GPSL Management Team Biographies

Lawrie Stevens (CEO)

Prior to founding GPSL, Lawrie was for many years with Advent (developers of 3B2), first joining them prior to the launch of their 3B2 software in 1987. Initially employed in a sales capacity he served the company in a number of roles until joining the Board in 1993 as Group Sales Director and more recently CTO.

With a strong background in International sales, he was instrumental in building initial export markets and overseas distribution for 3B2, spending 2 years based in Europe. On his return in 1993 he introduced Advent to new opportunities in major projects, solutions and the newly emerging SGML (XML) market. First establishing and building the resource, he then expanded the sales and service teams and was responsible for the required restructuring of company to service this new business model.

Attracting a 'Blue Chip’ customer base, he successfully introduced cutting edge publishing solutions and technologies to Asia, North America and Australasia with particular success in the USA, Japan and India.

Following the acquisition of Advent Lawrie joined forces with other ex-colleagues and solutions specialists to form GPSL.

Michael Duffy (Projects Director)

After 8 years within the London financial printing industry, Michael was invited to join Advent 3B2 with aim of introducing his specialist knowledge and expertise to the projects development team. During this time, Michael was key in establishing Advent's US office and resource centre in Washington DC, following which, he returned to Europe and was appointed Senior Projects Manager of the larger European development team.

Leaving Advent in 2003 Michael started his own company “Mad Composition” providing his specialist projects and solutions skills to a number of organisations. In 2005 he joined forces with Chris Western and "MAD" became Pinpoint Composition Ltd., which successfully provided consultancy and training services to 3B2 publishing issues. In 2007 Pinpoint felt it had reached its' maximum potential without further expansion. In late 2007 Pinpoint joined forces with Lawrie Stevens and was absorbed into the new GPSL organisation.

Chris Western (Services Director)

On completion of his HND in Graphic Design, Chris spent a number of years in typesetting and pre-press houses gaining experience and building his knowledge of the industry, processes and technologies involved.

In 1998 Chris joined Advent Publishing Systems (3B2). During his time with Advent and following their acquisition by Arbortext and PTC, Chris undertook a number of roles within the company. Drawing on his early experience, he managed internal projects setting up and implementing a User Documentation system, commercial Websites and their development team. And more recently leading the Training and Knowledge base for 3B2 (APP) as Customer Services Manager. These roles took Chris to many parts of the world both consulting and presenting at customer sites, user meetings and industry shows.

Chris co-founded Pinpoint Composition Ltd with Michael Duffy, delivering 3B2 consultancy services to new and existing customers before Pinpoint joined forces with GPSL in late 2007.

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