Printing Industry Mourns Passing of Former Hunkeler CEO at Age 54 

Michel Hunkeler

Leading Swiss web and sheetfed digital finishing specialist Hunkeler AG recently posted a message on LinkedIn announcing the death of its former CEO, Michel Hunkeler. “Michel led and developed our company during an important time as owner and CEO,” the company announced. “He was an exceptionally competent and dedicated CEO, an approachable colleague, and an inspiring owner. We will greatly miss his commitment and his positive nature.” 

It has been a very difficult time for the Hunkeler family, especially with the passing of Michel’s mother shortly after his death. As such, more information has yet to be made available. 

Hunkeler AG also organizes the Innovationdays — a global event that focuses on the latest production inkjet printing, digital finishing, and related technologies — in Lucerne, Switzerland, every two years. 

A 1998 graduate of the University of Bern, Michel served as CEO of Hunkeler AG for seven years. He was succeeded by current CEO Daniel Erni in January 2023, who had been chief global sales officer of the company since November 2016. “We say goodbye to Michel Hunkeler with heavy hearts,” Erni told Printing Impressions. “For years, he was the heart and soul of this company. He was not only a visionary leader, but also a true friend who was deeply committed to our people at Hunkeler and to our industry. 

“His legacy lives on in the spirit of excellence he instilled in us all and in the global friendships he cultivated with our partners and customers. We will miss him dearly and are committed to honoring his memory,” Erni added. 

One such strong customer relationship was developed with King Printing founder Siddarth (Sid) and his son, Adi Chinai, who serves as president and CEO of the Lowell, Massachusetts-based short-run book manufacturing specialist. “From chocolatier to paper handling … managing an industry leading print finishing organization … A heart of gold, Michel was a longtime business partner and friend,” expressed Sid and Adi Chinai in a shared statement.  “A visionary leader that made doing business together fun. From the restaurants of Chicago to the slopes of the Lauberhorn in the Wengen, he embodied the work hard/play hard mentality — and spread that joy to everyone. We will certainly miss our friend, gone too soon.” 

 Andy Fetherman, president and CEO of Müller Martini Corp., shared similar sentiments. “Michel was always the consummate professional. His calm demeanor and strong knowledge of their technologies and the markets that they served helped him earn the respect of his peers, competitors, and customers alike,” Fetherman praised.  “He always had a kind word for others and brought a quiet confidence to even the most challenging situation. He was an icon in our industry and will surely be missed.” 

Longtime U.S. Hunkeler equipment distributor Standard Finishing Systems also expressed its condolences. “Michel was a wonderful person with a warm sense of humor and a positive attitude who will be missed by the entire printing industry,” noted Steven Reny, president of Standard Finishing Systems. “I will fondly remember my time spent with Michel, both personally and professionally. My thoughts are with the Hunkeler family during this difficult time.” 

Mike Herold, executive VP of marketing and sales at EMT International/Rotocontrol, was also saddened by the news. “I spent quite a bit of time with Michel over the years and enjoyed our interactions. He was a great partner and leader. We even skied the Alps together after Hunkeler Innovationdays a few years back. The industry will miss his energy and his intensity. Not nearly as much as his family will miss him. It's a big loss for all of us. Gone too soon for sure.” 

Hunkeler AG Was Sold in 2023 

Founded by Josef Hunkeler in 1922, the family-owned Swiss company was sold to nearby Müller Martini Group in December of 2023 in an undisclosed financial transaction. Hunkeler and Müller Martini had already partnered for many years. Their relationship began during World War II, when Hans Müller worked for Hunkeler as a mechanical engineer before setting up his own business in 1946.