Hillhouse took up the post, a step up from his previous role as sales manager for the UK, at the beginning of August.

He will now be responsible for sales in all markets except North America, for which managing director Quen Baum will remain in charge.

Hillhouse said that he was focusing on improving the finishing manufacturer’s opportunities in his new markets and would focus on integrating the Plockmatic line, comprising mail feeding systems and booklet makers acquired when the Swedish firm bought Morgana at the beginning of 2013.

Baum said: "Ray’s objective will be to grow sales overall, but specifically for our own Morgana and Plockmatic manufactured products. 

"The focus for this will include working even closer with our existing distribution partners and helping them to grow business in their territories, appointing new dealers where appropriate, and entering markets where we have yet to establish a presence."

Hillhouse added that a replacement for his former role would be recruited "in time", giving the team time to focus on integration and improvement.