Phil Smith started at the Brentwood, Essex-based trade label printer on 3 June in the newly created role of general manager of BakPac, a new division that the company said it will reveal further details about in due course.

Smith started his industry career in 1990 at Sussex Labels, starting in rewind/packing and then moving up to production planning and estimating.

In 1999 he joined Tinsley Robor labels, taking on a number of management roles in accounts, technical, commercial and operations before being appointed operations director of AGI Labels.

When AGI's label business in Littlehampton was taken over by AJS Labels, Smith was appointed as its commercial director, and later managing director. He then became general manager when MPS acquired AJS, his most recent role prior to joining Baker Labels.

“We have been growing rapidly over the last few years and the plan is to keep building, investing and growing, potentially into new areas of the print and packaging industry,” said Baker Labels managing director Steve Baker.

“We have some big plans ahead that created the need for another manager. I’ve known Phil for many years and always knew he’d be a good fit at Bakers. I’m looking forward to working with him, as are the rest of the team.”

Smith added: “I am delighted to become part of the Bakers team who are highly skilled and passionate about the customer base. Their continued investment, growth and technical development is second to none.

“Baker Labels has a great reputation in the label industry and this opportunity to spread that reputation into new areas is a very exciting prospect.”

Established in 1973, Baker Labels employs 98 staff and turns over £10m.