25/05/2026
A Legacy in Print: Celebrating Rob Unwin’s 25-Year Journey at Optichrome
At Optichrome, we believe that the highest standards of print and fulfilment are achieved through deep industry expertise and a steadfast commitment to our people. This month, we are proud to recognise a significant milestone in our company’s history: the 25th anniversary of our Managing Director, Rob Unwin.
Comprehensive Operational Experience
Rob’s trajectory within Optichrome is a testament to the value of foundational knowledge. His relationship with the business began in the early 1990s, gaining early exposure to our logistics operations as a temporary driver while completing his studies. These early roles provided him with a unique, ground-level perspective on the importance of reliability and customer satisfaction, values that continue to drive our operations today.
Whether navigating demanding delivery schedules or gaining hands-on experience on the factory floor with stitching lines and folders, Rob’s early career established the "get it done" philosophy that remains central to the Optichrome brand.
Strategic Expertise for Our Partners
For our B2B clients, Rob’s 25-year tenure represents a level of technical and commercial insight that is rare in the industry. Since joining the team full-time in 1997, he has held pivotal roles across the organisation:
🟢 Customer Service & Account Management: Overseeing critical accounts with some of the UK’s largest organisations and managing complex client transitions during business acquisitions.
🟢 Production Management: Mastering the technical nuances of the print process to ensure operational excellence.
🟢 Commercial Leadership: Serving as Commercial Director and contributing to the Board of Directors before stepping into the role of Managing Director in 2024.
This breadth of experience ensures that our leadership understands every link in the supply chain, from initial consultation to final delivery.
A Culture of Mentorship and Professional Development
Rob serves as an exemplar of Optichrome’s dedication to internal talent development. He attributes much of his success to the long-standing mentorship of former Managing Director, John Heywood. Working closely with John for over two decades, Rob developed invaluable commercial and interpersonal skills. Even today, Rob considers John a vital mentor, noting that his guidance has been instrumental in mastering the complexities of leadership and people management.
John, in turn, describes Rob as a professional who was "destined for a senior role" due to his honourable approach and work ethic. Rob's appointment to Managing Director in 2024 was a significant moment for the company, met with widespread support from the entire team.
Reflecting on their partnership, Director Natalie Stephens notes:
"I truly enjoy working alongside you, and I think we work really well as a team. Your reliability, conscientious approach, and dedication make such a difference day to day. It’s a pleasure to work with you and I look forward to many more years of collaboration."
Honouring Our Heritage, Driving Our Future
Rob also credits his growth to the early mentorship of our late founder, Ted Stephens, whose entrepreneurial spirit remains a guiding force. Today, under Rob’s leadership, Optichrome continues to navigate industry challenges with resilience, ensuring that we consistently emerge stronger and more capable of serving our national client base.
We invite you to join us in congratulating Rob Unwin on this remarkable 25-year milestone and his continued leadership at Optichrome.
