New chair for global authentication body

The International Authentication Association (IAA), the global body for authentication, has appointed a new chair. 

Jim Rittenburg, VP of healthcare and life sciences, Authentix, will lead the IAA as it looks to develop its role as an advisor on global product protection initiatives.  

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

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

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

Rittenburg said: ‘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. 

‘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.  

‘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.   

‘I’d also like to express my thanks to immediate past chair David Howard for the valuable contributions he’s made to the IAA and the progress and understanding of authentication.’  

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