A veteran of the Smiths News business has been appointed managing director of Norwich-based book wholesaler Bertrams.

Graeme Underhill has served as Smiths' operations director for the last decade as part of a 30 year career with the group.

Mr Underhill takes the helm at Bertrams from Ian Hendrie, the company's finance director who has been serving as acting managing director since the departure of former boss Michael Neil to Waterstones in January.

Mr Underhill said: 'These are exciting times for Bertrams, in both the wholesaling and library arms of the business.

'It is a company with both a superb heritage and ambition for the future. 'The purchase of Dawson Books is proceeding to plan and will give us access to new markets in universities in the UK and internationally. 'We will also look to invest in and develop Dawson Books ecommerce capability.

'Working together, we have the opportunity to make Bertrams a bigger, more successful and more diverse business.'

Smiths News chief executive Mark Cashmore said: 'Graeme has demonstrated outstanding capability as the driving force behind the improvements to our service and operational excellence over many years and I know that Bertrams will benefit from his experience and ability.'