Jim Daniels, who joined Mackays of Chatham in 1962 and rose to managing director, oversaw the CPI takeover three years ago.

"It's good to leave things to the next generation and improve my golf handicap," said Daniels, 61, who singled out taking Mackays from a family business with 1.6m turnover in 1980 to today's 28m powerhouse as his greatest achievement.

CPI president Timothy Bovard said Daniels was "the visible face of Mackays".

Kevin Kelly takes over as managing director of CPI UK and joins from Quebecor World where he headed the US Fairfield Division, which makes monochrome books.

Ralph Bell, managing director of Antony Rowe, is to take charge of both CPI's operations at Bath Press and Antony Rowe and develop "synergies" between the two.

CPI acquired Antony Rowe in February.

Robert Legault, managing director of Bath Press, is moving to a group development role at CPI. He is handing the Bath Press reins to Mike Dando, formerly production director of Antony Rowe.

Story by Jez Abbott