Rushton, formerly managing director of the group’s specialist production and sourcing (SPS) division, will be responsible for its SPS and intelligence driven communications (IDC) divisions in his new role.

Alistair Blaxill, former managing director of IDC, is to leave the group by mutual agreement.

A statement from Communisis said Rushton’s promotion reflected the group’s plan to focus on offering integrated marketing services across all parts of the business.

Rushton will continue to report to chief executive Andy Blundell.

Financial results published by Communisis in August showed that sales for the group’s IDC division were down £1.6m to £11.3m for the first six months of 2011, while operating profits fell 40% to £1.5m.