The move follows Litho Supplies digital sales partnership with Danwood and Ryan will be responsible for helping to develop his former employer's digital presence.

Ryan told PrintWeek: "When Litho had its electronics division I was a key figure in that side of the business. Being involved in electronics is something I've always enjoyed and that opportunity wasn't within Litho over the last 14 months or so.

"So the opportunity came to get back into digital again and I wanted to take that and it's actually worked out very well because I still get to be involved with Litho Supplies.

"Danwood is a fantastic company that does a brilliant job in other sectors but isn't involved in the print side too heavily, which is where my knowledge and experience of the sector and Litho Supplies will come in.

"Litho's got a tremendous brand in the graphic arts sector so they will promote digital and Danwood will do the fulfillment for it. My role is working for Danwood to support Litho Supplies."

In his new role, Ryan will report to Danwood Group's Graphic and Production Systems Division sales director Martin Dean.

Dean said: "Mike is already very well known and liked among the Litho Supplies sales team and customer base and will be a real asset in helping Danwood to manage the relationship with Litho Supplies and its customers."

Ryan added: "Danwood is an extremely progressive company. It's very sales-oriented and the level of support is impressive to say the least and if Danwood can transfer what they do in other markets into the graphic arts, it's going to be fantastic."