Rittenburg assumes chairmanship of International Authentication Association

12 Mar 10

The International Authentication Association, the global body for authentication, has appointed Jim Rittenburg as its next chairman.

By Brian Sims

Rittenburg – vice-president of Healthcare and Life Sciences with Authentix – will lead the International Authentication Association (IAA) as it looks to develop its role as an advisor on global product protection initiatives.

With over 20 years’ experience in the authentication sphere, Rittenburg will be focusing on expanding the membership base of the IAA and promoting the benefits of co-ordinated product protection strategies through participation at industry forums and conferences.

Another of Rittenburg’s aims will be to contribute to the development of international standards through the IAA’s active involvement on ISO technical and project committees (he will head a seven-strong board of experts representing the global authentication industry).

Use and benefits of authentication technologies

The IAA was formed in 2007 and brings together 16 of the world’s leading suppliers and users of authentication technologies.

Its basic aim is to promote the use and benefits of authentication as part of a comprehensive anti-counterfeiting and piracy strategy – protecting products, documents and their end users from the threat of fraud.

Since its launch, the IAA has played a key role in the development of new global standards for combating counterfeiting as well as working closely with Governments, organisations, brand and product owners around the world to educate them on the value of authentication.

Compelling need for protection

Commenting on his new role, Rittenburg told SMT Online: “Today, more than ever before, there’s a compelling need for brand owners to protect their products from counterfeiters. The IAA is helping to drive awareness of such threats and the role authentication technologies can play in combating them.”

He continued: “The IAA continues to play a key role in supporting and guiding Governments, agencies and others in the in this effort. However, building awareness and understanding among brand and product owners of the value and benefits of authentication continues to be paramount.”

In conclusion, Rittenburg explained: “That’s why I will ensure the IAA develops a new framework that can be used worldwide to create a common understanding of authentication to assist brand owners in making the case for authenticating and how they should go about it.”

Rittenburg expressed his thanks to immediate past-chairman David Howard for the valuable contributions he made to the IAA and the progress and understanding of authentication.

Prolific author, patent inventor

Rittenburg joined Authentix in 1994, and has played a major role in the application of the company’s marker systems in the pharmaceutical and spirits industries. He has much experience of developing immunodiagnostic systems for developing trace chemicals in pharmaceuticals, foods, beverages, petrochemicals and agricultural products.

Outwith the day job, he has edited two books, authored numerous journal articles and invented a number of patents in this field.

Prior to joining Authentix, Rittenburg was director of product development for Quantix Systems. He received his PhD in microbiology from the University of Maine in 1981.