Jean-Paul Ansel, who has 15 years of experience in investment banking with Merrill Lynch and HSBC, has been tasked with "improving efficiencies and streamlining operations" at the firm.

He will continue restructuring the business into six business areas: promotional products; secure mail; secure logistics; creative services; ticketing; and telecoms.

His appointment follows the surprise announcement that Murray was to leave the company.

Ansel said: "We have the right strategy in place; we have re-structured the organisation into flexible business units and are streamlining our operations. 

"If we maintain this tight focus, enabling well-directed innovation and targeted marketing, I believe we will sustain our position, meeting the needs of our customers and improving our profitability."

He added that the company would emerge from the economic downturn "a strong business with a good platform for growth".

BemroseBooth was acquired by US private equity house AIAC last year.