Paul Barber has joined the Cumbrian manufacturer from Coveris, where he was managing director of the group’s Louth and Speciality Bags businesses.

Prior to that he held senior roles at textiles and nonwoven fibres business John Cotton Group, Corrboard UK, DS Smith and Smurfit Kappa. He first joined the industry in 1999 as a sales manager at Sonoco.

His appointment follows David Stirling taking over as the new CEO of James Cropper in January.

Barber said the new role was a “unique opportunity to be part of a first-rate team”, and that he had long-admired the James Cropper business.

“My focus will be on creating an environment where our employees can thrive and mobilising their knowledge and expertise to accelerate bespoke solutions for our customers,” he said.

“I’ll also be aligning our strong operational ability and introducing new systems and processes to support our customer base.”

Stirling commented: “As we mark 180 years of the James Cropper brand, Paul’s appointment forms part of our strategy for future growth, setting bold ambitions for our team and our customers.

“Paul will also play a key role in actioning our commitment to safeguarding a robust future for the industry, our community and the environment.”

James Cropper’s product range spans paper and packaging materials alongside advanced materials used in energy applications, and composites such as lightweight nonwovens.

The group is approaching its financial year-end after warning in November that the outlook had been crimped due to a weak market for luxury packaging. Sales were £103m in the year to 30 March 2024.