A statement issued by the Paper Federation and CPI, said that "the councils of both organisations have decided new leadership is essential to deliver a more specifically focused business plan, and create more awareness externally".

Scott has been replaced by Martin Oldman, director of the Corrugated Packaging Association (CPA), who becomes acting director general.

Several industry figures, including former colleagues of Scott, declined to comment.

"The initial brief is to make sure we are meeting our members needs and are more responsive to change," said Oldman, who will continue as director of the CPA.

Oldman was previously director of business affairs at the Paper Federation before taking up his post at the CPA in September 2000.

He is joined by Kathy Bradley, the former director of communications at the Paper Federation, who left in 2000 to set up her own consultancy (PrintWeek, 2 June 2000).

"It feels good to be back," said Bradley, who takes up the role of director of external affairs.

Bradley was originally with the Paper Federation for 12 years and was its first female director.

Scott joined the Paper Federation in 1999 and became director general in 2000.

Story by Andy Scott