Scanlon joined the Thomas Potts 18 months ago as group commercial director. Prior to that he was Adare business development director (PrintWeek, 27 October 2000).

"Ive got experience of the group and know what needs to be done, he said. We have always operated with discrete and separate subsidiaries, but I want to harmonise them into a composite service.

Thomas Potts group companies include London-based litho printer Premier Metropolis, Harlow screen print firm Serigraphic, print management companies CCS Potts and Eurographics, and digital printing companies G&E 2000, in Peterborough, and Rainbow in London.

Chairman Stephen Hargrave said he was delighted to have Scanlon at the helm. He is a great entrepreneur, has good leadership skills and a lot of experience. He is familiar with the big corporate end of the print services sector, said Hargrave.

Thomas Potts last chief executive was Paul Smith, who left the group in October 2000 after five months in the job.

Part of Marks job will be to look at routes to expansion, so you could safely say that well grow. We are looking at some interesting possibilities at the moment, said Hargrave.

Last month the ever-acquisitive group bought the print and facilities management arms of Fairway Logistics (PrintWeek, 12 April).

Story by John Davies