Antalis managing director for UK, Ireland and South Africa, Henry Cubbon, will now take on the role of president a year earlier than expected from current president Martyn Eustace, following the departure of Premier Paper managing director Graham Griffiths last week.

Griffiths left Premier following what was described as a difference of opinion, with immediate effect.

He is understood to be tying up various legal issues, and is intending to remain in the paper trade.

Map Merchant Group president, Karl-Johan Lindborg thanked Griffiths for his involvement in steering Premier through what he termed as, a difficult period.

Griffiths was formerly chief executive of Arjo Wiggins from 1998 to April 2000, during which time he bought together Arjo UK Merchants and Wiggins Teape to create Antalis.

He was appointed as managing director of Premier Paper in 2002, replacing David Rogan (PrintWeek, 15 February 2002).

The role of managing director of Premier Paper will be carried out on an interim basis by Map vice-president for central west and south Europe, Johan de Boer.

Cubbon said he hoped to follow the excellent work by Eustace and continue to demonstrate that paper merchants have an important role to play in the print industry.

Griffiths, had been next in line to succeed Eustace in the presidents role, with Cubbon originally set to follow Griffiths.

Cubbon will formally take on the presidency at the NAPM annual dinner in London on 22 April.

Story by Andy Scott