Pellant, events and administration manager at the trade association since 2007, started her career in pre-press consumables before establishing her own business in new and pre-owned pre-press equipment.

"I am honoured to be appointed to my new role," she said. "Thanks to the work of Tim and the Council, Picon is headed in the right direction with a growing membership made up of companies of all sizes, and an expanding roster of alliances with likeminded organisations at national and international level.

"I will work to enhance these relationships wherever possible."

Webb, who joined the Picon Council in 1991 before being appointed chairman in 2000 and executive director in 2007, said: "My time as executive director has been enormously rewarding, not least because of the wonderful support I have had from other members of the executive team, and Bettine in particular. I am handing over to a very capable successor."

He added: "The changes brought about by digital technology mean the last three decades have been fascinating and challenging, for the printing industry and for Picon.

"Picon’s membership has itself changed enormously, and I believe the organisation has done a good job of adapting in response to those changes and representing the full spectrum of the industry. The presence of global companies such as Canon and Xerox among the membership is testimony both to the impact of digital technology, and to the value of the services Picon provides."