"Vio is growing so fast I wanted to split the role of chairman and chief executive," said Horwood. "I'm devoting myself to the corporate stuff, including mergers and acquisitions and sitting on standards committees."

Dool joins from software developer Coprindm, where he headed the life sciences division.

"With the new chief executive we've gone for a past master of executing sales and marketing strategies," said Horwood.

Vio, which has just celebrated its third-birthday as an independent firm following its Horwood-led acquisition from BT and Scitex, is currently growing massively, particularly in the US. The firm claimed monthly sales were up 300% on the year.

Although based in the US, as is Horwood, Dool will have responsibility for Europe too.

Story by Barney Cox