Philip Ogden has left Polestar to join Graphoprint in the new role of sales and marketing director.


Ogden worked at Watmoughs for 20 years but left the business following the 1998 merger with BPC that formed Polestar. In 1999 he returned in a part-time consultancy role servicing key publishing clients.


"Its been great and I have had a great relationship with John Ashfield [Polestars group sales and marketing director], and I think Ive brought something to the party during a period of consolidation but now I want to do other things," Ogden explained.


He described Graphoprint as a "gem" and one of the industrys best kept secrets.


The 27m turnover firm produces commercial and catalogue work at its plant in Clwyd, which is equipped with three 32pp and two 16pp webs.


Blue-chip customers include cosmetics giant Avon and British Airways. Ogdens role will involve expanding the firms mix of work to include contract publication clients.


Ogden said the quality at Graphoprint was "equal to anything I produced in the Watmoughs days".


"If you print for Avon you can print for anyone, because their quality demands are exceptionally high. Graphoprint has a reputation for quality and service."


Ogden is on a two-month "gardening leave" period.


Story by Jo Francis