Siegwerk’s Hildenbrand Retires, van Laack Named President Americas

SIEGBURG, Germany–After more than 36 years at Siegwerk, Ralf Hildenbrand (left in photo), president Americas and member of the Group Executive Committee, will retire July 1, 2025. He will be succeeded by Christopher van Laack, currently VP Business Unit Paper & Board EMEA and Liquid Food Packaging.

Hildenbrand has simultaneously led the Global Business Unit Cluster Flexible Packaging and the functions Global Technology, including Product Safety & Responsibility (PSR) and Siegwerk’s Circular Economy Hub, as well as Global Brand Owner Collaboration.

The trained industrial engineer joined Siegwerk in 1989 as a managerial assistant in flexible packaging sales. Since 2002, Hildenbrand has been a member of the Board of Management of the Siegwerk Group and later of the Group Executive Committee.

From 2002 to 2009, he was involved in the company’s international expansion with key acquisitions such as Color Converting Inc. (CCI) and the packaging ink business from SICPA.

Dr. Nicolas Wiedmann, CEO, expressed his gratitude: “Ralf Hildenbrand has made a decisive contribution to Siegwerk’s success over more than three decades. With his leadership and strategic vision, he strengthened and advanced our company in all regions and globally across many functions and departments. He fulfilled his roles with real passion and dedication, always living our motto ‘Ink, Heart and Soul.’”

van Laack will assume responsibility for the Americas region, along with Global Technology, Product Safety & Responsibility (PSR), Siegwerk’s Circular Economy Hub, and Global Brand Owner Collaboration. The Global Business Unit Cluster Flexible Packaging will be managed by Dirk Weissenfeldt, CFO and former VP Flexible Packaging EMEA.

van Laack brings a broad range of professional expertise spanning nearly 17 years at Siegwerk. He joined the company in 2008 as a trainee in logistics management.

“We are very pleased that Christopher van Laack will join our Group Executive Committee and will take over the role as President Americas,” said Wiedmann. “In his previous roles, van Laack demonstrated strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to Siegwerk’s values. His expertise in business development and operational excellence makes him the perfect successor to drive further growth and innovation in the Americas region and help shape Siegwerk’s future.”