Paul Price started with the Cheadle-based business on 18 October and has replaced Ivor Watters in the role.

Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the business, Price has also taken up a similar role at Bradford-based Creative Digital Images (CDI) – which PFI acquired in January – and will be dividing his time across both sites.

Price said: “Cestrian and CDI have strong synergies as suppliers to national retailers and brands and we are looking forward to integrating their services to provide a strengthened offering in the marketplace.

“Cestrian already has a highly experienced management team in place, so this is an ideal opportunity to work across both companies and combine resources and expertise for the benefit of our clients.”

Price spent 17 years as managing director at Image Data Group until August 2020, where he successfully won and onboarded numerous contracts with blue-chip companies during his time there.

Prior to Image Data Group, he also spent several years at GK Serigraphics as sales manager before moving on to become operations director.

Cestrian runs a raft of wide- and small-format digital printing and finishing kit including EFI, Inca, Durst, HP, Xerox, Esko and Fotoba devices. PFI Group acquired the out-of-home, retail and events specialist from Austrian firm Arian Group.

Large-format and screen print specialist CDI, meanwhile, produces POS and product displays for the retail and events sectors, including for cosmetic and beauty brands.

PFI Group CEO Darren McMurray said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Paul as MD for two of PFI Group’s newest acquisitions; Cestrian and CDI. Paul brings with him over 40 years of experience at the forefront of the UK print sector and I have no doubt that this will be of great benefit to the group.”

PFI Group now comprises PFI Signs, GB Sign Solutions, Sign Plus, Lofthus Signs, In2 Signs & Graphics, Shades Graphics, Mardan Products, Futurama Group, Insignia Signs, Creative Display, SignMaster, Jasmine, and Cestrian.