The appointment comes six months after Quark acquired Barriball's Hampshire-based software firm in a move to develop its digital publishing offer by incorporating Mobile IQ's flagship product, Pressrun, into its applications.

Based on HTML5 web language, Pressrun, which forms the basis of Quark's App Studio overhaul announced last week, enables publishing through a managed cloud to a wide range of mobile devices with faster download times than PDF formatted-files.

Barriball, who will now be responsible for developing and leading product strategy and client acquisition across Quark's mobile publishing solutions, founded Mobile IQ in 2005 and has specialised in developing mobile web and custom apps, as well as launching Pressun.

He said "Joining Quark creates a tremendous opportunity for the Mobile IQ team to advance our support for PressRun clients while continuing to build innovative solutions for mobile publishing.

"In the short time since the acquisition we’ve started developing an ambitious roadmap for integrating our two company’s core competencies for an end-to-end dynamic and digital publishing solution."

Commenting on Barriball's appointment Quark president and chief executive Ray Schiavone said: "Our acquisition of Mobile IQ was strategic in a number of ways, with one being the opportunity to work with thought leaders like Shaun Barriball. He and his team have an advanced understanding of digital publishing and what it takes to be successful."