Francis, who started in the role last week, has replaced Tony Bennett, who has left the company to start his own business. The appointment comes during the UK arm of KBA's best sales year since the current recession began, according to the company.

Francis served 25 years with Heidelberg Graphic Equipment, initially as a printing instructor and then in sales where he went on to become a team leader. He has also worked at Stafford Reprographics.

“I’m really looking forward to opening a few people’s eyes to the positives of new investment that will change their businesses,” said Francis.

“For too long we’ve seen in the recession that buying new capital equipment has been approached in a negative frame of mind, almost as if it can’t be delayed any longer. But the incredible power-performance of the new Rapida presses turns that on its head.”

KBA (UK) sales director, sheetfed presses Chris Scully added: “Every KBA Rapida press is built to order and the most important part of our sales process is understanding the client’s business, identifying their requirements and putting together the specification for the press that will out-perform their competition and deliver success.

“Mark has the skills, experience and awareness that we require. He comes to us fully-formed and ready to hit the ground running.”

KBA (UK) managing director Andrew Pang said: “This has been a good year for KBA (UK); we’ve broken our sales targets and our ongoing reorganisation is beginning to bear fruit, especially in the quality of the people in our sales, service and customer support teams. Mark’s appointment is part of that process.”