Pipe, who has lived in New Zealand for the past two years since stepping down as chief executive of FMG, will return to the UK print industry as Wyndeham's group development director on 1 May.

According to the firm, he will work with Wyndeham Pre-Press managing director Barry Fitzpatrick to expand the company's range of pre-media, production and internet-based technologies, and deliver publishing opportunities and cost savings for clients.

Pipe, who will also be tasked with spearheading an integrated sales function across the group's seven pre-media and print businesses, said that he was looking forward to his return.

He said: "In spite of a seemingly enviable lifestyle in New Zealand, it's far too early for me to slow down and I'm looking forward to returning to the industry.

"I am delighted to have been offered this role by Wyndeham. It's clear they have taken the necessary steps to safeguard the group's future in what are very tough economic and trading conditions."

Paul Utting, chief executive of Wyndeham Press Group, added: "Wyndeham has a unique position within the UK printing sector in that it has a powerful pre-media division, coupled with multiple sheet-fed and web offset printing facilities.

"Our strategy is to integrate these facilities and develop a suite of products and services that will deliver added value and lower costs to our customers, as well as a cohesive sales strategy across all of our sites.

"We're therefore delighted to welcome someone of Les's calibre and experience to take this proposition forward."

Also see:
FMG to dissolve chief exec role
New management board unveiled at Wyndeham