Last December APS completed the acquisition of Dutch print manager Relate4U, opening the door to the European market.

Over the last 12 months the company has picked up a number of key contract wins in Europe as well as positioning its European arm to replicate its UK business.

The appointment of van Stiphout will enable the company to take more of its services to UK customers that also have European markets, as well as approaching new customers.

APS director of client solutions John Holmes told PrintWeek that, while the company would still be heavily involved in the UK market, it saw more opportunities in mainland Europe.

He said: "In the UK we are seeing a lot of second- and third-generation print management contracts staying with the incumbent supplier. Decisions on contracts are not risky ones, we aren't seeing many moves. So there is more opportunity in Europe.

"Joris has great experience in Europe; he has worked for big names like Communisis and Adare. He also has a wealth of experience in account management. We want to now understand the marketplace and define a list of targets. Joris has made his bed out there, he now has to go and sell it."

"This is a great time to be joining APS," said van Stiphout. "Since the acquisition of Relate4U, the company is able to give clients local teams that understand each individual territory. 

"I’m looking forward to expanding the company’s reach from the central hub and showing our clients how we can deliver value, brand consistency and innovation."