He joins from the Leicester site at Vertis, where he was general manager, and replaces Alan Hodgson, who departs the company after 17 years to spend more time with his family.

"Mackintosh's appointment sees the start of a new era at Wyndeham Print Direct and with the recent addition of a new 10-colour press in the factory he joins at a very exciting time in the company's development," said Wyndeham group managing director Paul Utting.

Hodgson was one of the original directors at the company, which was bought by the Wyndeham Press Group in 2000. It paid 15.6m for Print Direct, which is based in Stockport (PrintWeek, 28 July 2000).

"We are sorry to see him leave but fully understand his reason," added Utting.

Mackintosh has been with Vertis since 2001 and had responsibility for print and personalisation at its Wigston site and the enclosing house at Bardon. He also had a spell as production director at AssiDoman Sacks in Aylesford.

"I am delighted to be joining Wyndeham and to be given the opportunity to build on the Print Direct business and drive the company forward," said Mackintosh.

Story by Philip Chadwick