David van Driessche joins callas software as Chief Evangelist

Berlin. callas software, the leading developer of PDF technology solutions, is pleased to announce that David van Driessche is joining the callas team as Chief Evangelist, starting September 1st, 2024. David, who has close to 30 years of experience with PDF, standardization, and automation in the print industry, brings a wealth of knowledge, particularly in product management and technological innovation. In his new role, he will further evangelize the strengths of callas solutions and their ability to unlock automation in print workflows for customers and OEM partners.

A proven track record

After studying physics and software development, David started working with PostScript and PDF as early as 1996, exactly when PDF became usable in print workflows. He wrote the first versions of the still-popular Enfocus PitStop, oversaw its development and product management for the coming years, and served as CEO of Enfocus.

In 2005, as co-founder and COO of Gradual Software, David was part of the team that invented and created Switch, now an Enfocus product. After Esko acquired Gradual Software, David became CTO at Four Pees, where he helped build the company for 14 years.

In parallel, David got involved in the standardization efforts around PDF as early as 1999. He was one of the founders of the Ghent Workgroup (GWG), an international standardization organization for PDF in print that develops specifications and best practices to support the print industry.

Back to the source

“You could say that my professional life has always centered around PDF. Its versatility and complexity fascinated me from the very start. After being at Four Pees for a long time, I felt I needed a change and retrieve the focus of ‘my first love’ if you want to phrase it like that,” smiles David. “Given my close relationship and ongoing involvement with callas product management during my time at Four Pees, taking up a dedicated role at callas felt like a logical step.”

Four Pees is the exclusive worldwide distributor of callas software solutions such as pdfToolbox and pdfChip. They provide customer support and are in charge of marketing, supporting, and developing the sales channels. In addition, they use the callas technology in their professional services projects and as one of the core technologies of the newly-released Atomyx platform. Together with callas, they manage feature requests and identify future product needs and direction.

Strengthening the partnership between callas software and Four Pees

“We have been working closely with David for well over 10 years,” comments Dietrich von Seggern, CEO of callas software: “He was involved in a lot of behind-the-scenes work, but also very prominently next to people from callas while doing pdfCamp events or introducing major new product versions. We have great technology. David being 100% dedicated to its evangelization represents an opportunity to make it even better known and used.”

“This move is a win-win for both callas software and Four Pees,” says Tom Peire, CEO of Four Pees. “David’s expertise will undoubtedly drive product innovation at callas, enhancing our distribution efforts. Over the past year, we have invested in strengthening our professional services to ensure our customers continue to receive the exceptional service and quality they expect.”

Further information can be found at: https://pdfa.org/member/callas-software-gmbh/