Express Newspapers production director Paul Rudd has departed on amicable terms in the latest blow to hit the group after its acquisition by Richard Desmond's Northern & Shell.


Rudd started at the Express as a messenger boy at the age of 16 before working his way up to deputy chief accountant by the time he was 29.


At 35 he was appointed deputy assistant general manager when the newspaper was based in Fleet Street, then became deputy general manager. He oversaw the groups move across the Thames to Ludgate House and the building of West Ferry Printers before becoming production director 12 years ago.


Rudd has also stepped down as chairman and director of West Ferry of which the Express owns 50% and Telegraph Group the other half - and chairman and director of Broughton Printers, the Express Preston printing plant.


His departure ends a long family connection with the Express his father also worked for the group for 51 years. Im sorry to leave after such a long time, said Rudd.


The Express has experienced several tumultuous weeks since its acquisition by N&S.


In that time, it has been accused of failing to pay a 5m printing bill for West Ferry by Dan Colson, chief executive of the Telegraph Group, which owns 50% of West Ferry.


The groups are also haggling over a price for the Express 50% share of West Ferry after the Telegraph exercised its buyout option.


Story by Gordon Carson