Kingston, aged 45, is currently manufacturing director of St Ives' Web division and is negotiating his release from the company.

He is following in the footsteps of his former colleague Paul Utting, who quit his role as St Ives Web sales director last year to join Wyndeham as group managing director and chief executive designate.

When he links up with Wyndeham, Kingstons role will be to strengthen and integrate the groups departments including manufacturing, purchasing, production and human resources.

Wyndeham chairman Bryan Bedson said: Kingstons operational expertise and extensive experience, having spent the last 28 years in the printing industry, will be invaluable to the group.

Prior to joining St Ives in 1994, Kingston spent eight years at Southernprint, culminating in the role of production director.

By Philip Chadwick