King joins from Aquila Networks, formerly Midland Electricity, where he is group finance director, and takes up his role from 31 January 2003.

Meanwhile, GPMU members at De La Rues High Wycombe plant are to be balloted on the terms and conditions of a redundancy package offer, following the decision to close the plant (PrintWeek, 27 September).

GPMU Chiltern and Thames Valley branch secretary Ian Cummings said the offer was in line with De La Rues standard redundancy terms, but included some improvements as this involved a complete closure.

The GPMU has some 315 members among the plants 350 staff.