FINAT announces new leadership team, honors former presidents

During the FINAT European Label Forum 2026, held in Seville from May 27-29, FINAT announced the appointment of Dana Kilárska as president and Vito Giurazza as vice president of the association. On the same occasion, outgoing president Philippe Voet and former president Chris Ellison were appointed Honorary Members in recognition of their exceptional service to FINAT and the wider label community.

These appointments mark a new chapter for FINAT, while also reflecting the continuity of the association’s long-standing commitment to leadership, collaboration, and industry progress.

The Honorary Memberships awarded to Philippe Voet and Chris Ellison also reflect FINAT’s deep appreciation for their years of dedication and leadership during periods of significant change for the label industry in Europe and beyond.

Dana Kilárska, CEO of Purgina (SK), takes office as FINAT President after several years of active involvement in the association. Known to many members through her earlier role as chair of FINAT’s Young Managers Club, now the Young Professionals Network, she has earned a reputation as an engaged industry leader with an international outlook and a clear commitment to the future of the label sector.

Kilárska’s appointment also marks a milestone for the association, as she becomes the first woman to serve as president of FINAT.

With more than two decades of international business experience across hospitality, printing, and packaging, Kilárska brings a combination of strategic insight, commercial leadership, and a strong commitment to people.

Commenting on her appointment, she says, “This role means the world to me, not because of the title, but because of the community behind it. FINAT is made up of extraordinary people, and to lead them is a privilege.”

Vito Giurazza, CEO of Tikedo (IT), has been appointed vice president of FINAT. Since joining the FINAT Board in 2023, he has contributed to the association with a broad strategic perspective and a strong understanding of business growth, transformation, and entrepreneurship. His appointment underscores FINAT’s ambition to remain closely connected to the realities and opportunities shaping the European label industry.

Giurazza has spent his career working with entrepreneurs and management teams across a range of sectors, focusing on strategy, business development, M&A, and capital raising. Since 2019, he has led Tikedo’s growth into a major European label converting group with operations across multiple countries.

Giurazza’s experience will further strengthen FINAT’s leadership team as the association continues to support innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth across the value chain.

Giurazza comments, “It is a great honor 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” he stated.

In recognizing Philippe Voet, Etivoet (BE) as an Honorary Member, FINAT pays tribute to a presidency that helped guide the association through an exceptionally demanding period. Having joined the Technical Committee in 2017, become a Board member in 2019, and assumed the Presidency in 2021, Philippe provided steady and forward-looking leadership at a time when the industry was emerging from the pandemic and facing new pressures related to supply chains, sustainability, and European regulation.

Under his leadership, FINAT strengthened its strategic focus under four pillars: community, knowledge, collaboration and advocacy, and structured the association accordingly. He also helped lead an internal restructuring to align FINAT’s governance and operations more closely with these priorities. FINAT expanded collaboration across the value chain and sharpened its advocacy role.

In his farewell remarks, Voet reflected on the reasons he accepted the presidency. He said, “fun, interesting and important,” and on how those same qualities continue to define the association and the people who contribute to it.

FINAT also honors Chris Ellison, OPM Labels & Packaging (UK), with Honorary Membership in recognition of his long-standing service and impact on the association. Ellison first engaged with FINAT as a guest speaker in 2005, joined the Board in 2013, became VP in 2015, and served as president from 2017. His presidency reflected a strong belief that FINAT is, above all, about people. A conviction that helped shape the association’s community spirit and long-term development, while reinforcing its focus on talent and workforce development.

During the disruption of Covid, Chris helped keep the FINAT community connected and engaged. He also served as a key bridge between FINAT, the label industry, and Labelexpo Europe, now known as LOUPE, helping strengthen the strategic relationship between both organisations, including the long-term extension of their agreement. In his message to Dana Kilárska, he expressed confidence that she would value the FINAT experience and community as much as those who came before her.

Together, these appointments and recognitions reflect both renewal and continuity within FINAT. As the association looks ahead, it does so with confidence in a new leadership team and with gratitude to those whose commitment, energy, and vision have helped shape FINAT into the strong and respected community it is today.