Electronics For Imaging (EFI) has appointed industrial technology veteran Frank Pennisi as its new chief executive officer. Pennisi’s previous postion was as President of Orora Packaging Solutions, based in California. Orora is listed on the ASX, and installed an EFI Nozomi digital corrugated press in 2019.
"EFI’s digital industrial inkjet portfolio is unmatched," says new EFI CEO Frank Pennisi
EFI made the CEO announcement as it also unveiled plans to separate its Fiery business unit into an independent company.
Jeff Jacobson, a 35-year veteran of the digital imaging sector who led EFI as CEO following its 2019 take-private by Siris, will remain Executive Chairman of each business.
“Pennisi comes to EFI from Orora Packaging Solutions, a leading provider of custom packaging solutions with an emphasis on corrugated,” EFI said. “While managing Orora Packaging Solutions as its President and CEO, Mr. Pennisi was an EFI customer, using EFI’s industry-leading Nozomi single-pass inkjet, super-high-speed digital printer. (Orora is headquartered in Australia and listed on the ASX. Its Oakleigh, Vic plant installed the EFI Nozomi in 2019)
“His experience with EFI solutions extends to the close collaboration and consulting he has done with Orora Packaging’s sister company, Orora Visual – a leading display graphics provider that is among the largest North American users of EFI VUTEk display graphics and EFI Reggiani industrial textile digital printers. Previously, Mr. Pennisi spent two decades in leadership positions at FLIR Systems (now Teledyne FLIR), Honeywell, and GE.” 
Pennisi said: “As a former customer, I know that EFI’s digital industrial inkjet portfolio is unmatched in the industry. The company’s suite of equipment, inks, and intelligent service positions it to address its customers’ most critical needs. I am thrilled to be joining EFI at this pivotal moment as the industry transitions toward digital inkjet.”
Pennisi earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a BS in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
Tyler Sipprelle, partner at Siris, added: “I am excited that Frank shares our enthusiasm about the possibilities for EFI as an industrial inkjet leader and will bring his leadership and unique customer perspective to the Company. Jeff’s leadership has been pivotal since Siris’ acquisition of EFI, through the first chapter of transformation and the challenges of the COVID pandemic, and he will continue to play a critical role moving forward as EFI’s Executive Chairman. With Frank, Jeff, and all the passionate and committed EFI team members, I am confident we have the best possible organization to continue to transform the industrial imaging industry.”
