In her new role, Read will take charge of a £50m annual spend on external products and services, including paper, plates, ink, outwork, finishing services, logistics and transport.

According to the group, it intends to leverage the benefits of its combined scale and use Read's extensive procurement experience to introduce cost savings and efficiencies.

Wyndeham Press Group chief executive Paul Utting said: "Debbie has extensive industry knowledge and a strong track record. I'm confident she will make a great contribution to the group."

Read added: "I'm delighted to be joining the group at such an exciting time for the business. I am looking forward to a set of new challenges where I will be able to apply my skills as effectively as possible."

She left Bauer Media in August after two years as group production director, following a consolidation of UK production roles between the business and its sister company H Bauer Publishing.

Read had previously worked at IPC Media for 18 years, including five years as production director.

Read associate editor Jo Francis's blog: Riveting Read