Cup of Coffee : Rohit de Souza, Vice President, Retail Publishing, HP
February 1, 2009 By Michael McEnaneyPicture Business had the opportunity to chat with HP’s Vice President, Retail Publishing, Rohit de Souza. His insight into the future of how consumers will create and consume their digital content is intriguing and where retail will fit into this new frontier is a big part of the company’s vision moving forward.
Pic Biz: As consumers get more used to viewing images on various screens, creating online photo albums and generally learning to enjoy their memories without making photo prints, what is HP’s view of the future of the “physical” photo product?
In order to meet customer needs, photo providers need to move beyond the traditional 4x6-inch print model and help consumers enjoy more of their content by creating exciting new publishing opportunities. HP is helping to make some of that happen today by enabling consumers to mash personal images with professional content online to create a personalized memory.
Additionally, HP recognizes that increasing role that online photo services are playing in fueling printing at retail. In 2007 alone, the Snapfish network of online photo sites generated more than one billion Web-to-store prints. Today, we’re driving similar growth for photo products, such as posters that are available online for pick up at Staples Copy and Print Centers, offering consumers expanded Web-to-retail options when it comes to publishing their content.
Pic Biz: How has your previous experience in the retail industry helped you in your role in HP’s Imaging & Printing business?
de Souza: I’m very excited to bring my industry experience and insights to HP to help retailers manage the changing digital photography and personal publishing landscape. I have been fortunate to be a part of several industry and company transformations in the past. Prior to HP, I worked at Intel, helping transform the production of semiconductors from “black art” to scalable, more traditional manufacturing, which helped drive Intel into retail more broadly.
I also spent time at Oracle when it transformed from a database company into a broad software firm that more completely addressed the applications requirements of a broad set of industries, including retail.
