Management from the Sydney printer's German parent have hailed Kingham's role in growing and diversifying the business.

"I deliberately took the decision to look for a new challenge outside the STI Group," said Kingham, whose resignation was announced on 13 February.

"Both parties are acting in good faith. My last day has not been determined yet as I will introduce my successor before leaving the company."

STI Group chief operating officer Tom Giessler said Kingham had performed well during his five years as managing director.

"Ian managed successfully the transition from Reg Hammond's Lilyfield to the STI Lilyfield as it is today," said the second-in-command of the $320 million global corporation.

"This includes the transition from a traditional commercial print company to a marketing driven print solution provider within both commercial print and POS," added Giessler.

He said Kingham had "greatly contributed" to the acquisition of the assets of failed printer Pettaras Press and the subsequent relocation across Sydney from Regents Park to Padstow.

Kingham's successor will be charged with further growing the business, according to Giessler.

"The goal remains to add value to our customer's success. However, as we bring out additional equipment to Australia, Ian's replacement should be in the position to offer even more competitive solutions for both commercial print and POS material," he said.

"Simultaneously we will finalise the full electronic integration into the STI Group, which enables us to offer new innovative products and services in Australia."

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