Crown Paints has announced the promotion of group commercial director Joe Devitt to the role of managing director, with former chief executive Brian Davidson set to assume the role of chairman.
Mr Devitt has worked at Crown Paints for more than 20 years, holding previous key commercial roles as well as spending four years on the main board.

He said of his new role: "Following our successful sale to Hempel last year, we have continued to grow market share against a flat market and I am looking forward to leading the business in our future growth strategy."

As chairman, Brian Davidson will be focusing his attention on Crown Paints' strategic development, as well as playing a key role on Hempel's decorative board.

He said: "Together with our colleagues at Hempel, we have an ambitious and assertive growth strategy for the group's decorative business and I am looking forward to helping the business to realise these plans."

"Joe was an obvious choice to take over the reins and lead Crown Paints and his appointment to managing director is testament to the talent and skill within the business."

Replacing Mr Devitt in the role of group commercial director is Philip Cefai. Formerly of Akzo Nobel and CP Group, a manufacturer of ceramic and glass tiles, Philip has a wealth of expertise in decorative paints and related products, said Crown.

Mr Davidson added: "Philip will be a great new addition to the team and we are all looking forward to moving forward into this exciting new phase for Crown Paints."