Dunsford, who until now was general manager of Offset Alpine Printing, has been immediately appointed chief executive officer, Print, a newly created role.

He will report to IPMG chief executive Kevin Slaven, who is set to officially replace Stephen Anstice on 1 July.

Slaven praised Dunsford's distinguished career, which has included 17 years at the group.

"He has a lifetime of experience within the printing industry having worked in it for over 33 years and is highly respect by customers, suppliers and workmates alike."

Dunsford said: "Our industry is certainly throwing up many challenges but all IPMG businesses are in good shape and are strategically well-positioned thanks to the experienced management and talented teams at each of our printing plants."

Interestingly, his former boss, Offset Alpine managing director Michael Kinninmont, will now report to Dunsford as will IPMG's general manager of business development, Bruce Stewart, general manager of sales, Garth Hackett, and Hannanprint managing director Tony Dedda, until his retirement on 1 October.

[Related: Succession – nurturing the next generation]

Dedda retires after having led one of the biggest projects ever to take place in Australian printing industry – establishing the new $90 million Hannanprint supersite at Warwick Farm.

IPMG executive chairman Michael Hannan said: "It is with a degree of sadness that I accept Tony's decision to retire after this year. Tony has been the managing director of Hannanprint for the last 12 years and has been with the group for over 20 years.

"He has overseen the recent relocation of Hannanprint at Alexandria to Warwick Farm and has decided that this marks the end of an era and it is time for him to hand over the reins to the next generation of leaders coming through the business."

Dedda will be replaced by Hannanprint chief financial officer Adrian O'Connor.

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