Chris Grice to head PaperlinX commercial print division

PaperlinX has appointed Chris Grice as Head of Commercial Print for PaperCo, Howard Smith Paper Group and Robert Horne Group and Ian Hunt as Commercial Director - moves that signal the Group’s intention to cement its market leading position in the commercial print business.

PaperlinX Procurement Director, Grice, has 30-years industry experience and has worked for the company for 24 years. Hunt has extensive experience in leading sales operations and has previously worked for Thomas Cook, American Express and RAC. Both are charged with developing and growing the Group’s business and services provided through all three OpCos - PaperCo, Howard Smith Paper and Robert Horne.

Commenting on the appointment, Dave Allen, PaperlinX Executive Vice President said, “Commercial Print is our core business, we are the market leaders; the Strategic Review is now complete and our focus is firmly on growth.

“Our aim is to provide customers with an unparalleled portfolio of products and services. Chris and Ian have a clear brief to define and deliver a sales strategy and process that will further improve the division’s customer-centricity, performance and profitability.”

PaperlinX has also announced that Adrian Dennis, Divisional Director Sign & Display and Mike Thomsett, Divisional Director, PaperlinX Procurement Solutions Division and Brightstream; will join the UK Leadership Team. These two new appointments signify its commitment to diversified business areas that also includes packaging.

Paul French, PaperlinX Director UK & Ireland, is to leave the company at the end of September. French is to join Metamark, a specialist sign and digital materials manufacturing business as CEO.