Rae, who joined Heidelberg UK in 1996 as a digital specialist, will start his new position as equipment business driver lead market Atlanta on 15 August.

Gerard Heanue, managing director of Heidelberg UK, said that the move was the result of a simplification of the UK organisation's reporting structure.

This has led to the northern and southern divisional director roles being made redundant, as a result of which, northern divisional director Mark Summers has now left the company.

Southern sales manager Derek Gillard and northern sales manager Phil Buttress will now report directly to UK sales director Jim Todd.

Heanue said: "We are delighted that Andy is remaining within the Heidelberg family and know that he will be a great asset to Heidelberg Atlanta.

"He has made a great contribution to the successful reorganisation of Heidelberg UK and his creative, strategic thinking has always been greatly respected."

Rae added: "Heidelberg UK is now lean in structure with an enviable market share. When the upturn comes it's ideally placed for growth."