Singh leaves Howitt, which is part of the £54m-turnover Lateral Group, after more than four years with the company, three spent as its managing director.

The position of managing director is to be filled by Vincent Gidley, group operations director at Howitt, who will take over once contractual obligations have been fulfilled.

Nick Dixon, chief executive of Lateral Group, said: "Gurdev previously worked with Communisis for a number of years and they quite simply made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, coupled with the fact that it is just 20 minutes from where he lives."

He added: "We would all like to thank Gurdev for the contribution he has made to Howitt over the past four years.

"Vincent has an in-depth view of operational management and production techniques that are already playing an increasing role in ensuring that Howitt drives manufacturing efficiencies, especially with our current lean manufacturing initiative."

Singh will remain employed by Howitt until his contractual obligations are fulfilled the company said. Lateral Group is currently seeking a deputy for Gidley.