Davies, who is also the managing director of Doordrop Media at TNT Post, said he aims to demonstrate the dynamic nature of print media, such as leaflets, flyers, catalogues and free newspapers.

Supported by a board that includes members of European distribution businesses such as Adrexo, Traycco and Werbung, Davies brings a raft of international experience within the travel and leisure industries.

More recently, as well as his position as managing director of Doordrop Media, he has held account and client director roles at TNT Post.

Commenting on his new role, Davies said the medium still has a very prominent part to play in the wider marketing mix.

He added: "Door-drop distribution is a significant employer and in my new role I want to raise the profile of the industry and its value to marketers in the 21 countries we represent in Europe. 

"In the digital age, door-drop is evolving and facing new challenges and opportunities. Working together across Europe we will be able to continue to demonstrate its significance in today’s marketing mix."

Davies' appointment comes on-the-back of figures released as part of the ELMA's first pan-European census of door drop media, revealing the sector was worth €3.8bn (£3bn) in 2010.

According to the association, the research covered 20 markets with an estimated 108bn items distributed that year.

In relation to existing comparative data, market volumes rose 0.5% with door drops spend up 1.5% on the previous year.

The biggest growth markets were Austria, Norway, Germany and Switzerland while declines were evident in Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

In 2010, the largest volumes were distributed in Germany with 31.5bn, France with 19bn while the UK accounted for 7.9bn items.

"With an average weekly volume of 12 items, it reinforces that door drop remains a significant marketing channel in Europe and provides employment for more than 132,000 people and we look for further growth in the sector," added Davies.

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