2013, became vice-president in 2015, and served as president from 2017. His term was based on the conviction that Finat is above all about people. This approach influenced the development of the association's community character and its long-term growth, while also strengthening the focus on talent and workforce development.
During the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic, Chris Ellison helped maintain ties and engagement within the Finat community. He also played an important liaison role between Finat, the label industry and the Labelexpo Europe event, now operating under the name Loupe, strengthening the strategic relationship between the two organisations, including the long-term extension of the existing agreement. In a message addressed to Dana Kilárska, he expressed his belief that she would value Finat's experience and community as highly as her predecessors did.
According to the association, the current appointments and distinctions demonstrate both renewal and continuity within Finat. The organisation emphasises that it is entering the next stage of its activities with a new leadership team, while also recognising the people whose commitment, energy and vision have helped shape Finat's current position as a strong and respected industry community.
