Allen (pictured) is currently head of Robert Horne's Sign and Display division, and replaces Marchant who was recently named as PaperlinX's regional president for the UK and Ireland.

"His energy in driving through the radical re-organisation of Sign and Display so quickly has demonstrated that he is exactly the right man to lead Robert Horne forward," said Marchant.

Allen will be responsible for the Sign and Display division until a successor is appointed.

Marchant is to replace Martin Fothergill, who is to relocate to Melbourne to become group general manager for merchanting Australia in and New Zealand.