Parmenter, who has previously worked for a number of Australian publishers, will head up Quickcut's digital development projects.

Joe Jarrett, Quickcut chief executive, said: "Mike has a wide range of skills and knowledge in both business management and planning. His expertise and guidance on all business management areas will be a welcome asset to the company and our future development."

Parmenter, a former advertising production manager for Rupert Murdoch's News Ltd, added: "I am delighted to be joining a team that have their sights keenly set on growing a successful business."

Parmenter implemented the Quickcut software while operations manager at Cumberland Newspapers in New South Wales.

During his time at News Ltd he was responsible for merging the production departments of Australian titles The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph and The Sportsman.

His appointment comes six months after Joe Jarrett vacated the sales and operations manager role to become chief executive (PrintWeek, 11 December 2003).

Story by Josh Brooks