Leadership reshuffles often signal something bigger than a new title. At Quad/Graphics, Inc., the promotion of Dave Honan to President—while retaining his Chief Operating Officer role—appears designed to reinforce execution as the company deepens its evolution into a marketing experience powerhouse.

Honan, who has served as COO since 2022, will now take on expanded responsibilities overseeing day-to-day operational leadership across Quad’s business units. He continues to report directly to Chairman and CEO Joel Quadracci, who remains focused on long-term strategy, innovation, and stakeholder relationships.

For a company navigating the intersection of legacy print manufacturing and modern marketing services, clarity at the top matters.

A Structural Shift Focused on Execution

Quadracci has led Quad as President and CEO since 2006 and as Chairman, President and CEO since 2010. By elevating Honan to President, the company is formalizing a leadership structure that separates long-term strategic direction from daily operational management.

In practice, this means:

• Honan drives operational discipline and growth execution

• Quadracci focuses on strategic transformation and external relationships

• The executive team aligns around scaling Quad’s marketing services vision

That alignment is particularly relevant as Quad continues repositioning itself beyond its roots as a large-scale printing company.

From Print Giant to Marketing Experience Company

Quad has spent the past decade transforming into what it calls a “marketing experience company”—expanding beyond manufacturing into integrated marketing services, data-driven solutions, and omnichannel execution.

The shift mirrors broader industry trends. As brands consolidate agency relationships and demand measurable ROI across channels, service providers are under pressure to deliver both creative and operational scale.

Quad’s hybrid model—combining manufacturing infrastructure with marketing services—requires tight operational control. Margin management in print remains critical, even as higher-growth marketing services expand.

Honan’s background positions him well for that balancing act.

A Finance Leader Turned Operations Chief

Honan joined Quad in 2009 and has held multiple executive roles, including Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer before becoming COO.

He’s credited with:

• Strengthening Quad’s public-company finance and accounting functions

• Refining its capital structure

• Improving manufacturing efficiency

• Driving margin expansion

• Supporting innovation as marketing services scaled

That operational and financial rigor has been central to Quad’s ability to fund its transformation while maintaining competitiveness in a mature print market.

By elevating Honan, Quad is effectively doubling down on disciplined execution as it accelerates growth initiatives.

Why This Matters in Today’s Marketing Landscape

The marketing services sector is undergoing rapid change. Brands face:

• Fragmented media ecosystems

• Pressure for measurable performance

• Rising production and distribution costs

• Increased demand for omnichannel consistency

Providers that can integrate production, data, logistics, and strategy under one roof may hold an advantage.

Quad’s leadership update suggests confidence in its operational engine at a time when efficiency and scalability are key differentiators.

It also signals continuity rather than disruption. Honan’s 17-year tenure offers institutional knowledge, while Quadracci’s continued role ensures strategic consistency.

The Road Ahead

The promotion isn’t a dramatic pivot—it’s a structural refinement.

Honan’s expanded role formalizes his responsibility for driving day-to-day execution across Quad’s evolving business model. Quadracci remains the strategic architect.

For investors and clients, the move reinforces stability as Quad continues its transition from print-centric roots to a diversified marketing experience platform.

If the company’s next phase hinges on operational precision meeting strategic ambition, this leadership adjustment appears designed to keep both in sync.

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