The Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) has announced the appointment of its official ambassadors for the Southeast Asia and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions.
While Martial Durou is the official Ambassador of GRA for the Southeast Asia region effective July 2025, Ben Daniel has been named for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, effective immediately.
Based in Dubai, Ben Daniel brings over 35 years of experience across print, packaging, publishing, and B2B media to his new role, with a particular focus on the packaging and printing industries in the Middle East and Africa.
As founder and Editor-in-Chief of Packaging MEA—the region’s leading trade publication dedicated to the Packaging Industry—Ben has earned a reputation as a respected industry voice, consistently engaging with brand owners, converters, suppliers, and technology innovators across the value chain.
Ben’s professional journey began in packaging and print engineering, where he built a solid foundation working across print-converting operations, machinery manufacturing, and technical support.
He later transitioned into journalism and communications, specializing in the print and packaging sectors. His career included roles in corporate media and editorial leadership before he launched Packaging MEA in 2013.
Under his leadership, Packaging MEA rapidly became a key source of industry news, analysis, and insight for the MEA region, serving as a bridge between brand owners, converters, technology providers, and other stakeholders.
Beyond publishing, Ben has played a pivotal role in curating high-impact networking events, industry roundtables, and summits that spotlight innovation, sustainability, and business growth. He is also the driving force behind the PRIME Awards, a prestigious regional recognition program celebrating excellence in packaging across the MEA region.
Reflecting on his new role, Ben stated, “I am honoured to represent GRA in the MEA region. This region is full of energy, ambition, and innovation. I look forward to helping build bridges between the global gravure community and the dynamic markets of the Middle East and Africa.”
As GRA Ambassador, Ben will serve as a key point of contact for the MEA region, supporting the association’s outreach, promoting collaboration, and ensuring that regional perspectives are integrated into GRA’s global dialogue.
Martial Durou for GRA Southeast Asia
Based in the Philippines, Martial brings over 25 years of experience in the packaging graphics industry to his new role. He has held a wide range of positions—from repro operator to process optimization manager—across France, Spain, the UK, and Malaysia. He is currently active with his company WeDoRepro, which provides graphic services and consulting in the packaging sector.
His career began in 1996 at Gravure d’Azur (Janoschka) in France, followed by a key role in Malaysia with Asia-Pacific Engravers. From 2000 to 2003, he managed the setup of studio and engraving departments at Grabaciones Janoschka in Spain. He then joined Fuji-Seal Europe, overseeing graphics production operations in both the UK and France.
Martial’s expertise includes consulting and innovation in Dry-offset- litho- and flexo-printed packaging, having played a pioneering role in the development of Europe’s first roll-to-roll litho-printed shrink sleeve. At Rexam, from 2008 to 2014, he served as European Graphics Technologist, involved in process improvement and innovation across 23 manufacturing sites in Europe and Asia.
Reflecting on his new role, Martial stated, “I have been in the packaging industry for almost 30 years, starting with rotogravure, moving onto other processes and other continents, to eventually come back to rotogravure. I have loved every step of it. GRA (ERA at the time) has always been present in my professional life through their articles and conferences, and I am now honoured to be GRA representative for the Southeast Asia region.”
As GRA Ambassador, Martial will serve as a key contact point for Southeast Asia, fostering exchange, supporting member engagement, and promoting GRA’s mission of innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.
With this appointment, GRA strengthens its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic regions for print and packaging.
