BARRY Tipping has been appointed head of finance at Orbital Marketing Services Group Ltd, based in Ashford.

He was formerly head of finance with Saga Services and subsequently with a software company. He replaces Bernard Pope, who is leaving Orbital to join the Thanet-based UK operation of a multinational manufacturer.

Orbital Marketing Services Group is one of the UK's leading groups of specialist companies supplying distribution and marketing services tailored to specific market sectors.

The multi-million pound turnover group has sites in Ashford and Sittingbourne in Kent, Rushden in Northants, Waterlooville in Hampshire and Peterborough.

The group, started in 1972, now employs more than 500 people. Group companies include BP Travel Marketing Services, Aspect Marketing Services, JEM Education Marketing Services, MacDonald Mailing, PMD Healthcare Marketing Services, Take One Media, and Access e-Media.