The European Label Federation, Finat, has elected Dana Kilárska as its new president at the European Label Forum 2026 in Seville. The managing director of the Slovak company Purgina takes over from Philippe Voet and is the first woman to head the organisation since its inception.
With the appointment of Kilárska and the new Vice-President Vito Giurazza, CEO of the Italian Tikedo Group, Finat is restructuring its leadership. The association sees this as a step towards further strengthening the European label industry and promoting innovation, sustainability, and growth along the value chain.
First woman at the head of the association
Kilárska has been involved in association work for several years and was, among other things, chairperson of the current Young Professionals Network. The manager has more than 20 years of international experience in the fields of hospitality, printing and packaging.
„This role means a great deal to me – not because of the title, but because of the community behind it. Finat is made up of extraordinary people, and leading them is a privilege.“
Dana Kilárska
Giurazza also brings extensive experience in the fields of corporate development, strategy, acquisitions, and financing. Since 2019, he has expanded the Tikedo Group into a Europe-wide label processor.
„It is a great honour for me to take on this role, and I sincerely thank the General Assembly and Finat members for the trust they have placed in me,“ declared Giurazza.
Honours for former presidents
As part of the event, Finat also appointed outgoing President Philippe Voet (Etivoet, Belgium) and former President Chris Ellison (OPM Labels & Packaging, UK) as honorary members.
Voet has led the association since 2021, steering Finat through a period characterised by the consequences of the pandemic, supply chain issues, sustainability requirements, and new European regulations. Under his leadership, the association restructured its work around the core pillars of community, knowledge, collaboration, and advocacy.
Ellison, who led Finat from 2017, was particularly recognised for his contribution to strengthening the association's network and for his close collaboration with the Labelexpo Europe trade fair organisation.
With the change in leadership, Finat states it is focusing on continuity and renewal simultaneously and intends to continue supporting the European label industry with the challenges surrounding regulation, sustainability, and skills development.
Source: Finat
