With deep sadness we have received the news that Derek Down has died of a coronavirus related illness at the age of 92, on Wednesday 18th June 2020.
The news published by FESPA states:
"Derek was an “English Gentleman” he worked for FESPA from the mid-1980s until December 2002, in the early years he became FESPA President and then General Secretary until he retired. He made an outstanding contribution to FESPA throughout his many years serving the Associations and was one of the instigators in expanding FESPA’s influence throughout Europe; in particular FESPA exhibitions which became the number one exhibition for screen and digital printing."
In 1990, the year of ESMA's foundation, Derek Down, then the General Secretary of FESPA accepted the additional responsibility of ESMA General Secretary and continued in this role until 2002.
ESMA wish to express our deepest condolences to Derek's family and his close ones.
