9/50 Personalities: Robert Keane – Founder, Chairman & CEO of Cimpress

 

Introduction

In the ninth edition of our 50 Personalities Series, we feature Robert Keane, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Cimpress, a leading global provider of mass-customized products and services. Keane's vision for leveraging technology to offer high-quality, customizable products to small businesses and individual consumers has revolutionized the printing and customization industries. Under his leadership, Cimpress has grown into a global conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of brands and more than 10,000 employees worldwide.

Background & Bio

Robert Keane’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1995 when he founded Cimpress with the idea of providing small businesses with affordable, high-quality marketing materials at low volumes and fast turnaround times. His vision was to use mass customization to meet the needs of small businesses, a sector often underserved by traditional printing companies. Keane’s early work as a consultant for Microsoft’s Publisher desktop publishing team, where he advised on the graphic design and printing needs of small businesses in Europe, gave him a unique perspective on the challenges small businesses faced in accessing high-quality print materials.

Keane holds a B.A. in Economics from Harvard College and an MBA from INSEAD in France. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, he spent nine years in management consulting and general management in a company that engineered custom electronic components for the defense and aerospace industries. This mix of academic rigor, consulting experience, and industry knowledge helped lay the foundation for Keane’s future success in building Cimpress.

Cimpress INC

Cimpress was founded with a simple but powerful idea: to provide small businesses with high-quality marketing materials like brochures, business cards, and signage at an affordable price, without requiring them to order in large quantities. The company’s core offering was mass customization—the ability to tailor products to the specific needs of each customer while still benefiting from the efficiencies of large-scale production.

Today, Cimpress operates as a conglomerate specializing in mass customization, with a focus on products that can be customized and produced in small quantities. The company runs a number of brands that cater to small businesses, graphic designers, and individual consumers. These brands specialize in online printing, promotional products, and other personalized goods, using technology and automation to streamline the production process and meet the diverse needs of customers.

Under Keane’s leadership, Cimpress has expanded globally and now employs more than 10,000 people worldwide across its manufacturing, marketing, technology, software development, sales, and support functions. The company’s acquisition strategy has allowed it to build a strong portfolio of companies in the online printing and mass customization space, further strengthening its position in the market.

Key Leadership & Achievements

Robert Keane’s leadership has been a key factor in the success and growth of Cimpress. His ability to navigate the complexities of scaling a mass-customization business while maintaining a customer-centric focus has been a hallmark of his career. Some of his notable achievements include:

• Mass Customization Vision: Keane’s early recognition of the potential for mass customization in the printing industry allowed Cimpress to differentiate itself by offering personalized, small-quantity products to customers at affordable prices. This approach has disrupted traditional industries that rely on bulk production.

• Global Expansion: Under Keane’s guidance, Cimpress has grown into a global conglomerate with operations in multiple countries. The company has expanded its footprint through strategic acquisitions of companies specializing in online printing, product customization, and personalized goods.

• Employee Recognition: In 2020, Robert Keane was named one of the Best CEOs of 2020 by Comparably, based on feedback from employees across 60,000 companies in the U.S. The recognition was a testament to his leadership, vision, and ability to foster a positive and collaborative work culture at Cimpress.

Cimpress: The Conglomerate of Mass Customization

Cimpress is best known for its ability to mass-produce customized goods—ranging from business cards and marketing materials to personalized apparel and promotional items. The company’s proprietary technology platform enables customers to easily upload designs, configure their products, and receive them quickly and affordably. Through its various brands, Cimpress serves millions of small businesses, designers, and consumers, helping them access the tools and products they need to succeed.

The company operates in a range of industries, including:

• Online Printing: Brands like Vistaprint and Printbrokers provide customers with an easy-to-use platform for ordering high-quality printed materials, from business cards and marketing brochures to large-scale banners and signage.

• Promotional Products: Through brands like Custom Ink and Zazzle, Cimpress enables customers to create personalized merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, and promotional items for corporate giveaways or special events.

• Personalized Gifts: Cimpress offers a wide range of customized products, including apparel, accessories, and home goods, catering to both individual consumers and businesses looking for unique, custom items.

Through its diversified portfolio of businesses, Cimpress has continued to lead the way in mass customization, helping customers turn their ideas into tangible, personalized products.

Robert Keane’s Leadership Philosophy

Keane’s leadership philosophy centers around a commitment to customer satisfaction and a focus on long-term growth. He has built Cimpress with a customer-first mentality, always striving to improve the products and services offered to small businesses and consumers. He also emphasizes the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial culture within Cimpress, encouraging innovation and creativity across the company’s various brands.

As an entrepreneur, Keane believes in taking calculated risks and building businesses that are not just focused on short-term gains but also on creating lasting value for customers, employees, and shareholders alike. This forward-thinking approach has allowed Cimpress to navigate changing market conditions and emerge as a leader in the mass customization industry.

Challenges & Future of Cimpress

The growth of Cimpress has not been without its challenges. The company has had to navigate the complexities of acquiring and integrating new businesses, managing a global workforce, and staying ahead of technological advancements in mass customization. However, under Keane’s leadership, Cimpress has been able to adapt to these challenges and continue to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Looking ahead, Robert Keane and Cimpress are focused on expanding their global reach and continuing to innovate in the field of mass customization. The company is committed to providing small businesses with the tools they need to succeed while maintaining a strong emphasis on sustainability and customer satisfaction.

Robert Keane’s leadership of Cimpress has made him one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the mass customization industry. His commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth has transformed Cimpress into a global leader in the customization space. Through his vision, Keane has empowered small businesses, graphic designers, and consumers to create personalized products that were once out of reach. Today, Cimpress continues to expand its offerings and lead the way in providing high-quality, affordable, and customized goods for businesses and individuals worldwide.