After an "exhaustive" search the BPIF has found its new chief executive.


Michael Johnson will take over the federations top role from interim chief Roy Hill on 11 September. But members can meet him earlier as Johnson plans to attend the BPIFs AGM and centenary dinner next Thursday (26 July).


For the past four years 54-year-old Johnson has been chief executive of The Sports Industries Federation where he "led a number of projects aimed at restoring the vitality within the sector and the federation" following a government competitiveness study.


The BPIF itself has recently produced a government-backed study into the competitiveness of the British printing industry. The Print 21 report was launched at a special national business conference in London last month (PrintWeek, 15 June).


In a statement BPIF president-elect Peter Yates, who takes over from incumbent Roy Bailie at next weeks AGM, said the federation had been "very lucky to attract an excellent candidate in Michael Johnson".


"[He] will bring with him experience of redeveloping and running a successful trade association together with a background in building effective teams in a variety of business situations," he said.


Hill, the former chief executive of book group LIBERfabrica, has been acting as chief executive since last July when Tom Machin was ousted.


Part of his remit was to find a permanent chief, and a recruitment agent was appointed at the start of the year. According to advertisements placed in the national press in the spring the position comes with "a six-figure package".


The Sports Industries Federation is the body for the sports goods industry. It represents 25 autonomous associations including the Cricket & Hockey Association, the European Golf Industry Association and the Tennis Industry Association.


Story by Lauretta Roberts