Smith was managing director at the Cannock-headquartered business. He said that after “a fantastic 25 years” he had taken “the very tough decision to leave the business”.
His new role is commercial director at Allwag Promotional Merchandise, which is based in Essex. The business was founded by Angela and Alan Wagstaff in 1999, and specialises in printed promotional merchandise, branded business gifts and corporate clothing.
Managing director Angela Wagstaff said: “Graeme has a fantastic reputation within both print and promo merchandise industries and will be instrumental in driving our vision for the future forward.
“More importantly, there is a really strong match with our values and culture, which has always been incredibly important to our business. Appointing Graeme to this new role demonstrates our commitment to developing our fabulous team and ambitions for future growth as he becomes an integral part of the business.”
Smith also has a long-standing involvement with the IPIA and British Promotional Merchandise Association. He is a past chairman of both organisations and current president of the IPIA.
He and Wagstaff have worked together for a number of years on the BPMA board.
He was recently inducted as a lifetime member of the IPIA.
Smith said he was thrilled about his new role and was excited to be working with the Allwag team. “I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience as well as learning new ways of working to the benefit of our clients.”
Cyan Group has recently relocated from Twickenham to a more central location in Cannock, with the move completed in April.
Operations director Mark Sanders thanked Smith for his invaluable contribution to the company's success during his tenure.
Sanders commented: “Graeme has left us in an exceptionally strong position to expand and advance the business. With the addition of some key hires to our team, we are eagerly anticipating an exciting period of growth for Cyan Group.
“As we move forward, we have built an outstanding team structure that will enable us to thrive without replacing Graeme.”
Cyan Group's two new recruits are print account manager Rebecca Cartwright and Ian Glass, promotional merchandise account manager. The duo have a combined 50 years' of experience in the industry.
