Michael Ryan and James Ford will handle events from the group's worldwide event calendar. The former will head up next year's launch of Fespa Africa. He will also drive growth for Fespa's Brasil and Eurasia shows, launched this year, and Fespa Mexico, which has been running for five years.

Ford will cover the main European exhibitions including Fespa Digital as well as Asian events including Fespa China. Ryan has been with Fespa over a decade and Ford has been with the group for eight years. They are part of a seven-strong sales team at the UK base in Reigate, Surrey.

Ryan said: "Our goal is to increase numbers of international exhibitors and visitors through the various regions. This involves looking at what the market wants and where the industry is going. These markets have such potential for global manufacturers.

"Everyone is still very focused on the European and US markets but I would like to see increasing numbers of international products that we can bring to the other markets. At the Eurasia show, for example, there were direct partnerships with HP, Fujifilm and Roland.

"The key thing is getting the right balance of improving visitor numbers but ensuring they get to see the best technology. Fespa is a not-for-profit organisation but it would be good if the shows prompted investment in seminars and sharing knowledge to help growth in the industry."

Fespa managing director Neil Felton said: "In less than a decade Fespa has transformed itself from an international trade association with a single, three-yearly European event, to a global event brand with a footprint on four continents.

"It has a growing reputation for content-rich business events attracting senior decision makers. Mike and James have been instrumental in this development and their promotion now gives them full ownership of sales and exhibitor account management for the events they work on."