Gilbertson had been with the group for 18 years, and left in March 2001 following an internal investigation into print buying practices in the home shopping division.

The allegations against me were made in anonymous form, Gilbertson told PrintWeek. Anyone in that role is vulnerable to people saying they have been treated unfairly. But I would be confident that none of the major European and UK suppliers that I dealt with made the comments about me that appeared at the time.

Gilbertson said members of his team carried out the print buying function. Standard practice was to get four quotes, and 90% of the time the lowest got the job. We operated a discount based on turnover with our suppliers, and that did make it difficult for new suppliers to break through.

To say that the only way to get GUS work was by looking after me is absolutely outrageous. GUS carried out a thorough investigation and found no element of misconduct. GUS paid my contract and benefits in full. Any proof and they would have fired me.

In an open letter to PrintWeek Gilbertson said that standards had subsequently declined at his former employer, which made four members of his team redundant at the time of his departure. I fully expected this decision would result in a serious loss of copy accuracy in all catalogues, he stated, citing a number of errors in current GUS editions.

Gilbertson has since set up digital solutions and print consultancy One Approach Solutions with former GUS production manager Adrian McGarry. Its services include an easy-to-use image database for publishers.

I look back with pride at what I did at GUS, Gilbertson added. I developed fantastic relationships with suppliers, particularly in Germany and there are very attractive opportunities in gravure right now. We have a wealth of experience and a network of people just a fingertip away.

GUS declined to comment.

Story by Jo Francis