Blundell, who was previously group sales director at the company, became chief executive yesterday (1 November). Vaughan will remain as an adviser to the board until 31 December this year.

The group has also appointed commercial director John Wells to the board, who will be responsible for the group's sourcing activities and for its commercial strategy, particularly concerning client relationships.

Peter Hickson, Communisis chairman, said: "I would like to welcome John to the Communisis board and we look forward to benefiting from having additional executive weighting in our boardroom discussions.

"I would also like to thank Steve for his contribution to the company's progress over the past three years. We all wish him well."