Tim Bowler, a former NAPM president and previously managing director of merchant Benjamin Gough, will take over from 1 January 2004, and will be based in Nottingham.

NAPM president Martyn Eustace said the organisation had wanted to minimise its costs due to a reduction in membership. The decision had also coincided with the end of its three-year contract with management service group PIMMS, he added.

It's just a sign of the times as we become a slimmer, fitter organisation, said Eustace.

PIMMS chief executive David Pryke said he was sad to see the contract move on after 13 years.

PIMMS, based in Chertsey, Surrey, is also, along with the NAPM, responsible for the management of the Institute of Paper and Publishing, and handles the marketing and management of many trade associations.