Holmes has more than 20 years of experience in print, having begun his print career at the procurement department of Bank of Scotland.

He then joined Business Process Outsource (BPO) giant Williams Lea, where he headed up a number of major accounts for clients including Philips, HBOS, Abbey National and Debenhams.

Holmes' appointment follows the recent award of a contract to supply design, print, publishing and associated services to the Scottish government.

APS Group managing director Nick Snelson said: "John’s appointment makes a real step change for the business and he’ll play a key role in developing our product and service proposition.

"His experience on both sides of the client and supply partner fence will also help us to keep the ‘customer is king’ ethos at the heart of the business."

Holmes added: "APS is a business that has laid down great foundations both from a service and capability perspective. Part of my role will be to ensure that clients benefit fully from the spectrum of marketing services that we offer, working with them in the development and enhancement of software and maximising their market penetration."